Divorce Lawyer
Divorces can be hostile, and if you're a man, you may face many disadvantages and stigmas that can hurt your chances of a positive outcome.
Our divorce lawyers aim to dispel these disadvantages so men can protect their assets, reputations, and children.
See how the attorneys at The Dadvocates help men throughout California achieve the best possible outcomes in their divorce proceedings...
Serving Communities Throughout California
Our divorce attorneys are proud to serve men throughout the following communities and beyond:
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Fresno
- Los Angeles
- Monterey
- Oakland
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Rosa
Receive Convenient Legal Counsel
With Our Attorneys
Much is at stake in a divorce and our family law attorneys can provide you with the knowledge and resources necessary to give you the best chances at obtaining a favorable outcome.
Our law firm serves men throughout California and we want to be accessible to you no matter where you live. To make our services more convenient, we allow potential clients to undergo online consultations and can sometimes handle entire divorce cases remotely. Request your consultation with our law practice today.
(818) 824-5800
Filing for Divorce In the State of California
Exploring Eligibility
Before you can file for divorce in the state of California, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county where you are filing your divorce for at least three months. Once you have established residency, you may begin the divorce process.
No-Fault Divorce
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the spouse filing for divorce doesn't have to prove that the other spouse did anything wrong. No spouse has to be blamed for the end of the marriage. It's legal to simply divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
Prioritizing Your Children What to Consider During Custody Disputes
The court is going to prioritize the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of your children when it comes to parenting and caregiving decisions. When choosing who will receive primary custody of children, courts will consider many factors, including:
- Each parent's mental, physical, and emotional state
- The safety and stability of each household
- The wishes of the children, if they are old enough to express their preference
Our family law lawyers can give you the best chances at securing primary custody of your children when it serves their best interests.
Get the Representation You Need
Divorce can be hostile enough as is, but when children are part of the equation, things can get particularly difficult. As a father, you want the best possible outcome for your kids, and that's an outcome where you're able to have a meaningful relationship with them, even if you are no longer married to their mother.
The Dadvocates is a law firm that is dedicated to the rights of fathers throughout California who want the best possible outcome for their divorce and other family law matters. If you could benefit from legal counsel, we want to hear from you. Request a consultation by filling out our contact form or call our main office serving men throughout California:
(818) 824-5800
Understanding the Divorce Process
What if I Can't Access My Spouse?
Some situations may arise in which serving your spouse is difficult. These situations may include:
- You don't know where your spouse is
- Your spouse is in the military or in jail
- Your spouse is not living in the state of California
If you're having difficulties finding your spouse and delivering the court forms, our lawyers can help.
Get Real Advice From Divorce Attorneys
Who are Committed to Protecting the Interests of Men and Fathers
Historically, men face disadvantages in court when families break apart. Our goal is to give men the representation they need to live comfortably and continue having healthy relationships with their children once their divorces have been finalized.
Our attorneys at The Dadvocates will tell you the facts and your chances of winning your case from the start. Let us help you uphold your reputation and live peacefully. Contact us to see what we can do for you:
(818) 824-5800
What Is Considered in a High Asset Divorce
Division of Assets
Properties, bank accounts, and businesses may need to be divided in a divorce. Our attorneys can help locate and determine the value of assets to distribute them equally.
Prenuptial Agreements
Any prenuptial agreement signed prior to getting married will need to be carefully reviewed to ensure the terms are valid. A prenuptial agreement can help avoid a lengthy court battle over financial matters.
Challenging a Prenuptial Agreement
It's possible to challenge a prenuptial agreement in many cases, including:
The agreement was not put into writing
The agreement was signed without access to legal representation
A spouse was coerced or misled into signing the prenup
A spouse did not accurately record their assets
Facing Domestic Violence Accusations? Our Attorneys Can Help Clear Your Name
Domestic violence and child abuse accusations can harm a man's chances of securing a positive outcome in their divorce. Our divorce attorneys can provide you with the defense necessary to combat these accusations should they arise during your divorce proceedings.
Past Abuse
Even if you and your spouse have had domestic abuse situations in the past, our attorneys can help you prove that you've addressed these issues and reformed. Our attorneys can even seek to modify or terminate a protection order so you can continue to be present in your children's lives.
False Allegations
False allegations of domestic violence sometimes arise in divorce proceedings, resulting in a negative outcome. Our divorce lawyers can fight these false accusations by providing a compelling defense to protect your reputation, freedom, and children.
Let Our Lawyers Clear Your Name
If your spouse has made claims of domestic violence or child abuse against you, let our lawyers build a case to prove how you've reformed or to prove these accusations are false. We want to protect your reputation and improve your chances of having meaningful relationships with your children.
We understand that men may want to initiate the divorce process as soon as possible, so our attorneys are available after hours and on weekends. Request a consultation with our lawyers in California by calling:
(818) 824-5800
Men Can Be Victims of Domestic Violence
Our lawyers can help protect you and your children from an abusive spouse. If you fear for your safety, you may be able to obtain a temporary restraining order against your spouse when you file for divorce.
Military Considerations
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Military divorces can be complex, so if you or your spouse are serving in the military, The Dadvocates can help you determine if you should file your divorce in California, handle paperwork if you or your spouse are currently deployed, and protect your interests when it comes to military compensation and benefits.
FAQ for Divorce in California
What Happens if My Spouse Refuses To Give Me a Divorce?
In California, it only takes one spouse to end a marriage, even if the other party doesn't agree. If your spouse refuses to participate in the case, you can still receive a default judgment and the divorce will be valid.
How Can I Keep the House in a Divorce?
If the house is separate property, whoever bought the house will get the house in the divorce; however, California is a community property state, meaning all shared property must be divided equally between two spouses. If you and your spouse bought the house together, you may sell the house and divide the profits, buy out your spouse by paying them their share, or win custody of your children and defer the sale of the home so you can continue to raise your children in an environment that's familiar to them.
How Long Does Divorce Take?
California law requires a mandatory waiting period, so divorces will take a minimum of six months from the date of the person filing for divorce serves their spouse the divorce papers. This six-month waiting period is mandatory even in cases where both parties agree to the divorce; however, the divorce process can take much longer, especially if there are child custody or property disputes.
What Should I Do After My Divorce?
After your divorce has been approved, there are several things you should think about, including changing the beneficiary on your will and life insurance policy, closing joint accounts, and informing your employer of your divorce so they can change your income tax withholding status.
