10630 Town Center Drive, Suite 102
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Are you considering filing for divorce in Fontana, California? Call All American Law at 909-944-8880 to schedule a free consultation and get the legal advice you deserve. Our Fontana divorce lawyers are dedicated to helping families like yours navigate sensitive divorce matters with compassion and skill.
Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience helping families resolve complex family law matters. We know that divorce can impact every aspect of your life–from your finances to your relationship with your children. Regardless of where you are in the divorce process, our attorneys are here to help.
Choosing the right law firm is an important first step in any divorce in Fontana, CA. Your lawyer will be your top advocate, protecting your interests at every stage. Our Fontana family lawyers at All American Law have built a solid reputation in the community.
We’re known for taking a steady and thoughtful approach. We put decades of experience to work in every case we take on–giving our clients the personalized attention and support they need throughout the divorce process.
We know family law matters are complicated. We respect the private and sensitive nature of your family’s issues. Our Fontana family law attorneys are here to help you develop workable solutions and maintain focus on long-term outcomes.
Contact us today to learn more about how our legal team can advocate for you.
Overview of California Divorce LawsIn California, the legal term for “divorce” is “dissolution”. Dissolution in California is the legal process that is used to end a marriage or a domestic partnership. Couples don’t have to agree to get a dissolution in California; you can obtain one even if your spouse wants to continue the marriage.
Our attorneys are prepared to help you resolve all of the family law issues involved, including:
Understanding California’s laws on these topics can help you make decisions with clarity. Every couple’s situation is unique. Some couples are able to work together and reach agreement with relatively little anger or tension. Other divorces are highly contested.
Regardless of your situation, hiring an experienced divorce attorney is always a smart idea.
How Do I Qualify for a Divorce in California?California imposes a basic residency requirement before you can file for divorce/dissolution. You must live in the state of California for at least six months before you can file, and you must live in the county where you’re filing for at least three months before filing.
There is no residency requirement for domestic partners. If your domestic partnership was registered in California, you can obtain a dissolution even if you don’t satisfy the residency requirement. The same is true for legal separations.
It really depends on the situation. A waiting period applies in all divorce cases. This is also known as a cooling-off period. A family law judge cannot finalize your divorce until at least six months have passed, starting from the date you served the divorce papers on your spouse.
Aside from the waiting period, issues that could impact the timeline include:
Family law matters are highly personal. Divorce is personal. Rushing to finalize a divorce is rarely advisable–because it can lead to a situation where you haven’t fully identified your priorities and evaluated possible consequences.
At All American Law, we have expertise in handling all types of divorce cases, including:
Don’t hesitate to reach out for the legal guidance you deserve. Divorce is difficult for most couples. Our experienced Fontana divorce attorneys can help with any challenges you’re facing–and use our skills to make the divorce process as painless as possible.
What Is a Summary Dissolution in California?A summary dissolution is a simplified divorce process available to certain couples who meet specific eligibility requirements under California law. It is generally faster and less complicated than a traditional divorce.
To qualify for a summary dissolution, both spouses must meet California’s requirements and agree on all issues related to the end of the marriage, including property division and debt allocation. Couples who qualify can file a joint petition and submit the necessary agreements and paperwork to the court.
Not all couples are eligible for a summary dissolution. An experienced Fontana divorce lawyer can help determine whether this streamlined process is available in your situation.
The grounds for divorce are relatively simple in California. You don’t have to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get divorced.
Two grounds for divorce exist under California family laws:
Most couples cite irreconcilable differences. This is essentially a no-fault divorce. The only remaining issues to consider are issues related to the divorce itself–including property division, child support, child custody, and alimony.
Understanding the process for divorce can help you set realistic expectations. It can also help families manage stress and minimize trauma–especially when kids are involved.
Here are the basic steps:
From here, it really depends on your family’s situation.
When you agree on all relevant terms, you’ll file your proposed divorce settlement with the petition. If children are involved, the judge will evaluate the terms to ensure they’re in the best interests of the children. After the six-month waiting period, the judge can approve the settlement and finalize the divorce.
When issues are contested, a discovery phase begins, where the spouses exchange relevant financial information. If disagreements persist, you may agree to mediation. It’s often possible to resolve contested issues through negotiations and guided discussions.
When couples can’t agree, the case proceeds to trial, where the court will make decisions based on the evidence.
How Is Marital Property Divided in a Divorce in California?California is a community property state. In theory, marital property is divided equally. In reality, division of marital assets and debts is rarely so simple.
Two types of property are relevant to a divorce:
Two spouses can agree to divide property in any way they see fit–or they can allow the judge to decide on an equal division. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements may also be relevant.
How Are Child Custody and Child Support Issues Decided in California?With respect to child custody, parents are encouraged to work together to develop a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interests. Absent such an agreement, the court will analyze the facts and determine what is in the best interests of the child.
All parents are obligated to support their children financially. California uses a calculator and guidelines to determine child support obligations.
Am I Entitled To Receive Spousal Support After a Divorce in Fontana, CA?Courts have the authority to award spousal support when warranted. The requesting spouse must make a formal request. Courts often decide based on that spouse’s need for financial assistance and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Other factors may be relevant–including the duration of the marriage, child support, and the recipient spouse’s ability to become self-supporting.
What Tools Can Help Me Navigate the Divorce Process in California?Disagreements commonly arise throughout the divorce process. Even if you both agree to the divorce itself, couples often have different views on how related issues should be resolved.
Many different tools are available to help couples reach an agreement, including:
It’s always better to attempt to reach a settlement rather than proceed to trial. Working with a lawyer through mediation and negotiation can help you avoid an expensive trial.
Mutually-agreed-upon settlements are often better for both parties when compared with the risk of having a judge make all the decisions.
Call an Experienced Fontana Divorce Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation TodayIf you’re considering divorce in Fontana, California, call All American Law for legal help today. An experienced Fontana divorce attorney can advocate on your behalf at every turn. Your initial consultation is entirely free and confidential.
10630 Town Center Drive Suite 102
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730
