Divorce Attorney San Diego County
Find Personalized Guidance & Compassionate Advocacy for Your Family
If you are considering divorce or have been served papers in San Diego County, you may feel uncertain about where to turn or what the legal process holds for your family and your future. At Shorb & Connor, we understand just how overwhelming it can be to untangle the financial, emotional, and logistical aspects of a marriage, especially when children, property, or complex circumstances are involved. Our role is to help you find clarity, confidence, and a path forward during challenging times.
Our exclusive focus on family law means you have an ally who not only understands California’s divorce laws but also the unique needs and procedures at the San Diego County Superior Court. We create strategies tailored to your goals, your situation, and your peace of mind. With years of experience guiding families here locally, our team stands ready to deliver empathetic, focused support from your first consultation through every critical decision and agreement.
At every stage, we treat your questions and your priorities with respect and transparency. As a boutique firm providing only divorce and family law services, we ensure that each client receives individualized attention and practical advice that makes a difference. No two families are alike, so our strategies are never one-size-fits-all.
Contact our trusted divorce lawyer in San Diego County at (619) 330-0938 to schedule a free consultation.
What Sets Our Approach Apart in Divorce Cases
Choosing a divorce attorney in San Diego County is about more than just legal representation. It is about selecting a partner to guide you through life’s major transitions. Our practice is built entirely around helping clients resolve divorce matters with care, strategy, and a commitment to minimizing stress and unnecessary conflict. Since opening in 2011, Shorb & Connor has provided unwavering support and creative solutions to people facing all forms of divorce in San Diego County.
Our attorneys bring firsthand experience with all elements of California family law, from initial filings to courtroom appearances at San Diego County Superior Court. We routinely handle complex cases, including high-net-worth divorces, military families from MCAS Miramar and Naval Base San Diego, and situations involving unique parenting or property concerns. Every client benefits from a team that invests time to understand what matters most to them and to design an approach that aligns with those values.
Because our practice is exclusively devoted to family and divorce matters, we anticipate both the legal requirements and the sensitive, personal factors that can arise in your case. You will find that our focus is not just on the outcome, but on the journey. We reduce friction, aim for fair solutions, and help you look ahead with confidence.
Personalized Strategy & Local Experience
From the moment you contact us, we make it a priority to learn about your goals and craft a practical plan that reflects your individual needs and preferences. We are familiar with the particular needs of San Diego County families and tailor every approach accordingly.
Your First Step: A Complimentary Divorce Strategy Session
Taking the first step in the divorce process can feel daunting, but you do not have to do it alone. We invite you to begin with a complimentary strategy session, where you can speak directly with a member of our team about your unique situation.
During this confidential session, we listen to your concerns, explain the likely steps involved in a San Diego County divorce, and help you identify your priorities. Our goal is to give you an honest sense of the path ahead and empower you to make informed choices. You will leave with greater clarity about your rights, your options, and how our team can support you, whether your situation requires a negotiated settlement, mediation, or litigation.
There is no obligation to commit or move forward, and all discussions remain entirely private. Our hope is simply that you gain insight, reassurance, and a clear next step. If you decide to work with us, we will move forward with a tailored plan and the ongoing communication you should expect from your divorce lawyer in San Diego County.
Navigating Divorce in San Diego County: What to Expect
The process of divorce in San Diego County follows California’s state laws and specific local practices within the county’s court system. Most divorce filings proceed through the San Diego County Superior Court, with the exact procedures depending on the facts of each case, such as whether issues like child custody, visitation, or property division are contested.
Clients often want to understand the key steps in a divorce case here:
- Filing: Divorce begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and serves the other party, usually setting important deadlines.
- Responses and Disclosures: Both parties are generally required to exchange financial disclosures. These documents help ensure fair property division and support calculations.
- Temporary Orders: Either party may request temporary orders in areas like custody, support, or use of property. The family law divisions at San Diego County Superior Court manage these requests with local knowledge and attention to detail.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Many clients resolve disagreements outside of court, often through negotiation or mediation. San Diego’s family law facilitators and mediators are a valuable resource for this stage.
- Court Hearings and Judgment: When parties cannot agree, a judge at the Superior Court will make the final determination. Final agreements are entered into a court judgment, officially ending the marriage.
Timelines can vary: There is a minimum waiting period of six months in California, but complex or highly disputed cases may take a year or longer. Court schedules, conflict level, and the parties’ responsiveness all play a role.
Our attorneys keep you informed and explain how local practices or unique challenges, such as military deployments or property issues, may affect your case. We strive to make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on your future rather than just paperwork.
Common Divorce Challenges & How We Help
Every divorce brings unique hurdles, but certain concerns arise regularly in San Diego County. We recognize how important it is to protect what matters most—children, financial security, and your sense of stability—while resolving disputes fairly and efficiently. Our team is here to guide you through every challenge you may face.
Below are some ways we help address common issues in local divorces:
- Child Custody and Parenting Time: We develop parenting plans that protect your relationship with your children and reflect their best interests. Our attorneys have helped families navigate custody schedules tied to school calendars, military leave, and moves across the country.
- Asset and Property Division: For complex or high-net-worth divorces, we carefully address valuation, disclosure, and negotiation. Our local experience helps us resolve matters relating to business ownership, real estate in San Diego County, and retirement accounts.
- Spousal and Child Support: We explain California support calculations, account for local cost-of-living factors, and help ensure relevant income and expenses are considered. Our advocacy strengthens your position for a fair support arrangement.
- Military and Special Family Needs: San Diego County’s large military community requires attention to deployments, benefits, and protections under both federal and California law. We have developed solutions for service members, spouses, and families both locally and overseas.
- Addressing Domestic Violence: If safety is a concern, we can assist with protective orders and make sure your rights and your children’s security are at the center of any agreement or proceeding.
What sets our firm apart is our genuine investment in your story. We craft practical, creative settlement options—never standard plans—and strive to minimize courtroom conflict where possible. If litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys are ready to advocate for you with professionalism and care.
Why Choose Our Team for Divorce Representation
When you work with Shorb & Connor, you do not just hire a divorce lawyer. You gain a dedicated partner who supports your interests and stands by you at every step. Our firm operates as a collaborative team, so you benefit from multiple perspectives and a network of support.
Communication is at the center of everything we do. You will receive regular updates, prompt answers to your questions, and clear explanations throughout your case. Our team knows that clarity brings confidence, which is why we work to ensure you understand every stage of the process as your case moves forward.
We build client relationships on respect, individualized care, and actionable results. The solutions we recommend always reflect your specific circumstances, not a predetermined formula. Whether your case is straightforward or complex with children, financial matters, or special family needs, we adjust our strategies to your changing situation and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can a divorce be finalized in San Diego County?
The minimum legal waiting period in California for a divorce is six months from when the other party is served. The actual timeline depends on factors such as court availability, agreement on issues, and the complexity of your assets or custody arrangements. Some uncontested divorces resolve in just over six months, while contested or intricate cases may take a year or more. Our team reviews what may impact your case specifically and aims to keep things progressing efficiently.
Will I have to go to court for my divorce?
You may not need to appear in court. Many divorces in San Diego County are resolved through informal negotiation or mediation, limiting court appearances to filings or brief hearings. If you and your spouse cannot agree on issues like custody or property, a judge at the San Diego County Superior Court may need to decide those matters. We work to keep your divorce outside the courtroom when possible, but are prepared to advocate for you if hearings are required.
Can your team help with complex or high-net-worth divorces?
Yes. Our attorneys have extensive experience with complicated property division, business valuations, and high-asset divorces. We rely on in-depth knowledge of California property law and, when required, trusted local financial professionals. Our strategies always reflect your priorities and work to protect your interests, no matter how complex the case.
What if my spouse is in the military or stationed overseas?
We often work with military families in San Diego County. Whether you or your spouse serves at locations such as MCAS Miramar or is stationed abroad, we understand how federal and state rules affect military divorces. We design practical solutions to address your family’s specific needs and to comply with military and California requirements.
How will you protect my relationship with my children?
Maintaining your bond with your children is a top priority. Our attorneys spend time understanding your family’s needs and advocate for parenting plans that support your children’s well-being and long-term goals. We consider your values, court requirements, and mediation options while creating a plan tailored to your situation.
How does the complimentary strategy session work?
The complimentary divorce strategy session is straightforward. After scheduling, you meet with one of our attorneys who listens to your concerns, explains your rights, and reviews the San Diego County divorce process. You leave with personalized insights and clear next steps, all without obligation or pressure to proceed. This conversation is private, practical, and designed to give you confidence before making important decisions.
What sets your approach apart from other divorce lawyers in San Diego County?
Our sole focus on family law in San Diego County means your case receives our undivided attention. Unlike firms juggling different legal areas, we concentrate exclusively on divorce and family law, providing tailored advice, open communication, and in-depth knowledge of local courts and resources. Clients value our compassion, detail-oriented planning, and the ability to manage both straightforward and complex cases with equal care.
Start Your Divorce Journey With Confidence
You do not have to face this challenging time alone. Contact our team for a complimentary strategy session and take the first step toward securing your future, your children’s well-being, and your stability in San Diego County. Our attorneys will listen to your concerns and offer guidance you can trust.
Experience the benefits of a law firm devoted exclusively to divorce and family law, where attention to detail and client communication set us apart. We are here to support you through every question, every decision, and every stage until your case is complete.
Contact Shorb & Connor today at (619) 330-0938 to schedule your free strategy session with our trusted divorce lawyer in San Diego County.
