Experienced Divorce Attorneys Serving in Menlo Park, CA
Ending a marriage or domestic partnership in Menlo Park and the greater San Mateo County region can be challenging, emotional, and intricate. Even the most agreeable separations can swiftly become contentious, causing significant emotional and psychological stress for both partners and their children. We are certified specialists in all Menlo Park family law matters.
Having a compassionate, experienced legal professional by your side can significantly alleviate this stress and uncertainty. If you are considering your options for divorce, please consult Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., to discuss your situation.
Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, holds the title of Certified Family Law Specialist. She has undergone additional education and training and successfully passed a written examination focusing on family law, earning certification from the State Board of Legal Specialists as a specialist in this field. She was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is a Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).
We understand that divorce can be both complicated and stressful for everyone involved. An experienced Menlo Park divorce lawyer can help you craft extensive legal strategies to lead you through the process.
Your Divorce Options in Menlo Park, CA
Before initiating the filing process for dissolution, consider other potential separation options that better suit your situation. California law provides three methods to end a marriage or registered domestic partnership officially:
- Divorce: Filing for divorce in Menlo Park officially ends your marriage. After the divorce is finalized, you are legally single and can remarry.
- Legal Separation: This option is suitable for those who do not wish to divorce for personal, religious, or other reasons, such as the possibility of reconciliation. Legal separation does not dissolve the marriage; you remain legally married and cannot remarry or enter a new domestic partnership.
- Annulment: An annulment might be an option if the marriage is legally invalid. In California, marriages are invalid if they are bigamous, incestuous, or involve underage individuals (usually under 18 years old). An annulment can also be granted if the marriage was based on fraud or coercion.
The Menlo Park divorce attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. possess comprehensive knowledge of all divorce options. Before starting the dissolution process, we ensure you are fully informed of your choices. Understanding that this decision can significantly impact you and your family, we provide all the information to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Nullity, Dissolution, and Legal Separation in Menlo Park
Nullifying your marriage means declaring it invalid. Instead of ending the marriage through divorce, an annulment treats it like it never existed. This occurs when the marriage is invalid from the beginning due to issues like fraud or coercion. If one spouse was legally married during the second marriage, it is grounds for nullification. Other reasons for annulment include mental incapacity, deceit, coercion, force, inability to consummate the marriage, or one spouse being too young to marry legally.
Dissolution of marriage, commonly known as divorce, is the formal legal process of ending a marriage through a court order, which officially terminates the marital relationship. Unlike an annulment, which erases the marriage as if it never existed, a dissolution acknowledges the marriage but concludes it. The process includes:
- Serving divorce papers
- Negotiating the terms
- Possibly going to trial
- Having a judge sign the final decree to end the marriage officially
Legal separation in Menlo Park means the couple stays married but lives apart. Both partners remain legally married, so they cannot remarry unless they get a divorce. One spouse may still receive spousal support during a legal separation. A divorce lawyer can assist you in this complicated process.
Steps to Take Before a Divorce
Before filing for divorce and starting the legal process, there are several preparatory steps you can take:
- Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents and records for your divorce case, which includes financial documents such as tax returns and bank statements. Assess your assets, debts, and income.
- Prepare a Post-Divorce Budget: Planning your finances after the divorce can help you manage your money more effectively.
- Close Joint Credit Accounts: Close any shared credit card accounts and, if needed, establish your own line of credit.
- Stay in the Marital Home: If possible, avoid moving out of the marital home. Leaving could impact your case, including deciding who gets the home in the settlement.
- Be Discreet: Be cautious about discussing your divorce. Avoid posting on social media or speaking negatively about your spouse in front of your children.
- Hire a Divorce Lawyer: When ready, hire a divorce lawyer in Menlo Park to represent your interests and guide you through the legal process.
Mediation & Divorce
Mediation offers couples a way to resolve their issues outside of the courtroom with the help of a neutral third party. This approach allows partners or spouses to discuss their disputes and reach their own agreements. Unlike judges, mediators do not make decisions or impose orders.
Even if you prefer to settle your separation out of court, it’s still wise to seek advice from an experienced Menlo Park family law professional who can guide you through the process. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. will support your decision to pursue mediation and provide the best possible advice to help you achieve an amicable separation.
Hire A Menlo Park Divorce Lawyer Today
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we bring over 35 years of experience handling family law and divorce matters throughout Menlo Park and San Mateo County. We offer personalized counsel tailored to your needs, ensuring that you and your children are prioritized throughout the separation process.
Our Menlo Park divorce attorneys understand a divorce’s profound impact on a family. We strive to provide peace of mind through complete transparency and open, honest communication. If you have any questions about your divorce, please get in touch with us online.
