Experienced Divorce Attorney in Pleasanton, California
Going through a divorce or ending a domestic partnership in Pleasanton can be challenging and filled with emotions and complexities. Even if the split starts amicably, it can become complicated, affecting spouses and children. Our experienced Pleasanton divorce attorneys are here to assist you in creating comprehensive legal strategies to navigate this process.
We specialize in all aspects of family law in Pleasanton and provide certified expertise. Having a compassionate and experienced legal advocate by your side can help ease the stress and uncertainty. If you’re thinking about divorce, we urge you to contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. Our team understands that divorce is both legally intricate and emotionally challenging for everyone involved.
Dependable and Seasoned Legal Counsel for All Facets of Divorce in Pleasanton
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we value transparency and keeping communication lines open to address your concerns effectively. We customize our strategies to meet your specific needs and ensure clarity about our intentions at every step of the divorce process.
Our team of legal experts is well-versed in all aspects of divorce, including:
- The effectiveness of mediation in challenging situations
- Temporary orders related to marital property, spousal support, and child custody
- Resolving disputes over asset and property division
- Evaluating and establishing appropriate child support, custody, and visitation arrangements
- Handling financial support matters, including spousal support
- Addressing legal proceedings related to LGBT issues, such as same-sex marriages
- Drafting pre- and postnuptial agreements
- Securing restraining orders and other immediate measures against domestic violence
- Managing bankruptcy resulting from divorce
- Dealing with post-divorce modifications or legal actions
- Appealing family court orders
With our deep understanding of family law in Pleasanton and our commitment to maintaining open communication channels, we aim to ease 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.
Ways to File for Divorce in Pleasanton, CA
Before you begin filing for dissolution, it’s essential to explore other options for separation that may better suit your circumstances. In California, there are three official methods for terminating a marriage or registered domestic partnership:
- Filing for a Pleasanton divorce allows for the formal dissolution of your marriage. Once the divorce is finalized, you are legally considered single and can remarry.
- Legal separation is an alternative for those who prefer not to pursue a divorce due to personal, religious, or other reasons. This option does not officially end the marriage but allows for separation while maintaining the marital status. However, legally separated individuals cannot remarry or enter into a new domestic partnership.
- An annulment may be an option in cases where a marriage is legally invalid. In California, marriages are considered invalid if they are bigamous, incestuous, or involve individuals below the legal age requirement (typically 18 years old). An annulment may also be granted if the marriage was obtained through fraud or coercion.
The family law attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. in Pleasanton are well-versed in these divorce alternatives and can provide comprehensive expertise to ensure you fully understand your options before moving forward with the dissolution process. We understand the significant impact this decision has on you and your family, and we are committed to providing you with all the necessary information to make an informed choice.
Spousal Support in Pleasanton, California
Before awarding spousal support, the court must determine if one spouse needs financial assistance and if the other spouse can provide it. If there is no need for support or no ability to pay, spousal support will not be awarded.
In California, there are two types of spousal support: temporary and permanent. Temporary support is provided only during the divorce process, while permanent support is included in the final divorce orders.
Temporary spousal support is calculated using California’s child support guidelines. There is no fixed formula for permanent spousal support. Instead, the court considers several factors, such as:
- The age and health of each spouse
- Each spouse’s income
- Contributions by one spouse to the education or training of the other
- Contributions to the household by each spouse
- The length of the marriage
Dispute Resolution in Pleasanton
The court can make decisions for spouses but prefers that they resolve issues independently whenever possible. Most spouses also find their agreements better than court-imposed orders. If negotiations between spouses and their attorneys don’t succeed, other methods are available for resolving disputes.
When Will My Divorce Become Final in Pleasanton?
Getting a divorce in California follows a specific legal process, usually lasting at least six months due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. This rule ensures that no divorce is finalized in less than six months. However, if you and your spouse reach a settlement agreement during this waiting period, resolving issues like child custody and property division, you may finalize your divorce at the end of this six-month period.
Once you’ve settled, you can present the finalized agreement to a family court judge in Alameda County. After the mandatory waiting period, the judge will review the documents and officially dissolve your marriage. Typically, judges approve most settlement agreements unless they unfairly favor one spouse or pose a risk to a child’s well-being. Your divorce will be completed in Pleasanton once the judge signs the paperwork and issues a formal divorce decree.
If you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement, your divorce case will proceed to trial, prolonging the process. Depending on court backlog and scheduling, a divorce trial in Pleasanton may take over a year. However, you still have the option to settle at any point before the trial begins. Your marriage dissolution will be finalized once the trial concludes and a judge issues the necessary orders.
Mediation and Divorce Proceedings
Mediation allows couples to tackle their issues with the help of a neutral third party, steering clear of courtroom proceedings. This method will enable partners to openly discuss conflicts and come to agreements independently, without the imposition of decisions by judges. Even if you lean towards resolving your separation matters outside of court, seeking guidance from a skilled Pleasanton family law professional who can navigate you through this process is wise. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. supports your decision to pursue resolutions beyond the courtroom and offers expert advice to facilitate a peaceful separation.
Discover Your Divorce Options Today With Our Pleasanton Divorce Attorney
With over 35 years of practice in California, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. focuses on family law and divorce cases. We provide personalized guidance to suit your requirements, placing you and your children at the forefront throughout the separation journey.
Our Pleasanton divorce attorneys understand divorce’s significant impact on families and aim to offer support through clear and open communication. If you have any questions about your divorce, feel free to contact us online.
