Divorce Attorney In Inglewood, CA
Getting a divorce is never easy, but it can be less stressful if you have an Inglewood divorce lawyer on your side. Whether you’re anticipating a simple, uncontested divorce or you think your spouse might put up a fight, you can benefit from having a lawyer to advocate for your rights throughout the process.
Trust Kramer & Zitser, LLP
The team at Kramer & Zitser, LLP has practiced family law for decades. We’ve taken on everything from high-asset divorces to contentious custody battles. Our experienced attorneys can help with your divorce case and all the requirements that come with it.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Around 44% of LA County adults are married. Inglewood, found in LA County, has a median property value of $744,300 as of 2023 and a median income of $71,029. What these numbers add up to is a lot of divorces and a lot of couples with something to lose.
If you’re considering dissolving your marriage, you should hire a divorce lawyer right away. An Inglewood divorce attorney can protect your rights and interests, ensuring the fair division of marital property.
They can also argue for child custody arrangements that will suit you and your child. Your lawyer can help with everything from filing paperwork to representing you in court should your divorce be contested, so it’s well worth the effort.
Not every divorce includes child or spousal support payments. However, many require these payments to help those affected by income changes after a divorce. Your attorney can make sure you can live independently after the process is finalized.
The Divorce Process in California
Before you can begin the process of ending your marriage, you need to meet California’s divorce requirements. You must live in the state for at least six months before you can file divorce paperwork, and live in LA County for at least three months. California is a no-fault state, so you won’t have to provide a reason for getting divorced beyond irreconcilable differences.
Once you’re sure you’re eligible to get divorced, you can file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Family Law division of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Your spouse will have 30 days to respond to the petition.
The next step is to hold a Family Resolution Conference. During this conference, the court will review the divorce papers and schedule your future court dates. You and your spouse will both be required to submit financial disclosures. Your lawyer can also request documents and depositions during the recovery phase of settlement negotiations.
If you and your spouse agree about all the essential aspects of your divorce, then the rest of the process is simple. Submit a copy of the settlement agreement to the court for it to be reviewed. If approved, a final judgment will be issued six months later.
Contested divorces work a little differently. If you and your spouse can’t agree to one or more of the terms of your divorce, you’ll need to go to trial. A judge will decide on the material divorce terms in these cases. Having a lawyer is invaluable at this stage.
Divorce Terms for the Settlement Agreement
If your divorce is uncontested, you and your spouse will submit a copy of your final settlement agreement to the court together. It will address:
- Division of property
- Child custody
- Child support
- Parenting time
- Spousal support
Some couples include additional terms. Your lawyer can help you ensure that your settlement agreement protects your interests.
California’s Community Property Laws
California is a community property state, so marital property undergoes a 50/50 split unless couples actively agree to a different arrangement. Whether you come to an agreement with your spouse or the courts decide for you, these are the assets that will need to be divided:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Pensions
- Timeshares
- Investments
You and your spouse are required to submit information about all of your assets during the discovery stage of the divorce proceedings.
FAQs
What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce Attorney in California?
There is no average cost of a divorce attorney in California because every case is different. It’s less expensive to get an annulment or a simple, uncontested divorce than it is to go to court over a contested divorce. The cost of hiring an attorney also varies based on the experience level of your lawyer.
Is Everything Split 50/50 in a Divorce in California?
Everything is split 50/50 in a divorce in California, with the exception of separate property. If you have money or assets you owned before getting married, received an inheritance or a gift during the marriage, or made any money following your separation, those are considered separate property. If you commingle separate property with marital property, those assets become subject to a 50/50 division.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce?
The cheapest way to get a divorce is to get an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse are in agreement about all the key aspects of dissolving your marriage, you won’t have to go to court, and your lawyer’s fees will be lower than they would be if one or more aspects of your divorce are contested.
What Are the 3 C’s of Divorce?
The 3 C’s of divorce are communication, compromise, and cooperation. These principles are crucial for achieving a peaceful, constructive dialogue during your divorce mediation. You’ll also be better able to manage co-parenting efforts if you maintain open dialogue and work with your spouse to prioritize what’s appropriate for your children.
Your Inglewood Divorce Lawyer
Getting a divorce is almost always stressful, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. You can hire an Inglewood divorce lawyer to provide you with legal advice and representation.
The team at Kramer & Zitser, LLP, includes two senior attorneys and certified family law specialists in Inglewood who are intimately familiar with California divorce laws. We can protect your rights and interests throughout this difficult time. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
