Are you considering divorce and wondering what the process will look like in Pasadena, CA? A Pasadena divorce lawyer at The Graves Law Firm can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. If you have questions about divorce, call us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Divorce can bring uncertainty about finances, property, and parenting arrangements. With over 20 years of experience in family law, we help clients address divorce issues and protect their future. Learning how California divorce law works can help you make informed decisions during this difficult time.
How Can The Graves Law Firm Help With Divorce in Pasadena, CA?
Divorce can be emotionally and legally complex. Having a knowledgeable Pasadena divorce attorney on your side can help you feel more confident as you move through the process.
That’s where The Graves Law Firm can help. Our legal team can assist with many aspects of your divorce, including:
- Explaining California divorce laws and court procedures
- Preparing and filing divorce documents
- Negotiating property division agreements
- Addressing child custody and visitation issues
- Determining child support and spousal support
- Representing you during court hearings if necessary
Our goal is to help you reach fair solutions while protecting your rights and long-term interests. Every divorce case is different, and we work closely with clients to understand their priorities and develop a strategy that fits their situation.
Reach out to our law office in Pasadena, CA, for a case evaluation.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?
California is a no-fault divorce state. This means neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage. Most divorces are based on irreconcilable differences, which means the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired.
Another possible ground for divorce in California is permanent legal incapacity to make decisions, although this situation is less common. In most cases, couples file for divorce using irreconcilable differences.
Because California follows a no-fault system, the court will generally not consider which spouse caused the marriage to fail when making decisions about property division or support.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Pasadena, California?
California law requires a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. Under California Family Code Section 2339, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least six months have passed from the date the responding spouse was served with divorce papers.
Even if both spouses agree on every issue, the court must still wait until the six-month period has passed before entering a final judgment.
However, the total time it takes to complete a divorce can vary depending on factors such as:
- Whether the divorce is contested
- The complexity of financial issues
- Whether children are involved
- The court’s schedule in Los Angeles County
Some divorces are resolved shortly after the waiting period ends, while others can take longer if disputes require court intervention.
How Is Property Divided in a California Divorce?
California is a community property state. Under California law, most property and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses.
Community property may include:
- Income earned during the marriage
- Homes or real estate purchased during the marriage
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Investments and savings accounts
- Vehicles and other valuable property
In general, community property is divided equally between the spouses when they divorce.
However, not all property is considered community property. Assets that a spouse owned before the marriage, along with certain gifts or inheritances received during the marriage, may be classified as separate property. Determining whether property is community or separate can sometimes be complicated, especially when assets have been mixed together over time.
How Are Child Custody Decisions Made?
When a divorcing couple has children, the court must determine custody arrangements that serve the best interests of the child. California courts focus on the child’s health, safety, and overall well-being when making custody decisions.
There are two types of custody in California:
- Legal custody, which involves the authority to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare
- Physical custody, which determines where the child lives and how parenting time is shared
In many cases, courts encourage parents to develop a parenting plan that allows both parents to remain involved in the child’s life.
The exact arrangement will depend on the family’s circumstances and what the court believes will best support the child’s development.
What Is Spousal Support in California?
Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other after separation or divorce.
Courts consider several factors when determining whether spousal support should be awarded and how much it should be.
These factors may include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning ability
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Each spouse’s financial needs and obligations
- Contributions one spouse made to the other’s education or career
Spousal support may be temporary during the divorce process or long-term, depending on the length of the marriage and the couple’s financial situation.
Contact Our Pasadena Divorce Lawyers for a Confidential Consultation
Divorce can affect many parts of your life, from your finances to your relationship with your children. Having knowledgeable legal guidance can make the process easier to navigate.
At The Graves Law Firm, our Pasadena divorce attorneys have over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families resolve divorce and other family law matters. Our team is committed to helping clients understand their legal options and move forward with confidence.
If you have questions about divorce or need help with your case, contact us today at (626) 365-1037 to schedule a confidential consultation.