A divorce is a life-changing event, so much so that even beginning the process can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, legal help is available. Partner with a divorce lawyer for men in San Diego. With your attorney’s guidance and support, you can make informed decisions throughout your case proceedings.
The team at Reel Fathers Rights has over 300 years of experience in family court. Our attorneys have appeared in every family court in Southern California and know what it takes to help men in divorce cases.
Give us the opportunity to represent and advocate for you. For more information, consult with a father‘s rights lawyer in San Diego from our team.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer for Fathers in San Diego?
Your divorce attorney for men in San Diego understands the challenges you will face as you go through the legal process. We will address frequently asked questions about divorce in Southern California and other questions you have relating to your case. Plus, our team will help you in many ways throughout your litigation, including by:
Addressing Potential Biases
Unfortunately, outdated notions about the roles of men as caregivers and in financial matters can hurt your chances of getting the outcome you want in your case.
Our lawyers will provide insights into how to navigate divorce as a father in California. We can teach you about the many biases against men and make sure that you are treated fairly and equally in family court.
Protecting Your Relationship with Your Children
If your spouse is disrupting your time with your children and you do nothing to stop them, they could permanently damage your relationship with your kids. Our attorneys know how tough it is to fight back against parental alienation and prove that this is happening. We will assist you with child custody matters and prioritize the rights of you and your children continuously.
Safeguarding Your Financial Assets
You want your separation from your spouse to be done and are tempted to rush through the divorce process. However, if you do, you risk putting yourself in a bind financially.
Our divorce attorneys for fathers in San Diego will evaluate your financial assets and argue for an equal distribution of them based on each spouse’s needs and contributions to the marriage. At Reel Fathers Rights, we take pride in being the preeminent Southern California family law firm.
Our team has received dozens of positive client reviews and has been nationally recognized for our work with men and fathers. Let us help you as you complete your separation from your spouse. Contact us today.
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How Does the Divorce Process Work for Men in San Diego?
Do not proceed with the divorce process in San Diego alone. If you do, you could make mistakes that hurt you for the rest of your life. Instead, trust a San Diego divorce lawyer for men to guide you through this process. Here are the steps you will need to complete to finalize your divorce in California.
1. Submit the Required Paperwork
Fill out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) and the Summons (Form FL-110). If you have children, you must also complete at least one other form regarding child custody and visitation.
Next, take your completed forms and two copies to the Clerk at the Family Law Business Office of the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
2. Serve Your Spouse
Have a sheriff, professional process server, friend, or someone else over 18 who is not involved in the case legally deliver copies of your filed divorce papers to your spouse. This individual must complete a Proof of Service form, which you must file with the court.
3. Await Your Spouse’s Response
Your spouse has up to 30 days to respond to your petition. If your spouse accepts the terms of your separation, you can create a marital settlement agreement (MSA) that outlines property division, child custody, and support.
After you and your spouse have reached an agreement on your separation, you must submit your MSA and other required final forms, including the Judgment form (FL-180), to the court. Your divorce will become final once the court approves and signs your judgment.
San Diego Divorce Lawyer Near Me 951-339-3826
Divorce Factors for Men in San Diego to Consider
At a minimum, your separation from your spouse will take at least six months and one day. Your San Diego divorce attorney for men will advise you to assess your legal options carefully as you weigh the pros and cons of myriad decisions during your case proceedings. Factors to account for as your separation moves forward include:
Division of Assets
It is unclear what will happen to the house in your California divorce and how other assets will be split between you and your spouse.
Our divorce lawyers for men in San Diego will review your assets. We work hard to ensure that there is an equitable division of property between both parties.
Child Custody and Support
Ideally, you and your spouse want the best for your children, even in the middle of your divorce. Your lawyer can help bridge the gap between you and your spouse.
We can describe how child custody is determined in California. On top of that, our team can explain the short- and long-term implications of any decisions you make regarding child custody and support.
Emotional and Behavioral Factors
In contentious divorces, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to accuse another of domestic violence or make other false allegations in the hopes of getting an advantage in court. Alternatively, either spouse may have a history of addiction or substance abuse.
In these situations and others, it pays to have a lawyer from our team on your side. We will help you stay calm, cool, and collected at each stage of your separation.
Remember, in your case, you have access to a wide range of legal services and resources. Our divorce attorneys for men in San Diego will share our legal knowledge and insights with you. We understand the divorce timeline in California and can detail what to do to prepare for your legal proceedings.
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How to Prepare for a Divorce
If you think your divorce will be fast and easy, think again. What you do now to prepare for your divorce in California can determine the problems you encounter or avoid along the way.
Your San Diego divorce lawyer for fathers will take the guesswork out of your case. Some of the things we will do to help you get ready for your separation from your spouse include:
Gathering Evidence
We can review the following information to understand your financial situation:
- Bank statements
- Retirement and investment account information
- Property documents
- Insurance policies
- Credit card and debt records
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
These and other financial and legal documents may be used to support your case for getting alimony or not having to pay it.
Encouraging You to Take Care of Yourself
Your separation can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. During this difficult time, our team will advise you to practice self-care.
We want you to find safe, healthy, and effective ways to care for yourself throughout your case proceedings. Your lawyer will remain accessible to support you in any way they can during your litigation.
Minimizing Your Mistakes
How you act in the days as you separate from your spouse makes a difference in family court. We will advise you to think before you post on social media and take other measures to limit the risk that you will say or do things that could compromise your case.
Ultimately, you and your San Diego divorce attorney for fathers want your separation from your spouse to go smoothly. As such, we can talk with you about the different options for your separation and help you find one that meets the requirements of you and your spouse.
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Divorce Options for Men in San Diego
California state law has multiple options for divorce. Our team can give you information about each of these options and recommend one specific to the circumstances of your situation. Below is information about the four divorce options available in San Diego County.
No Fault
If you want to opt out of your marriage, a no-fault separation gives you the opportunity to do just that. You can cite irreconcilable differences or incompatibility as the reason for wanting to end your marriage, and no further information is required.
Uncontested
Your separation is uncontested if both parties sign off on a mutual agreement about all aspects of it. This may be a viable option if you and your spouse can discuss child support, division of property, and other issues openly and honestly.
Of course, even if you proceed with an uncontested separation, it is beneficial to have an attorney assist you every step of the way.
Simplified
Sometimes called a “summary dissolution,” a simplified separation is an option for couples who want to end a short-term marriage. With this option, you and your spouse jointly file for a no-fault separation based on irreconcilable differences. Both parties must meet various requirements to finalize your simplified separation.
Limited
A limited divorce is a legal separation in which neither you nor your spouse formally ends your marriage. In this situation, you and your spouse can divide your assets and handle child custody and other marital issues.
Meanwhile, you and your spouse do not reside together. Since you are still married, the door remains open to a possible reconciliation.
Our lawyers know that the divorce process can be complicated. We understand your case and what you want to achieve. If warranted, we can provide you with information about the requirements for a divorce in California and help you start the process of separating from your spouse.
Requirements to Get a Divorce in California
California has residency requirements for divorce cases. Before you file for a divorce, you must live in the state for at least six months and in the county where you intend to file for your separation from your spouse for a minimum of three months.
You and your spouse must share information about your assets, debts, and income as part of the divorce process. In addition, you must come to terms on how to divide your community property, resolve your debts, and address any spousal support requests.
How long your divorce takes may depend on the complexity of your case. Disputes over alimony, parenting plans, and other issues can slow down your separation.
Your attorney can foster communication between you and your spouse regarding these issues, boosting the likelihood that both parties can agree to terms that work well for all involved.
Will You Have to Pay Spousal Support or Child Support if You Separate from Your Spouse?
A judge will look at the length of your marriage, the age and health of each spouse, and other factors to decide if either party must pay spousal support.
Your family law attorney can explain how to handle spousal support in a California divorce. We will let you know if you could be ordered to pay alimony or are eligible to receive it.
California law states that both of a child’s parents are legally required to financially support their son or daughter. Thus, you or your spouse may have to pay child support following your divorce. This support may continue until your child turns 18 and graduates from high school or if they turn 19, whichever is first.
Spousal support and child support are two of the most contentious issues in a couple’s separation proceedings. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for fathers’ rights. We will do everything within our power to help you and your spouse settle these and other outstanding issues.
Our Family Law Lawyers for Men in San Diego Will Give Your Divorce Case the Attention It Deserves
You are worried that a family court will ignore your legal rights and best interests during your divorce. Ask for help from family law attorneys for men in San Diego.
With our team of lawyers at your disposal, you are well-equipped to limit stress and heartache, finalize your divorce promptly, and start your new life in the aftermath of your separation.
The family law attorneys at Reel Fathers Rights understand that for men in divorce cases, the legal system can sometimes feel stacked against them. Our attorneys will make sure your voice is heard.
Allow us to serve as your ally as you proceed with your divorce and to safeguard your legal rights and those of your children. Request a case evaluation with us.
Call or text 951-339-3826 or complete a Case Evaluation form
