Ending a marriage is never easy. There are many financial and legal implications to consider, as well as the stress and emotions the experience can cause. Engaging the services of a skilled and compassionate family law attorney can be essential to navigating the process with confidence.
A Whittier divorce lawyer from our team at the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra can guide you through every aspect of your case, from filing your initial petition to modifying an existing divorce decree. Our compassionate attorneys have served families throughout the local area since 2008. Let us lessen your legal burden so you can focus on the next phase of your life.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party must prove that the other spouse did something wrong to file for divorce. Instead, you can file based on irreconcilable differences.
To file for divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for the past six months, and you must file in the county where you reside. For residents of Whittier, this means you must have lived in Los Angeles County for at least three months before you or your attorney can file the divorce petition.
After filing, you and your spouse must work out the terms of your divorce, either through negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, or a divorce trial. Our divorce attorneys can assist you through every step.
There are several key issues you must resolve in a divorce, which our Whittier marital dissolution attorneys can help you with.
In California, the division of community property is usually equal, while the division of separate property is not. Community property includes assets owned together during your marriage, such as:
Separate property is property you owned separately prior to the marriage or gifts you alone received during the marriage. Separate property may include:
Our divorce lawyers can help you identify and protect your separate property. We will also help you fight for the equal division of community property.
If you and your former spouse share minor children, you need to determine how you will split custody. This includes creating a parenting plan for dividing your child’s time between households, based on your child’s best interests. You must also decide if one or both parents have the right to make legal decisions regarding your child’s upbringing.
Our family lawyers can assist with your custody case, helping you gather evidence to support your custody claim and protecting your parental rights. Depending on your specific circumstances, we can also help you and your spouse negotiate a clear and enforceable parenting plan or modify your current custody agreement.
Your divorce may involve spousal support (alimony) or child support. If so, our law firm can help with any issues surrounding support payments. Protecting your finances is a priority for our team.
According to the state courts, you and your spouse must undergo a six-month waiting period after filing your final divorce settlement before you are officially divorced. Our attorneys can ensure the prompt and accurate filing of your divorce decree in Whittier and help you gain clarity on the timeline of your case.
Contact us at the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra today to learn more about how a Whittier divorce lawyer from our firm could serve you. Our experienced team will treat you with respect and dignity and work to protect your rights as we help you navigate this difficult process. We look forward to working with you.
Contact Us
