Dedicated Divorce Attorneys Serving Portola Valley, CA
Divorce can be a complex and emotional journey, particularly when it involves children and significant assets. If you need a skilled legal team to safeguard your legal, financial, and personal interests during a divorce, contact the Portola Valley divorce attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we prioritize the following:
- Client-centered service tailored to individual needs;
- Commitment to quality and excellence in legal services; and
- Respect and compassion for our clients.
We manage all divorce cases, from amicable, uncontested divorces to high-asset, complex litigation. Contact us in Portola Valley today to address your divorce concerns and get answers to your most urgent questions.
Our Portola Valley Divorce Attorneys Are Here To Help
Divorce is more than just a series of legal steps; it’s a complex process where experienced divorce attorneys play a crucial role beyond handling paperwork. At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our highly experienced divorce attorneys offer knowledgeable legal advice, champion your interests, and ensure that any agreements made with your spouse are fair and won’t negatively affect your future.
Additionally, we:
- Identify, appraise, and help divide your marital assets and debts;
- Inform you about potential tax implications of dividing assets;
- Assess your eligibility for spousal maintenance and support;
- Handle the transfer of any real property;
- Prepare precise orders for the division of retirement accounts;
- Serve as a mediator between you, your spouse, and their attorney;
- Calculate child support and draft agreements;
- Help create a practical, workable plan for child visitation and custody;
- Negotiate the terms of your divorce settlement; or
- Represent you in a divorce trial if needed.
Don’t face the divorce process alone. Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, is a 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. Contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. today for dependable legal support.
No-Fault Divorce in Portola Valley
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning no spouse is blamed for the dissolution of the marriage. Instead, couples can cite irreconcilable differences or an inability to get along as the reason for their divorce.
The Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
In the divorce process, the spouse who initiates is called the petitioner, while the other spouse is known as the respondent. A divorce starts when the petitioner files a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court clerk. If children are involved, additional documents must be submitted.
The petitioner must legally inform the other spouse about the divorce proceedings. Typically, the divorce papers are delivered to the respondent by a neutral adult, such as a professional process server or peace officer. The court needs proof of proper service to commence the divorce proceedings.
After being served, the respondent has thirty days to reply to the court. This period is critical for the respondent to request and address concerns regarding the petitioner’s initial proposals. If the respondent fails to respond, the court may proceed to finalize the divorce according to the petitioner’s requests.
Types of Divorce in Portola Valley
Portola Valley has four main types of divorce: default, default with an agreement, uncontested, and contested divorce.
A default divorce occurs when the respondent does not respond to the divorce papers. The court usually grants the divorce in these cases according to the petitioner’s original requests.
In a default with an agreement, the spouses have already reached an agreement before initiating the divorce process. Therefore, the respondent does not contest the petitioner’s terms since an agreement exists.
An uncontested divorce happens when the spouses agree on all terms, and the respondent files a response that does not contest any aspects of the petitioner’s proposal. Conversely, a contested divorce arises when the respondent disputes at least one term outlined in the petitioner’s divorce petition.
Dispute Resolution in Portola Valley
In California, several methods exist to resolve divorce disputes when spouses can’t reach an agreement independently. Here are some approaches they may consider:
- During mediation, a neutral third party assists the spouses in identifying unresolved issues and collaboratively crafting their solutions;
- If other methods fail, spouses may take their dispute to court for a final decision. Generally, spouses should negotiate their own compromises since they are most familiar with their circumstances.
Final divorce orders are legally binding and must be adhered to avoid court sanctions. However, some modifications to these orders can be requested through the court.
Get In Touch With Our Portola Valley Divorce Lawyers Now
Are you facing a divorce? Our Portola Valley divorce attorneys are ready to help. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.
