California Divorce Law and Resources
The following information is a resource on divorce and family law in the State of California. You can find divorce professionals, divorce forms, support, and state laws. In addition to the resources listed below, you can find more help and information in our divorce article section.
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Divorce PapersOnline DivorceDivorce and Separation Forms Divorce Form Preparation QDRO Preparation Family Law ResourcesDivorce LawsCA Child Support Guidelines CA Child Support Calculator CA Child Support Services Domestic ViolenceShelters and Hotlines |
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CHRISTIAN DIVORCE
For over 35 years, Franklin Radoff has worked Biblically in solving divorce and family law issues through a compassionate, straight-forward approach. Mr. Radoff's assistance will guide you through the murky process of dissolving a union that was supposed to have lasted a lifetime. Mr. Radoff sees himself as a Counselor & Minister in the broadest sense of the word and has a reputation for being fair, honest and upholding the law in all circumstances.
Mr. Radoff's services are different than other attorneys as he does not charge for phone calls once he is retained, and highly recommends mediation. You will always speak only to Mr. Radoff, he will be the only person handling your case and he will be at your side in all court proceedings.
Handling all of Southern CA counties, Mr. Radoff has offices in Ventura and Woodland Hills, CA. Call and speak to Mr. Radoff at (805) 522-1160 for your FREE phone consultation or visit http://www.ChristianDivorce.net for more information.
COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE
Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP
4740 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: 916-455-5200
Fax: 916-455-6300
Counties Served: Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer
Helene Taylor, Attorney at Law
1592 Union Street #262
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-505-1031
Fax: 415-329-2019
Counties Served: Marin and San Francisco
DIVORCE and FAMILY LAW
Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP
4740 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: 916-455-5200
Fax: 916-455-6300
Counties Served: Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer
California Family Law Institute
J. Michael Kelly, Esq .
429 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 120
Santa
Monica, CA 90401
Phone (310) 393-0236
Gerard A. Falzone, Attorney At Law
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-521-9500
Famularo & Associates
Gina M. Famularo
41690 Enterprise Circle North, Suite 200S
Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (951) 816-9543
Counties Served: Riverside, Orange
Feinberg & Waller
Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
The attorneys at Feinberg & Waller, APC, are experienced, results-oriented family lawyers practicing with integrity exclusively in the area of Family Law.
Bruce Fink
Orange County
Mari J. Frank
Laguna Niguel, California Divorce Lawyer and Mediator
Divorce mediator and attorney Mari J. Frank can guide you safely through the murky waters of divorce.
Julia Garwood
The Law Offices & Mediation Center of Julia M. Garwood
San Diego, California Family Law
Ms. Julia Garwood is a Certified Family Law Specialist with 25 years experience. She is an acting settlement judge and an attorney who is often chosen by the courts to represent minor children. Call to schedule a FREE 20 minute consultation.
Gilligan Law Corporation - MichaelAnne Cahill
Long Beach/Los Angeles
Experienced family lawyer MichaelAnne Cahill practices law with integrity, honesty and compassion for each individual. Ms. Cahill’s unique combination of professional competence and personal concern allows her to be a “shield and sword” for clients during a difficult time in their lives.
Law Offices of Robert A. Goodman
555 12th Street, Suite 1900
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 987-7800 x1
Fax: (510) 987-7900
Counties Served: Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, SF
Hammers & Baltazar, LLP
1410 2nd Street, Suite 302
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 410-458-0796
email:
Counties Served: Los Angeles; Orange
Our law firm specializes in all areas of family law including divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, asset division, business and professional practice issues, paternity, and post judgment modifications. We have offices in Santa Monica and Newport Beach and serve all areas of Los Angeles and Orange county. Our services include litigation, mediation, Collaborative Law, and document preparation. Our staff of attorneys include Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. We handle your Family Law legal concerns with care and compassion and advocate with the strength to protect the interest of you and your children.
John Harding
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
Divorce Lawyers Harding & Associates is a family law firm that is committed to protecting our clients. Our compassion, experience, and aggressiveness enable us to get our clients the results they are entitled to.
Law Office of Don Johnson Jr.
1300 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 622-7774
Fax: (510) 464-8001
Kendall & Gkikas
Claremont, California
Kendall & Gkikas, LLP is a law firm that represents clients in all areas of family law including; divorce, property division, custody, child support, paternity and domestic violence. You can count on Kendall & Gkikas to keep your divorce case moving toward the best resolution possible.
Law Offices of Kevin J. Kensik
23150 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: 310-891-2300
Fax: 310-891-2299
Counties Served: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside
Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi
Los Angeles and Ventura County
Experienced Lawyer and Certified Family Law Specialist Stephanie Mahdavi assists individuals during the difficult process of divorce, or other family law matters and makes the process as uncomplicated as possible for her clients.
Gerry Maggio
Orange & Riverside County
The Maggio Law Firm, Inc. is a well-established California family law firm serving individuals, couples and families in Orange County who have family related legal concerns including; divorce, child custody issues, prenuptial agreements and stepparent adoptions.
Patrick A. McCall
Orange county
California Family Lawyer Patrick McCall is a renowned Certified Family Law Specialist with unmatched trial experience. He has taught many family law courses for lawyers, judges and accountants. He will work hard and create a divorce strategy for you. Call today for a free initial consultation.
Steven Mindel
Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein LLP
Los Angeles, California Family Law
The attorneys of West Los Angeles-based law firm, Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP, are experienced, knowledgeable, and results-driven. The firm is known for its first-rate legal representation and exemplary personal service.
Stacy Phillips
Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra LLP
Los Angeles
One of the nation's preeminent family-law firms with a multifaceted team of highly trained specialists who represent a broad range of clients. Works closely with therapists, accountants, and other professionals to achieve the most effective results.
Richard Renkin
Richard M. Renkin & Associates
2635 Camino Del Rio S., Ste. 108
San Diego, CA 92108
PHONE: (619) 299-7100
FAX: (619) 299-7178
If you're going through a divorce, you already know the stress you're experiencing can be quite overwhelming. "In fact, divorce is often ranked second only to the death of a spouse," says Richard M. Renkin, CFLS, founder of the San Diego law firm Richard M. Renkin & Associates. "There's no doubt about it. Divorce is incredibly stressful".
Pauline Rosen
Law & Mediation Offices of Pauline Rosen
Torrance, South Bay, and Los Angeles, California Divorce Law
The Family Law and Mediation offices of Pauline Rosen will guide you through the divorce process towards a happy and secure future. Serving Torrance, South Bay, and Los Angeles.
Law Office of Vincent J. Russo, PC
5030 Campus Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-474-7799
Fax: 949-474-7797
Counties Served: Orange
Brian G. Saylin
Orange, California Family Law
Brian G. Saylin has the experience you -- and your client -- need for a successful divorce appeal process.
Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer
Pasadena, California
At the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, we believe that a comprehensive understanding of one's legal needs comes from good communication and a strong attorney-client relationship. Our purpose is to ensure that our clients make the most informed legal decisions possible, and ultimately, the best possible results ensue.
Thompson Law Office
San Bernadino County/Victorville
Sherry A. Thompson is a San Bernadino County State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist who has been exclusively handling only family law cases since 1988, who strives to provide the best results possible for each client.
Law Office of Carla A. Vandermate
510 North Third Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 480-7088
Counties Served: Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda,
Contra Costa
Need a Divorce Lawyer?
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pre-screened attorneys before deciding whom to contact.
DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYSTS AND PROFESSIONALS
Cathleen Collingsworth
Menifee, Southern California Family Law
Cathleen Collinsworth is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, a Forensic Accountant and a Business Valuator Accredited in Litigation. She has been practicing in the field of Family Law for the past 12 years.
Divorce Financial Solutions
Cinda Jones, CFP, CDFA
11622 El Camino Real - Suite 100
Del Mar, CA 92130
Phone: 619-795-1797
email:
Counties Served: San Diego - Orange - LA
Experienced Divorce Only - Fee Only Divorce Financial Consulting offering step-by-step assistance from beginning to end. Find out how to choose an attorney, information to gather, tax and forensic analysis as needed. If you are debating what to do and there's confusion about how the divorce will affect you financially, you can get the help you need today.
Leininger Divorce Planning Services
Natalie Leininger
3160 Castro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone: 510-728-3578
Fax: 510-728-3579
email:
Counties Served: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Palo Alto
I work with clients going through divorce to educate them on the short term and obvious as well as the long term and not so obvious financial results of different settlement options. This helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses of different options as well as ferret out any financial pitfalls. I work with individual clients as well as couples in the role of a neutral.
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
SGI Consulting
895 Dove Street, 3rd Floor
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-278-3599
Counties Served: Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino
FINANCIAL PLANNERS
Paul TooheyThe Planners Network, Inc
Anaheim Hills
Working with a trained, competent financial professional can provide you with the knowledge, information, and confidence to make the important decisions that will have a profound impact on your life.
DIVORCE COACHING
DivorceCoaching.com
Jennifer Horton
6142 Verda Lane
San Diego, CA 92130
Email:
DivorceCoaching.com is a website offering educational divorce related articles, telephone divorce support seminars and one-on-one coaching.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child Custody Coach
Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach™
Counties Served: Focusing on Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San
Bernardino
Email:
Child Custody Coach™ supplies exclusive information, online materials and child custody and parenting coaching services to parents nationwide. Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach™ is the founder of Child Custody Coach and author of the winning custody strategy guide “How to Win Child Custody - Proven Strategies That Can Win You Custody and Save You Thousands in Attorney Costs!” For more information please visit our website ChildCustodyCoach.com.
MEDIATION
Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP
4740 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: 916-455-5200
Fax: 916-455-6300
Counties Served: Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer
Divorce In A Day Mediation
800 Grand Ave., Ste. AG-8
Carlsbad, California 92008
Phone: (760) 720-9324
John Juarez
Pasadena Mediation
Los Angeles
Pasadena/Glendale mediator John C. Juarez of Pamela Britton White Mediation Services gives clients control over their divorce to create the best settlement for everyone.
Fern Salka
Los Angeles
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DIVORCE FORM PREPARATION
Have All of Your Documents Completed For You! This easy to use, accurate, and up-to-date on-line divorce service is a perfect "do it yourself (without a lawyer)" solution for any uncontested divorce (with or without children) that will be filed in the state of California. You can get "Real Person" customer support by phone & e-mail, plus access to 40 downloadable books (valued at over $750). Get started on your California divorce forms today.
QDRO PREPARATION
QdroDesk - is an industry proven online service providing divorcing spouses with an instant, easy, accurate, and affordable method for obtaining Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), the appropriate settlement agreement language, and processing instructions to divide a retirement account upon divorce. The service is a result that only 45 years of combined QDRO experience can provide. When combining this expertise with a smart question and answer technology, QdroDesk has easily become the ideal solution for QDRO preparation.
PARALEGALS
The Legal TypeLegal Document Assistant
Phone: (408) 298-8656
Office Locations:
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560 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite 500 San Jose, CA 95128 |
510 N. First Street, Suite 204 San Jose, CA 95112 |
Wallis & Associates
1037 N. Grand Ave., Ste. 116
Covina, California 91724
Phone: (626) 974-1778
DIVORCE AND PARENTING SERVICES
Center for Divorce Education
1005 East State Street, Suite G
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740-594-2526
Email:
Online parenting education to keep children out of the middle of divorce.
Christian Divorce Services
1217 Hilltop Ave
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 614-774-3766
Email:
We have locations in every state. When reconciliation has failed, we provide Christian legal alternatives consistent with 1Cor 6: 1-8. Please Contact Michael Wayland at our central office for a referral to a local office.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
| California Investigation Services Jay Rosenzweig 22817 Ventura Blvd, Suite 262 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Counties Served: Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino Phone: 1-866-572-3463 |
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California Private Investigator
Spousal Infidelity Counseling
Filley & Associates
5758 Geary Blvd, Suite 348
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-462-1631
Fax: 415-462-9722
Website: www.filley.com
Email:
Filley and Associates is a San Francisco private investigator firm, with offices in San Francisco and San Rafael, California. We listen carefully to what you have to say. We make strategically sound recommendations, based on our deep experience with investigating spousal infidelity. Our personnel are experienced and well equipped. We bill fairly and work within your budget. We offer free consultation. All information received and provided is handled with complete confidentiality.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUPS
Divorce Detox
Andra Brosh, Ph.D. and Allison Pescosolido, MA
212 Marine Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 439-8964
Counties Served: Los Angeles
Divorce Care can help you locate a divorce support group in your area. There are thousands of DivorceCare support groups throughout the USA and Canada, and many groups meeting internationally as well.
Partners in Prevention provides consulting and psychological services to
domestic abuse survivors before, during and post divorce. Additionally, we serve
as consulting experts in both civil and criminal domestic violence cases. We
also offer continuing medical and nursing education in domestic abuse assessment
and clinical management to healthcare professionals. You can contact us at:
13918 E. Mississippi Ave
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 720-222-1058
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
Safe At Home Confidential Address ProgramCalifornia Partnership to End Domestic Violence
CA Domestic Violence Services
DIVORCE LAW
California Family Law - self-help informationCA Divorce Code
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS AND WHERE TO FILE: To file for a dissolution of marriage (divorce), one party must be a resident of California for six months, and a resident of the county in which the proceeding is filed for three months, before filing the petition. The superior court has jurisdiction in proceedings under this code. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 200, 2320]
LEGAL GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE: Dissolution of the marriage or legal
separation may be based on either of the following grounds: (a) Irreconcilable differences, which have caused
the irremediable breakdown of the marriage; or (b) Incurable insanity (only upon
proof). [Based on
California Family Code - Sections: 2310]
LEGAL SEPARATION: The grounds for a legal separation are the same
as the grounds for a divorce, and the same residency requirements must be
met. After entry of a judgment of legal separation of the parties, the
earnings or accumulations of each party are the separate property of the party
acquiring the earnings or accumulations. [Based on California Family Code -
Sections: 2310, 2320, 772]
MEDIATION OR COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS: When issues are being contested, and there is a minor child of the spouses or parents or of either of them whose welfare might be affected thereby, the family conciliation court has jurisdiction as provided in this part over the controversy and over the parties to the controversy and over all persons having any relation to the controversy. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 1830]
PROPERTY DISTRIBUTION: California is a community property state. Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property (wherever situated) acquired during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property. Except upon the written agreement of the parties, or on oral stipulation of the parties in open court, or as otherwise provided in this division, the court shall divide the community estate of the parties equally. Separate property is not included in the division of the community estate.
Separate property of a married person includes all of the following: (1) All property owned by the person before marriage. (2) All property acquired by the person after marriage by gift, bequest, devise, or descent. (3) The rents, issues, and profits of the property described in this section. (b) A married person may, without the consent of the person's spouse, convey the person's separate property. After entry of a judgment of legal separation of the parties, the earnings or accumulations of each party are the separate property of the party acquiring the earnings or accumulations. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 760, 770, 772, 2550]
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ALIMONY/SPOUSAL SUPPORT: The court shall consider all of the following
circumstances where determining spousal support:
(a) The ability to
maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, taking into
account all of the following: (1) The ability of the spouse seeking support to
gain self-supporting employment (2) The extent to which that spouse's present or future earning capacity
was impaired by periods of
unemployment during the marriage to permit the supported
party to devote time to domestic duties. (b) The extent to which the supported
party contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career
position, or a license by the supporting party. (c) The ability of the
supporting party to pay spousal support. (d) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established
during the marriage. (e) The obligations and assets, including the separate
property, of each party. (f) The duration of the marriage. (g) The ability of
the supported party to be gainfully employed without unduly interfering
with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party. (h) The
age and health of the parties. (i) Documented evidence of any history of
domestic violence between the parties. (j) The immediate and specific tax consequences to each party.
(k) The balance of the hardships to each party. (l) The goal that the supported
party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time. (m) Any other factors
the court determines are just and equitable. [Based on California Family Code -
Sections: 4320] » Return to top
SPOUSE'S NAME: In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or for an annulment, but not in a proceeding for legal separation of the parties, the court, upon the request of a party, shall restore the birth name or former name of that party, regardless of whether or not a request for restoration of the name was included in the petition. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 2080]
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CHILD CUSTODY: Either parent may be awarded custody. There is neither a preference nor a presumption for or
against joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody, allowing
the court and the family the widest discretion to choose a parenting plan that
is in the best interest of the child. In making a determination of the best interest of the
child when deciding custody, the court shall consider all
of the following:
- The health, safety, and welfare of the child.
- Any history of abuse by one parent or any other person seeking custody against any of the following: (1) Any child to whom he or she is related by blood or affinity or with whom he or she has had a care-taking relationship, no matter how temporary. (2) The other parent. (3) A parent, current spouse, or cohabitant, of the parent or person seeking custody, or a person with whom the parent or person seeking custody has a dating or engagement relationship.
- The nature and amount of contact with both parents, except as provided in Section 3046.
- The habitual or continual illegal use of controlled substances or habitual or continual abuse of alcohol by either parent. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply if the parties stipulate in writing or on the record regarding custody or visitation.
- Any other factors the court finds relevant.
[Based on California Family Code - Sections: 3010, 3011, 3040]
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CHILD SUPPORT: Both parents of a minor child have an equal
responsibility to support their child in the manner suitable to the child's
circumstances. The duty of support continues until the time the child completes the
12th grade or attains the age of 19 years, whichever occurs first. Both
parents have an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of
their ability, a child of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a
living and without sufficient means.
The court shall adhere to the statewide uniform guideline and may depart from the guideline only in the special circumstances set forth in this article. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 3900, 3901,3910, 4052] » Return to top
PREMARITAL AGREEMENT: To be valid, a premarital agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties. It is enforceable without consideration. Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following: (1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property. (3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event. (4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement. (5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy. (6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement. (7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.
The right of a child to support may not be adversely affected by a premarital
agreement. Any provision regarding spousal support, including but not limited to, a waiver of it, is not enforceable if the party
against whom enforcement of the spousal support provision is sought was not
represented by independent counsel at the time the agreement was signed, or if the provision regarding spousal support is
unconscionable at the time of enforcement. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 1611,
1612]
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