Palm Springs Divorce Lawyer

Palm Springs Divorce Attorneys

Going through a divorce can be complicated and emotionally distressing. However, the right family law attorney in Palm Springs can reduce your stress and help you better understand the legal issues involved. If you are going through a divorce in Palm Springs, or considering filing a divorce from your partner, you should get in touch with a Palm Springs divorce lawyer. Hiring a divorce attorney can help you make sure that your interests are represented and protected.

Our team at Edgar & Dow has years of experience fighting for Palm Springs’ clients as they navigate divorce. When you reach out to us, we can schedule an initial consultation to hear about your needs and desires for the dissolution of your marriage. Regardless of the challenges you are facing, we can craft a strong strategy that aims for a positive outcome.

How to Get a Divorce in Palm Springs, California

If you are getting a divorce in Palm Springs, California, you are making the decision to dissolve your marriage. This can be a straightforward process in some regards but, in some situations, it can get complicated. Understanding how to go about the process can help provide clarity in this tumultuous period.

California is a no-fault state for divorce, which means that there is no waiting period that you have to go through to file for a dissolution of marriage. You also do not need to provide grounds for your divorce, such as infidelity. However, you do need to make sure that you and your partner meet certain requirements first to get a divorce in the state. For example, you need to make sure that you or your spouse has lived in California for at least six months and will reside there for three months.

You should also consider meeting with a divorce attorney to determine the legal path that is right for you. While you do not always need an attorney to file for divorce, consulting with one can, at the very least, help you understand how to better protect your assets and goals. Your attorney can also walk you through the process of officially filing for your divorce, which includes:

• Filling Out Forms: You will need to fill out a California court form, called “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage,” to legally start your dissolution process.
• Filing Your Petition: To officially file for your divorce, you will need to pay the filing fee and file your completed petition with the clerk’s office.
• Your Former Partner Gets Served: Once you have filed for divorce, the person you are filing for divorce from will be informed of your petition. You will then have to wait for their reply to your action, which they will have about 30 days to make.
• Your Former Partner Responds: After the person you are divorcing from responds to your petition, you will better understand if you are dealing with a contested or an uncontested divorce. This will determine how lengthy and complicated the legal process to make your divorce official shall be.
• Disclose Your Financial Information: One of the most important steps in getting your divorce is disclosing your financial information. To understand how to equitably divide your marital assets, both you and your former partner must honestly disclose all of your information about your finances.
• Reach a Settlement: There are many ways in which a divorce can result in a settlement. If you and your former partner both agree on how to split up your marital property and address key issues, such as child custody, then you will not have to go to court and endure a tense period of tough negotiations. However, if you cannot come to an agreement about how to address the distribution of your property or your childcare issues, then you might need litigation, mediation, or arbitration to reach a settlement.
• Going to Court: If you cannot reach a settlement any other way, you and the person you are divorcing from might need to go to court for a settlement. If you want to make sure that your interests are effectively represented in this courtroom, it is vital that you have a qualified divorce attorney working on your case who can argue on your behalf during your trial.
• Go Through the Waiting Period: If you are getting a divorce in California, no matter if it goes to court or not, you have to wait through the state’s mandatory six-month waiting period before your divorce is official. This means that, even if you are getting an uncontested divorce, the process will take you at least six months.

What Are the Types of Divorce in California?

If you are deciding to officially end your marriage in California, the process might be different, depending on where you and your partner stand. If you and your partner agree on how to divide your marital property, you will get an uncontested divorce. If you and your partner do not agree on how to divide your property or how to arrange important issues, such as child custody, you are likely in for a contested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce

If you and your partner agree on how to dissolve your marriage, the process of your divorce will likely take about six months. Even if you and your partner are getting along, you should still get in touch with a divorce attorney. Your lawyer can make sure that your interests are protected, in case conflicts do arise between you and your partner. Divorces can be emotionally intense, and you might not foresee the challenges that might threaten your assets.

Contested Divorce

If you and your partner are not coming to an agreement on how to divide your assets or approach your divorce, then you will need to seek legal guidance. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf and fight for your interests when the situation gets complicated. Depending on how complex your divorce becomes, your contested divorce might take several months to years.

What Is Summary Dissolution?

In California, the amount of time that you have been married can impact your options for getting a divorce. For instance, if you have been married for less than five years to the person you wish to separate from, then you might be eligible for what is called summary dissolution. This is a process that is usually more affordable and faster than a typical divorce, as you are able to avoid the six-month waiting period. Other eligibility requirements, in addition to the less-than-five-year timespan, include:

• You cannot own real estate.
• You cannot have separate property valued at more than $50,000.
• You must not have children together or be expecting a child together.
• You must agree to waive spousal support.

How Can Your Divorce Attorney Support You?

Your family law attorney can be an invaluable asset as you navigate the complex legal paths of this process. With the right divorce lawyer working on your case, you can have legal counsel tailored to your needs and be assured that your interests are represented, no matter what obstacles arise.

• Assist With Paperwork: Dissolving your marriage is always full of paperwork, no matter what kind of divorce you are going through. For instance, you will need to disclose your financial records so that all your marital property can be equitably split up. Compiling all the relevant documents and filling out all relevant paperwork can take time and be an additional burden, on top of the emotional distress of this time. Your lawyer can take care of these administrative tasks for you, so you do not need to worry about them.
• Negotiate a Settlement: It can be difficult to reach a compromise when emotions are running high in a divorce. When you rely on your attorney to negotiate your settlement on your behalf, you can be sure that an experienced professional is making decisions that fight for your ideal outcome.
• Walking You Through Alternative Methods: If you are deciding to end your marriage but want to avoid complex litigation, your divorce attorney can point you to alternative options. For instance, you can pursue mediation or arbitration, which are both methods in which an unbiased third party aids in reaching a settlement.
• Represent You in the Courtroom: If you end up having to go to trial for your divorce, your lawyer can be there, well-versed in your case, and ready to fight for your interests. Whether you have to negotiate child support, child custody, or the division of your property, your lawyer can understand what you want and do everything they can to fight for you.

Palm Springs Divorce FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Palm Springs, CA?

A: The amount of money that your divorce lawyer will charge you will depend a great deal on which lawyer you have working on your case and how complicated your divorce case is. For instance, if you need a lawyer to represent you in a straightforward, uncontested divorce, you can usually expect lower legal fees than if you need a lawyer to fight for you in an intensely contested divorce that goes to court.

You should keep in mind, however, that legal support is even more important in the latter situation so that your rights are protected when they are at risk.

Q: How Does Spousal Support Work in California?

A: Also called alimony, spousal support is a payment that you or your former partner might have to make after getting a divorce. This is often granted in cases where one spouse makes significantly more money than the other, and one needs time to financially adjust to their new living situation. Whether you qualify for spousal support or if you need to adjust or enforce a spousal support order, you should reach out to a family law attorney.

Q: How Much Does a No-Contest Divorce Cost in Palm Springs?

A: The price of a no-contest divorce can vary, but you can expect that it will be less than a contested divorce. In general, a no-contest divorce will typically cost you a few thousand dollars. Of course, this may vary, depending on what legal steps are involved in your case and what legal support you seek out.

Q: How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in California?

A: If you choose to use the process of mediation for your divorce in California, rather than litigation, you can expect to save on costs. Mediation for your divorce can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand and is almost always faster than going to court. Often, you can reach a settlement in about ninety days.

Q: Is Everything Split 50-50 in a Divorce in California?

A: If you are getting a divorce in California, then you should know that a 50-50 split is not guaranteed. If you and the person you are divorcing agree to a 50-50 split without contest, then you will likely end up with this division of property. However, if you have a contested divorce and need litigation, the court will examine the situation and determine a settlement that is equitable, which is not always a 50-50 division of your assets.

A Palm Springs Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust

If you are deciding to dissolve your marriage, you should rely on a legal professional to guide you through the process. Your divorce attorney can review all of the facts of your situation and make sure that you understand your legal options and the implications of your decisions. For instance, your attorney can review your stance on key issues, like spousal support, child support, and dividing important marital property. Your attorney can also aid in the filing and collection of vital documentation for your divorce.

At Edgar & Dow, our team of experienced Palm Springs divorce attorneys can handle all aspects of your divorce. We treat our clients with compassion and respect, and our team takes the time to understand your needs and priorities to make sure that they are heard. If you are interested in consulting with us about the dissolution of your marriage, you should get in touch with our firm today.