Dedicated Divorce Lawyers Serving Clients in Palm Desert, California
Navigating a divorce or the dissolution of a domestic partnership in Palm Desert can be a challenging, emotionally charged, and intricate journey. Even the most amicable separations can become contentious battles, placing strain on spouses and their children. Our skilled Palm Desert divorce attorneys are here to help you develop comprehensive legal strategies to navigate the process.
We specialize in all areas of family law in Palm Desert, offering certified expertise. Having a compassionate and seasoned legal advocate by your side can alleviate this stress and uncertainty. If you’re considering divorce, we encourage you to contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. Our team recognizes that divorce is not only legally complex but also emotionally taxing for everyone involved.
Reliable and Experienced Legal Representation for Every Aspect of Divorce in Palm Desert
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we prioritize transparency and keeping communication channels open to address your concerns effectively. We tailor our strategies to your individual needs and ensure that we clearly outline our intentions at every stage of the divorce process.
Our team of legal experts possesses an in-depth understanding of all facets of divorce, including:
- The effectiveness of mediation in more challenging situations.
- Temporary orders concerning marital property, spousal support, and child custody.
- Resolving disagreements over the division of assets and property.
- Assessing and determining appropriate child support, custody, and visitation arrangements.
- All financial support matters, including spousal support.
- Proceedings related to LGBT issues, such as same-sex marriages.
- Drafting pre- and postnuptial agreements.
- Obtaining restraining orders and other immediate measures against domestic violence.
- Addressing bankruptcy resulting from divorce.
- Handling any post-divorce modifications or legal actions.
- Appealing court orders.
With our deep understanding of family law in Palm Desert and our commitment to keeping communication channels open at all times, we aim to alleviate the stress of your divorce, providing you with peace of mind during this challenging phase of your life. 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.
Helpful and supportive
Debra and team were so helpful and supportive through the most difficult time in my life. Grateful to the team for their advice – would highly recommend their services to anyone needing a divorce attorney.
Ways to File for Divorce in Palm Desert, CA
Before initiating the filing process for dissolution, consider other potentially more suitable options for separation based on your specific circumstances. California outlines three official methods for ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership:
- A Palm Desert divorce can be filed to dissolve your marriage formally. Once the divorce is finalized, you’re considered single and can legally marry again.
- For those who prefer not to divorce due to personal, religious, or other reasons, a legal separation can be a viable alternative. It doesn’t officially end the marriage; instead, it allows for separation while retaining the marital status. You’re not permitted to marry or enter a domestic partnership when legally separated.
- In cases of a legally invalid marriage, an annulment may be an option. In California, marriages are deemed invalid if they are bigamous, incestuous, or involve individuals below the minimum age requirement (typically 18 years old). Additionally, an annulment may be granted if the marriage resulted from fraud or coercion.
The family law attorneys in Palm Desert at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. possess thorough expertise regarding your divorce alternatives, ensuring you’re fully aware of your options before proceeding with the dissolution process. We recognize this decision’s profound impact on you and your family, so we provide all the essential information to help you make an informed choice.
Requirements for Divorce in Palm Desert, CA
California has established basic requirements for filing for divorce or separation.
Fault in Palm Desert Divorces
In California, divorce operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning a spouse or partner doesn’t have to prove misconduct or wrongdoing to file for divorce. Moreover, both partners don’t need to mutually consent to the divorce before beginning the process.
Residency Criteria
Each form of separation in California comes with its own residency criteria for filing.
- For divorces in California, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for the past six months and in the specific county where you plan to file for the last three months.
- To file for a legal separation, one of you must reside in the state, with no specific length or duration requirements.
- An annulment typically doesn’t impose any residency prerequisites.
These residency conditions only pertain to married couples – domestic partnerships may have slightly different criteria. Generally, if your domestic partnership is registered in California, there are no residency prerequisites.
When Does My Divorce Become Final in Palm Desert?
Obtaining a divorce in California involves a particular legal procedure that typically lasts at least six months due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. This regulation states no divorce can be finalized in less than six months. However, if you and your spouse use this waiting period to reach a settlement where you both agree on all aspects of the divorce, such as child custody and property division, you may be able to have your divorce finalized at the end of the six-month period.
Once you’ve reached a divorce settlement, you can submit the finalized agreement to a family court judge in Riverside County. After the mandatory six-month period, the judge will review the documents and officially dissolve your divorce immediately. Generally, judges approve most settlement agreements unless they are significantly biased towards one spouse or pose a risk to a child’s welfare. Your divorce will be finalized in Palm Desert once a judge signs the paperwork and issues a formal divorce decree.
Your divorce case will proceed to trial if you and your spouse can’t reach a settlement agreement, which means resolving it will take longer. A divorce trial in Palm Desert can stretch over a year or more, depending on the court backlog and the wait for your court date. However, you and your spouse can still settle for any point before the trial begins. With a divorce trial, your marriage dissolution will be complete once the case concludes and a judge issues the necessary orders.
Divorce Proceedings and Mediation
Mediation offers couples the opportunity to address their issues with the assistance of an impartial third party, avoiding the need for courtroom involvement. This approach enables partners or spouses to discuss conflicts or concerns and reach resolutions independently and openly. Unlike judges, mediators don’t impose decisions or compel you to adhere to their directives.
Even if you prefer settling your separation matters outside of court, seeking guidance from a qualified Palm Desert family law expert who can assist you through this process is still advisable. The Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. will back your choice to seek resolutions beyond the courtroom and advise you most effectively to facilitate an amicable separation.
Discover Your Divorce Options Today with Our Palm Desert Divorce Attorney
With over 35 years of experience in Palm Desert and Riverside County, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. specializes in family law and divorce. We offer personalized advice tailored to your needs, prioritizing you and your children throughout the separation process.
Our Palm Desert divorce lawyers recognize the profound effects of divorce on families and strive to provide reassurance through transparent and open communication. If you have any inquiries regarding your divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone at 888.977.4118.
