Divorce

Laguna Woods Divorce Attorney

Depend on Our Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney

Going through a divorce is one of the most significant challenges one could ever face. If you and your spouse have decided it is time to go your separate ways and wish to end your marriage, reach out to the Law Offices of Steven Giammichele. Our Laguna Woods divorce lawyer is here to help you pursue a fair settlement.

Call (949) 303-7811 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Residency Requirements for Divorce in California

Although some states require that certain grounds be met before a divorce can be filed for, California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither spouse needs to prove that the other spouse committed some type of wrongdoing. In addition, one party may file for divorce even if the other party does not want a divorce.

However, prior to filing for divorce in California, you will need to meet a residency requirement. There are two main requirements pertaining to residency, including:

  • At least one spouse must have been a resident of California for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce
  • At least one spouse must have lived for three months in the county where the couple files for divorce

Contested Divorce Vs. Uncontested Divorce

In California, there are two main types of divorce:

  • Contested divorce – There are many issues that must be resolved in a California divorce. Some of the most common include property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. When an agreement cannot be reached on one or more of these divorce-related issues, the divorce is considered contested. The divorce proceedings will then need to include a trial before a judge in the family law court. The judge will make a decision on the contested issues and issue a decree that will be binding on each party the moment the divorce is finalized. This type of divorce is often very time consuming and costly.
  • Uncontested divorce – The divorce process can be simplified if your divorce is uncontested. An uncontested divorce means that both parties can agree on all the terms of their divorce. The couple will still need to draft an agreement and submit it to the court for final approval, but they will not need to appear before a judge. This type of divorce enables the spouses to remain in control of the decisions made during the divorce. It will also allow for the divorce to be completed in a faster, more cost-efficient manner.

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?

The duration of a divorce in California varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Although an uncontested divorce is typically faster than a contested divorce, the process will still take a minimum of six months. This is due to the state’s mandatory six-month waiting period. As long as both parties cooperate and quickly agree on the terms of their divorce, they should be able to finalize the process directly following this six-month waiting period. Those going through a contested divorce, which requires a trial, often experience a more lengthy divorce process, lasting potentially one to two years.

Entrust Your Divorce to Our Lawyer

Working with an experienced family law attorney can ensure that your divorce goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Our legal team can help you file error-free paperwork, conduct negotiations with your spouse, and prepare a strong case for trial if necessary. If you have decided to file for divorce in California, or you have been served divorce papers, contact us immediately to discuss your next steps.

Ready to move on to a better future? Contact the Law Offices of Steven Giammichele at (949) 303-7811 today.

Clients Tell Their Stories

Testimonials

  • “I’m very satisfied with the service that I received. Mr. Alchehayed and his assistant were always professional and took time to answer all of my many questions. They returned my calls and emails in a ...”

    - Deanna

  • “The Law Offices of Steven Giammichele are absolutely the best. Ilian Alchehayed my lawyer at the firm and assistant Katrina Lopez are handling my divorce. They are impeccable. They are communicative, ...”

    - Xavier M.

  • “He does his research and he is compelled to achieve the best for his clients.”

    - I.A.
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What You Can Expect With Us
  • Cost-Efficient Approach
    We aim to work with you to get the best results at the lowest cost possible. We also offer free consultations and payment plans for our services, so contact us today for more information.
  • Accessible Counsel
    No one should be kept in the dark about their case. If you give us a call, we will get back to you with updates about your case. If you need to schedule time outside of business hours, we will happily accommodate your schedule.
  • Tailored Results
    We don't believe in providing you cookie cutter solutions. We take the time to properly evaluate your situation and provide strategic solutions to achieve optimal results.
  • Experience & Knowledge
    Our attorneys have experience in various areas of law, which provides a unique perspective in trust and estate litigation and family law.
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At the Law Office of Steven Giammichele, you will work with attorneys with the skill to deliver the results your looking for. Reach out to our firm to discuss your case during a free consultation.

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