Aliso Viejo Divorce Lawyer

Best Divorce Attorney in Aliso Viejo, CA

When you decide to go through a divorce, the emotional toll can be significant, which is why the legal side of things shouldn’t add to your stress. If you want to limit this stress, it’s usually a good idea to consider an Aliso Viejo divorce lawyer.

Your Local Aliso Viejo Divorce Firm

At The Hatherley Firm, Inc., we exclusively practice family law, including divorce law. We have the know-how and experience to offer you substantial legal representation. We do all that we can to help our clients feel seen and heard and give them a way forward toward achieving what they hope to accomplish with their divorce cases.

Understanding Divorce in Aliso Viejo

Divorce is a reality for many families in Aliso Viejo, with 2024 Census data showing that approximately 9% of local men and 15% of local women over the age of 15 may currently be divorced. If you’re facing a divorce, you need to realize that the act involves far more than simply ending your marriage contract with your spouse.

For example, divorce typically involves dividing any property, assets, and debts the two of you might have shared during the marriage. The court will often need to determine which assets you each individually own (separate property) versus which assets are part of your shared marital estate (community property).

This process often includes an inventory and appraisal of the family home, bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, vehicles, credit card debt, and other financial obligations.

Additionally, if you share children, the divorce process may also involve determining custody and child support alongside spousal support. Spousal support may be indicated if there is a significant difference between your and your partner’s incomes or financial circumstances.

For Aliso Viejo residents, divorce cases typically go through the Lamoreaux Justice Center, located at 341 The City Drive South in Orange.

The Types of Divorce in Aliso Viejo

Not every divorce follows the same path, and the type of case you face will often depend on how much you and your spouse can agree upon. It will also depend on whether you meet the requirements for certain options available under California law:

• Uncontested divorce: To have an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse must both agree on the major issues that need to be resolved. For instance, you’ll need to agree on property division, child support, custody, and spousal support. If you do, you can create a divorce agreement outside of court, but a judge will still need to approve it.
• Contested divorce: If you and your partner disagree on one or more major issues, then you will typically have to proceed with a contested divorce. In these divorces, issues may have to be settled through negotiation or ultimately decided by the court.
• Default divorce: When a spouse doesn’t respond after being properly served divorce papers, the other spouse may ask the court to proceed by default.
• Summary dissolution: A summary dissolution is a simplified divorce, but it is only applicable to qualifying couples who meet California’s requirements regarding the length of the marriage, children, property, debts, and other factors.

At The Hatherley Firm, Inc., we can help you understand which type of divorce applies to your case and steer you towards your next steps.

Why Should You Hire an Aliso Viejo Divorce Attorney?

When you think of everything you have to navigate, including divorce laws, court deadlines, specific procedures, and legal requirements, you may feel overwhelmed and out of your depth.

Fortunately, you can hire a divorce lawyer to help you through this stressful situation. They can help by:

• Giving you clear guidance. An attorney can help you better understand your options before you make any serious decisions that could continue to affect you long after the divorce is final.
• Handling communication. When discussions become difficult or unproductive, as they often do during a divorce, your lawyer can communicate with your spouse on your behalf.
• Keeping your case on track. A lawyer can manage filings, negotiations, deadlines, and other legal requirements throughout your case.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll have someone dedicated to creating a tailored approach to protecting your interests and rights. Your attorney can work toward an outcome in your divorce case that reflects your priorities surrounding alimony, child support, child custody, and property division.

FAQs

What Is the Cost of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in Aliso Viejo, CA?

There is no standard price for hiring a divorce attorney in Aliso Viejo, California. Generally, an attorney’s fees will vary based on their personal rate and your case’s complexity and length. However, you should know that court filing fees are separate and generally range from $435 to $450, unless you qualify for a fee waiver.

What Are the Three Cs of Divorce in Aliso Viejo, CA?

The “three Cs of divorce” commonly refer to “communication, cooperation, and compromise.” Although these aren’t requirements according to California law, they are general principles most Aliso Viejo attorneys will encourage you to keep in mind. If you follow these principles, you may find it easier to reach a divorce settlement without unnecessary conflict.

What Is the First Thing I Should Do if I Want a Divorce in Aliso Viejo, CA?

The first thing you need to do if you want a divorce is confirm that you meet California’s residency requirements. Per these requirements, either spouse must have lived in California for six months and in the county where the case is filed for three months. Thereafter, your divorce will officially begin after you file a petition and related court forms. You’ll also need to prepare to exchange financial disclosures and work to resolve disputed issues.

Does California Have a 10-Year Rule for Divorce in Aliso Viejo, CA?

Although California considers marriages lasting 10 or more years to be “long-term marriages” for the purposes of calculating spousal support, there is no law promising long-term support for these marriages. If you have concerns about your options and expectations for spousal support, you may want to discuss strategies with a divorce attorney.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Aliso Viejo

The Hatherley Firm, Inc., understands divorce is rarely easy, which is why we work alongside clients to help minimize the hassle of the divorce process. If you would like to work with an experienced, trusted legal team in Aliso Viejo, give us a call today.