Experienced Divorce Lawyers Serving the Inland Empire of California
When you’re going through a divorce in the Inland Empire area and need reliable, expert advice, turn to Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. We specialize exclusively in family law and are dedicated to providing caring, personalized assistance with smart solutions for even the toughest family challenges. Our team of Inland Empire divorce attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. is here to support you with everything from straightforward uncontested divorces to negotiating settlements, handling intense courtroom battles, and beyond.
When you choose our firm to handle your divorce, you get:
- Skilled, experienced divorce representation.
- Genuine, sensible guidance tailored to your life and situation.
- Committed, persistent support aimed at fulfilling your objectives and needs.
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. Contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. in the Inland Empire today to book your confidential consultation with a divorce attorney.
How Our Divorce Attorneys in the Inland Empire Can Assist You
It’s crucial to have a seasoned divorce attorney by your side throughout the divorce process. Divorce attorneys serve as essential allies, safeguarding your personal and financial well-being during divorce proceedings. They offer valuable guidance to steer you away from common pitfalls that might lead to post-divorce legal complications.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our Inland Empire family law attorneys understand the importance of having legal representation during divorce proceedings, whether they’re contested or not. Having an attorney by your side helps prevent mistakes and ensures your case progresses efficiently through the divorce process. Please allow our attorneys to ensure your divorce is accurate and comprehensive, especially if:
- Your spouse already has legal representation for the divorce
- There are assets or real estate to divide
- You’re uncertain about the support or assets you’re entitled to
- You have children and require a parenting plan and proper child support calculation
- Communication with your spouse is difficult
- You have queries regarding the legal documents involved in a California divorce
- You have questions about California’s divorce laws
If expert assistance is needed to evaluate property or handle complex asset division, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. has extensive experience in high-value and complex asset divorces and is ready to engage any necessary professionals.
Residency Rules for Divorce in the Inland Empire
In California, at least one spouse needs to have been a resident of the state for at least six months before filing for divorce. Additionally, the filing spouse must have lived in the county where they’re filing for a minimum of three months.
Grounds for Filing for Divorce in the Inland Empire
In California, there are two main legal reasons for divorce:
- Irreconcilable differences, which lead to an irreversible breakdown in the marriage.
- Permanent legal incapacity to make decisions.
California no longer recognizes other grounds for divorce, and fault isn’t considered in the court’s decisions regarding finances or property.
To seek divorce based on the permanent legal incapacity to make decisions, a doctor must confirm that one spouse is permanently incapable of making decisions for themselves.
How Long Before My Divorce Is Finalized?
In California, there’s a waiting period before finalizing a divorce. Spouses are unable to complete their divorce until six months after either “the date of service of a copy of [the] summons and petition” or “the date of appearance of the respondent,” whichever comes first.
There are no exceptions to this waiting period.
Property Division in the Inland Empire
In the Inland Empire, property division follows California’s laws, which operate under a community property system. This means that any assets and debts accumulated during the marriage are typically divided equally between the spouses in the event of a divorce. Community property generally encompasses all assets acquired during the marriage, excluding separate gifts and inheritances.
Separate property, on the other hand, remains with the individual spouse and is not subject to division upon divorce. Separate property includes:
- Assets owned by a spouse before marriage.
- Income, profits, or other earnings generated from separate property.
- Assets purchased using separate funds.
- Anything acquired after the date of separation, including earnings.In cases where property becomes mixed or “commingled,” where separate and community assets are combined, an experienced divorce attorney can provide guidance in valuing and dividing these assets.
Spousal Support in the Inland Empire
Spousal support, also known as alimony, can either be a temporary arrangement made during the divorce proceedings or a permanent part of the final divorce decree. Temporary support is typically calculated based on the California child support guidelines. However, spousal support included in the final divorce judgment is determined by the court considering various statutory factors, which may include:
- The duration of the marriage or domestic partnership
- The financial needs of each party based on their previous standard of living
- Each party’s ability to maintain that standard of living
- Whether obtaining employment would hinder childcare responsibilities
- The age and health of both individuals
- Financial obligations and assets
Child Custody and Visitation in the Inland Empire
In California, child custody is divided into two categories: legal and physical custody. Whenever feasible, parents are encouraged to collaborate and reach agreements on both types of custody.
If parents cannot come to an agreement, the court intervenes and determines custody and visitation arrangements based on the child’s best interests. Factors considered by the court include:
- The child’s overall well-being, safety, and health
- Any history of abuse by either parent toward the child or the other parent
- The level of involvement and contact with both parents
- Any past issues with substance abuse, including illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications, by either parent
- Any other relevant factors deemed important by the court
Child Support in the Inland Empire
In California, child support is determined by following a set of guidelines that involve a mathematical formula. This calculation takes into account:
- The incomes of both parents
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child
- Any tax deductions available to either parent
Additional factors, like special needs or daycare expenses, can also be considered in the child support calculation. In exceptional circumstances, protocols exist to deviate from the guidelines to ensure fairness to both the children and their parents.
Contact a Skilled Inland Empire Divorce Attorney Today
If you’re prepared to talk about your upcoming or ongoing divorce, reach out to the Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. We are dedicated California family law attorneys who prioritize our clients above all else.
