Divorce Lawyers in San Diego, CA

At Shorb & Connor, our divorce attorneys have over a decade of experience handling complex divorces, military divorces, and high net worth divorces involving business ownership, stock portfolios, and a wide range of assets. Our team works directly with every client, providing them with more than just information about the steps in the divorce process and the forms they must submit. We actively strategize with clients to pursue their interests and help them make crucial decisions for their future. 

Are you considering filing for divorce and want to prepare for what may lie ahead? Have you been served divorce papers and are unsure of what you need to do next? Contact us to arrange a complimentary strategy session. In this meeting, you can ask pressing questions, learn more about our firm, and get detailed information about how our San Diego divorce lawyers can serve you.

Start with Shorb & Connor by calling (619) 330-0938 or reaching out online. We serve San Diego, Escondido, Poway, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas.

California’s Divorce Process

Below is a general roadmap of California’s divorce process:

Filing 

One spouse files for divorce in the county where they reside. To do so, either spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a county resident for at least three months. Ours is a no-fault state, meaning “irreconcilable differences” is an adequate ground for divorce. 

After filing, divorcing parties must wait six months before a court can enter a final judgment of dissolution.

Serving Papers 

The non-filing spouse receives divorce papers acknowledging the receipt of the divorce petition and summons. They have 30 days to respond.  

Disclosure of Financial Information

Both parties must disclose financial information, including income, assets, debts, expenses, and other relevant details. This is a crucial part of the divorce process for our attorneys at Shorb & Connor. 

During this phase, they work diligently to determine what property and assets are marital (eligible for distribution) and which are separate (not eligible for distribution). They are also skilled at uncovering hidden assets, such as those that spouses might move upon the divorce filing. 

Negotiation & Settlement

California encourages divorcing spouses to engage in negotiations to reach agreements regarding:

• Property division
• Spousal support
• Child custody, visitation, and support

If couples reach agreements, they submit formal agreement documents to the court. 

Court Hearings

If disputes remain unresolved, the case may proceed to court hearings, where a judge will decide on contested issues. 

It is important to note that courts can get involved earlier in the divorce process to enact temporary orders. These may allow parties to receive essential monetary support for themselves or their children while navigating divorce. 

Finalizing Divorce

Once all issues are resolved, either through agreements or court decisions, the court will issue a final judgment of dissolution. The judgment includes provisions for property division, child custody, visitation, spousal and child support, and any other relevant matters.

These provisions are not always set in stone. As families evolve and their needs change, it is possible to modify orders. Securing a modification is something a skilled family law attorney like ours at Shorb & Connor can assist with.