Are you considering a same-sex divorce in Pasadena, California? While the legal process largely mirrors that of any other divorce in the state, same-sex couples can face distinct challenges that require a knowledgeable attorney to navigate properly. Contact The Graves Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with a Pasadena same-sex marriage/divorce lawyer.
Our founding lawyer, Demetria L. Graves, is a Certified Family Law Specialist recognized by the State Bar of California. With 20 years of experience helping families throughout Southern California, we have the know-how to guide you through even the most complex divorce proceedings.
How The Graves Law Firm Can Help With Your Same-Sex Divorce in Pasadena, CA
For same-sex couples seeking a divorce, certain legal issues may add another layer of complexity to what is already quite an involved process. Having an experienced divorce attorney in your corner who understands these issues can make all the difference in how your case ultimately concludes.
The Graves Law Firm has been successfully advocating for families in Pasadena and throughout the greater Los Angeles area for years. We approach every case with compassion and will develop a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs.
More specifically, we can help you by:
- Explaining your legal rights and interests under California family law
- Helping you understand how community property rules apply to your marriage
- Addressing parentage and custody questions that are unique to same-sex families
- Taking care of all the paperwork and communications on your behalf
- Guiding you through mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution if applicable
- Representing you at all court hearings as needed
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Pasadena family lawyer. Your initial consultation is a chance to talk about your situation and learn more about your options.
The Same-Sex Divorce Process in California
California requires that either you or your spouse has lived in the state for at least six months and in Los Angeles County for at least three months before you can file for divorce. However, there are exceptions for same-sex couples who married in California but now live in a state that won’t dissolve their union.
Once you file your petition, your spouse must be formally served and then has 30 days to respond. If no response is filed within that window, you may be able to obtain what is called a default divorce. California also enforces a mandatory six-month waiting period before any divorce can be finalized.
Early on, it helps to determine whether your case will be contested or uncontested. Contested divorces involve at least one disputed issue, such as spousal support. Uncontested cases tend to move faster and may benefit from mediation rather than a courtroom proceeding. If negotiations break down, trial is the final step in the process.
Unique Legal Challenges in Same-Sex Divorce Cases
Same-sex couples have the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples when it comes to divorce in California.
That said, a few areas can present complications worth understanding early on:
- Marriage duration and property division: Because California’s history of recognizing same-sex marriage has included significant legal changes, some couples may have been together for years before their current marriage began. Property from earlier years may be treated separately.
- Spousal support: Courts typically factor in the length of the marriage when setting alimony. If your relationship lasted much longer than your legal marriage, the calculation may not reflect the full picture.
- Parentage: California law provides parentage protections for married same-sex couples, but parentage can still become complicated depending on how the child was conceived, whether adoption or assisted reproduction was involved, and the family’s particular circumstances.
- Domestic partnerships: Couples who registered as domestic partners before getting married may need to dissolve both the partnership and the marriage, though California allows this to be done in a single proceeding.
Our divorce attorney can help you look into each of these issues during your consultation and determine how they apply to your specific situation.
We Can Help With Every Aspect of Your Pasadena Same-Sex Divorce Case
The Graves Law Firm can handle every aspect of your same-sex divorce cases in Pasadena.
Some of the matters we regularly help our clients address include:
- Property division
- Spousal support
- Dissolution of a domestic partnership alongside a marriage
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Mediation for couples who prefer a less adversarial path
Our Certified Family Law Specialist will work closely with you to ensure that the outcome you ultimately receive is fair under California law.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Pasadena Same-Sex Marriage/Divorce Lawyer
If you need help with a same-sex divorce in Pasadena, California, The Graves Law Firm is here to make sure your interests are fully asserted at all times. Our legal team has 20 years of experience handling complex family law matters with the care and professionalism our clients deserve.
Contact our Pasadena same-sex marriage/divorce attorney today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more. We’re ready to help you make it through this difficult time to the very best of our ability, no matter what that might entail.