Hidden Hills Divorce Attorneys
Professional Guidance for Complex Family Matters
The emotional and financial toll divorce takes can feel overwhelming, especially when the future of your family and your livelihood are at stake. Whether you're facing disagreements about child custody, property division, or spousal support, navigating these challenges requires more than legal knowledge—it requires experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of California divorce law.
At Feinberg & Waller, APC, we provide compassionate, professional guidance during some of the most difficult times in our clients' lives. With a track record of handling complex family law cases, we offer legal insights and a commitment to our clients’ well-being and long-term security. Our divorce lawyers serving Hidden Hills understand the nuances of California's divorce process, from the initial filing to the final decree, and can help clients make reasoned, confident decisions.
When you work with us, you're not just hiring a lawyer—you're gaining a dedicated team that can tirelessly protect your interests. We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, keeping you informed, empowered, and supported through every stage.
If you're facing divorce in Hidden Hills, call us at (866) 452-3644 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
California’s No-Fault Divorce Law
Under California’s no-fault divorce law (California Family Code § 2310), spouses seeking a divorce must prove only irreconcilable differences—meaning that they cannot resolve the issues within the marriage. These differences may range from conflicting parenting styles to deep-rooted financial disagreements, lack of trust, or differing personal beliefs and values. Whatever the cause, California allows couples to end their marriage without the burden of proving fault.
The no-fault divorce system simplifies the process by removing the need to prove wrongdoing. Still, it doesn’t directly determine the outcome of issues like custody, spousal support, or asset division. Instead, these decisions are based on equitable distribution and the child's best interests. However, misconduct by one spouse—such as hiding assets or committing domestic violence—can still significantly influence these outcomes.
Navigating the emotional and economic complexities of divorce requires careful consideration of the facts to protect financial and parental rights adequately. Our team brings extensive experience, thoroughly analyzing each case to understand the unique circumstances that affect our clients. We work strategically toward a fair, just outcome that supports our client’s future and their family’s well-being.
The Timeline for a California Divorce
Understanding the divorce process in California can provide much-needed clarity and reassurance as you navigate this difficult time. The timeline for divorce can vary depending on the case's specifics. Still, you must follow certain steps and legal requirements.
The following is a breakdown of the general divorce process and the factors that may affect the timeline:
- Filing for divorce – To begin the divorce process, at least one spouse must have been a California resident for at least 6 months and lived in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 3 months.
- Serving divorce papers – Once the petitioner files the divorce petition, they must have the other spouse served with the documents. The petitioner cannot do the service themselves. Someone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the case, such as a professional process server or a county sheriff, must do it. After being served, the other spouse has 30 days to respond to the petition.
- Negotiation and settlement – The spouses may attempt to negotiate or settle issues like property division, child custody, and support. Negotiation can be done through mediation or, if necessary, through court hearings or a trial. How long this stage takes depends on the complexity of the issues and how quickly the spouses can agree.
- Final judgment and decree – Once all issues are resolved by settlement or court ruling, a judge issues the final judgment and decree of divorce, legally ending the marriage. California law requires a six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
Factors such as contested issues, complex financial matters, or court backlogs can extend the timeline. Disputes over property, custody, or other key issues can add time to the process, so it's essential to have an experienced attorney guiding you through each step to protect your rights and interests.