El Cajon Divorce Lawyer
Going through a divorce is never easy. It’s a time filled with emotional challenges and difficult decisions. At San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, we understand what you’re experiencing and are here to help.
If you are considering divorce in El Cajon, CA, our dedicated team of divorce mediators and trial attorneys is ready to support you every step of the way. Contact our law office at 619-866-3756 to schedule a free case evaluation with an El Cajon divorce lawyer to begin exploring your legal options.
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How San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC Can Help With A Divorce In El Cajon, CA
At San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, we have more than 30 years of experience helping families navigate complex family law issues in El Cajon, California, like divorce.
Attorney Puja A. Sachdev is a Certified Family Law Specialist and family law mediator. She was the first attorney designated as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst in Greater San Diego. She leads our team of trial attorneys and divorce mediators in providing a compassionate and personalized approach to every case we handle.
Our top priority is to seek an amicable divorce settlement outside of court to avoid unnecessary costs and acrimony. However, we are prepared to take your case to court to protect your best interests when necessary.
We can assist with:
- Discussing your case and developing a strategy based on your priorities and needs
- Filing the necessary legal documents, ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time
- Negotiating a fair divorce settlement
- Providing mediation services to minimize conflict
- Addressing child custody and support issues that prioritize your children’s well-being
- Ensuring a fair distribution of marital property
- Navigating complex issues like hidden assets and parental alienation
- Representing you in court and advocating on your behalf
Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible for you. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to minimize conflict without sacrificing your rights or fair treatment. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with an El Cajon family law attorney to discuss how we can help you take the next steps in your divorce.
Overview of Divorce in El Cajon, California
Divorce, legally known as dissolution of marriage, ends a marital union. The divorce process in California involves several steps and requirements. Divorce is initiated when a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the court. In El Cajon, divorce and other family law cases are handled by the East County Regional Center at 250 East Main Street in El Cajon.
The spouse who files this Petition is called the Petitioner. Divorce papers are served on the other spouse, or Respondent, who has 30 days to file a response. When both spouses agree on all terms, they can submit a proposed settlement to the court. Once the court approves the terms, the divorce is granted. This is called an uncontested divorce.
If there are disagreements, the divorce case is placed on the court’s docket, and a hearing is scheduled. This is the beginning of a contested divorce. Spouses can turn to mediation and negotiation to reach a settlement agreement. Otherwise, the divorce will proceed to a trial.
Is California a No-Fault Divorce State?
Unlike some states, California allows no-fault divorce. This means a divorce is granted without the requirement that one spouse prove the other was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage based on accepted grounds. In some states, divorce is granted after proving grounds for divorce, such as infidelity, abuse, or abandonment.
In California, the no-fault basis for divorce is “irreconcilable differences.” This means the couple cannot get along due to fundamental differences that cannot be resolved.
Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in California?
California has a mandatory waiting period before a divorce is finalized to give couples time to reconcile or reconsider. After filing for divorce, there is a six-month waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.
What Are the Residency Requirements for Divorce in California?
To file for divorce in California, one spouse must meet residency requirements. You or your spouse must have:
- Lived in California for six months or longer, and
- Lived in the county where you will file for three months or longer
You can file a petition for divorce in any county or state where you or your spouse meet these residency requirements.
We Are Ready to Assist With All Aspects of Your El Cajon Divorce Process
The El Cajon divorce attorneys at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, are ready to help you with every aspect of the divorce process. Below are common divorce matters we handle:
- Contested Divorce: In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on key issues like asset division, child custody, or support. We provide rigorous representation to protect your rights and work toward a fair resolution with your goals in mind.
- Uncontested Divorce: If both parties agree on all terms, an uncontested divorce can proceed more smoothly. We assist in drafting agreements and ensuring all legal requirements are met. We will counsel you while negotiating a settlement and ensure it’s in your best interests.
- Child Custody: Determining child custody can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. We advocate for legal and physical custody arrangements in your child’s best interests and aim for solutions that work for the entire family. We can also assist with complex issues such as allegations involving parental fitness, paternity, and grandparent visitation.
- Child Support: We help clients establish child support orders in accordance with the state’s Child Support Guidelines. We can also help you navigate situations involving child support arrears, modification of support orders, or deviations from California guidelines.
- Spousal Support: Also known as alimony, spousal support may be awarded to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. We work to ensure that any spousal support arrangements are fair and appropriate.
- Property Division: California follows community property laws, meaning marital assets are typically divided equally. We can assist with many aspects of property division, including identifying separate property that is not subject to division in a divorce, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, business interests, and more.
No matter what issues you run into during your divorce, we are equipped to help.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation With an El Cajon Divorce Lawyer
If you’re considering divorce in El Cajon, CA, you do not need to navigate this challenging time alone. Contact San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced El Cajon divorce lawyer. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to move forward confidently.
Going through the divorce process is less stressful when you have an experienced El Cajon divorce attorney at your side. Call San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, at (619) 866-3756 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our family law attorneys. We’ll provide compassionate, trusted, aggressive representation as we work to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Find out more about our office location. We serve in all cities near the San Diego, CA area, including:
- Chula Vista, CA (92037)
- Coronado, CA (91932)
- Encintas, (90224)
- La Jolla, CA (91902)
- Lemon Grove (91945)
- Poway, CA (92025)
- Santee, CA (92071)
