Trusted Divorce Attorney In Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Divorce can affect every aspect of your life, including your lifestyle, relationship with your children, and finances. During this process, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the huge life transition and the major decisions that are made. A Rancho Palos Verdes divorce lawyer can reduce unnecessary stress while helping you reach an outcome that protects your future.
Kramer & Zitser, LLP: Experienced Divorce Lawyers
At Kramer & Zitser, LLP, our two senior Rancho Palos Verdes family law attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in helping individuals and families navigate complex divorce matters. We understand how unique the financial and emotional challenges are in every divorce case, which is why we take a compassionate and personalized approach. When working with us, you can expect empathetic guidance built on a deep understanding of California’s divorce laws.
An Overview of Divorce Cases in Rancho Palos Verdes
A divorce case in Rancho Palos Verdes typically begins with one spouse filing a petition to divorce with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, such as the Torrance Courthouse on 825 Maple Avenue in Torrance. A divorce case ends either with an agreement made between spouses or, if spouses can’t agree on major issues, in court, with a judge making the final decision.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, 4% of men and 8% of women have been divorced. Across California, there were 108,403 marital cases filed with the Superior Court in 2024, which includes divorces and separations.
Key Decisions During a Divorce Case
Every divorce case has unique considerations that need to be resolved before it can be finalized. However, the most common issues involve property division, financial support, and childcare.
Property Division
California is a community property state, which means marital assets are divided equally between both spouses. However, this doesn’t always mean splitting each asset down the middle. There can be many arrangements so that both spouses receive an equal share while also having the specific resources they need for the future.
Assets that are subject to division are called community property. Community property includes most assets acquired during the marriage, which may include:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Retirement plans
- Businesses
- Investments
- Debts and liabilities
Spousal Support
Spousal support is not a legal requirement for most divorce cases. However, it is often used if:
- There is a large income disparity.
- One spouse needs financial support due to not having the same earning capacity or educational opportunities as the other.
Spousal support can be both short-term or long-term, depending on the higher-earning spouse’s ability to pay, the length of the marriage, and the financial needs of the lower-earning spouse. Marriages that lasted over 10 years don’t have a required end date for spousal support.
Child Custody and Child Support
Decisions about parenting time and child support are some of the most impactful issues during a divorce between parents. When thinking about a child custody arrangement, you must determine two types of custody:
- Physical custody. This decides who a child lives with and receives care from. Parents may choose to split time 50/50, but factors such as the child’s needs or parents’ schedules may impact this choice. Visitations can also be a part of the physical custody arrangement.
- Legal custody. This outlines who has the authority to make important decisions regarding the child. These include choices about education, religious activities, extracurriculars, or healthcare.
Child support is also an important decision. These payments fulfill a non-custodial parent’s responsibility to financially provide for their child. The amount of support depends on factors such as parenting time schedules, income, and the number of children.
Why You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer
A Rancho Palos Verdes divorce attorney can advise and represent you throughout every stage of your divorce case. Some of the benefits of working with a lawyer include their ability to:
- Explain California’s divorce laws and legal requirements.
- Review financial documents to accurately value your property.
- Advocate for your parental rights and custody goals.
- Suggest potential solutions to key issues.
- Prepare for hearings, mediation, or a trial if necessary.
- Reduce unnecessary stress during the divorce process.
FAQs
What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?
The three C’s of divorce are communication, cooperation, and compromise. These three principles build a strong foundation for an uncontested divorce. They can also improve amicability or co-parenting after the divorce. If you hire a divorce lawyer, they can facilitate discussions and negotiations that are based on the three C’s.
What Are Common Divorce Mistakes?
Some common mistakes people make during a divorce include:
- Involving their children in a conflict rather than settling a dispute with their spouse
- Letting immediate emotions dictate their decisions rather than thinking about long-term stability
- Criticizing their spouse or the situation to others or on social media
While it can feel overwhelming to navigate the divorce process, you should remain respectful and make strategic decisions for the future.
What Should I Not Do Before a Divorce?
If you or your spouse is preparing to file for a divorce, avoid taking big steps until you have consulted a Rancho Palos Verdes divorce lawyer. Some things many people feel tempted to do to gain separation include:
- Moving out
- Hiding or transferring assets
- Making large purchases
- Stopping payments on joint bills
However, these can harm your case in court, and they can also negatively impact your children.
How Does Having a Prenup Impact a Divorce Case?
Having a prenup often simplifies the divorce process because it provides agreed-upon instructions for how certain issues are handled. For example, a prenup can outline how property is divided or whether spousal support will be paid. Even if you have a prenup, you should still work with a lawyer who can see if it’s valid, solidify the terms in the prenup, and update the plan to reflect changes in your life and property.
Speak With a Skilled Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Divorce Attorney
A divorce case can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex, but a lawyer’s guidance can help you throughout this process. Contact Kramer & Zitser, LLP, to speak with a lawyer about your case.
