Skilled Divorce Lawyers Helping Clients in Cathedral City, CA
The experienced family law attorneys in Cathedral City at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., comprehend the divorce process and can provide clear answers to your inquiries about divorce in Riverside County. Finding the best legal representation during this significant life transition is crucial. We handle divorce cases from all Riverside County cities, Palm Springs, La Quinta, and beyond. Our Cathedral City divorce attorney collaborates with you to safeguard your family and financial assets for the present and the future. With over thirty-five years of experience navigating complex divorce and family law matters, we will defend your rights and vigorously advocate for your interests.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we’re here to clarify your legal rights and assist you in defining your objectives throughout the divorce proceedings.
Our attorneys guide all aspects of family law related to divorce, including:
- Child custody
- Domestic violence
- Visitation rights
- Property division, including uncovering hidden assets
- Alimony
- Child support
Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, holds the title of Certified Family Law Specialist. She has undergone additional education and training and successfully passed a written examination focusing on family law, earning certification from the State Board of Legal Specialists as a specialist in this field. Contact our office today and let us show you our dedication to providing outstanding client service.
How can a divorce lawyer in Cathedral City assist you?
A family law attorney in Cathedral City will have the expertise to guide your divorce case toward the most favorable outcome possible. They’ll pursue your objectives using effective legal strategies and tactics, allowing you to concentrate on your future. An experienced law firm will also offer valuable resources to support your divorce proceedings, including access to experts and assistants who can simplify the filing process.
Hiring a divorce attorney ensures you have a strong legal advocate committed to safeguarding your rights and interests. Your attorney can enhance the chances of reaching a settlement and avoiding a lengthy and expensive trial. Moreover, they can alleviate the emotional strain of divorce by addressing your concerns and supporting you and your family. Collaborating with an experienced divorce lawyer in Cathedral City can lead to a more favorable resolution and a smoother legal journey for your family.
Distinguishing Legal Separation from Divorce
Before proceeding with a divorce in Cathedral City, it’s essential to determine if it’s the right choice for your situation. Some couples may find that legal separation offers a better alternative for various reasons. For instance, if you wish to retain certain benefits associated with marriage, like insurance coverage or healthcare, a legal separation may allow you to maintain those benefits while living separately, as you’ll still be considered married on paper.
Legal separation also provides a viable option for couples considering reconciliation. Unlike divorce, legal separation can be easily reversed, making it a more flexible choice for those uncertain about the future of their marriage. Additionally, legal separation can be an intermediary step before divorce, allowing couples to separate their finances, credit, and bank accounts and establish individual financial independence. It also facilitates the creation of a settlement agreement or judgment for separation, which can streamline the divorce process if pursued later on.
Apart from divorce and legal separation, other legal avenues exist, such as annulment. An annulment nullifies marriage in the eyes of the law, effectively erasing the union and restoring both parties to “single” status. This option may be suitable if the marriage was never legally valid, such as in cases involving bigamy, incest, underage marriage without parental consent, fraud, or coercion.
Helpful and supportive
Debra and team were so helpful and supportive through the most difficult time in my life. Grateful to the team for their advice – would highly recommend their services to anyone needing a divorce attorney.
Reasons for Divorce in Cathedral City, CA
In California, divorces are not based on fault but result from irreconcilable differences or an irreparable marriage breakdown. Therefore, California is considered a “no-fault” divorce state.
You must meet residency requirements to file for divorce in California. One spouse must have been a resident of California for at least six months before initiating the divorce proceedings. Additionally, they must have lived in the county where the divorce is filed for at least three months before filing.
These residency requirements don’t apply to same-sex couples married in California but residing in states that don’t recognize same-sex divorce.
If spouses can’t meet California’s residency requirements, they can file for legal separation and amend their filing to divorce once residency requirements are met. A divorce is finalized once a judge issues an order, and the minimum waiting period for a divorce in California is six months.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Cathedral City
A divorce in Cathedral City can be categorized as either contested or uncontested, depending on whether you and your spouse can collaborate on defining the terms of your divorce. You’ll have an uncontested divorce if you can agree on all significant issues—every aspect of your divorce case. Otherwise, your divorce will be considered contested.
In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse can decide on matters such as child custody, child support, visitation, and property division. If you can compromise on these issues, a judge in Riverside will approve the settlement you create without needing a trial. Opting for an uncontested divorce can save you time and money by avoiding courtroom proceedings. It also allows you to maintain privacy and confidentiality throughout the divorce process.
On the other hand, if you and your spouse can’t agree on the terms of your divorce, you’ll have a contested case. In this scenario, you’ll need to appear before a judge in Riverside, who will then determine the terms of the dissolution. The final decisions will be beyond your control. However, not letting your spouse pressure you into accepting their terms is essential. Utilize the assistance of an attorney to negotiate while safeguarding your rights.
Child Custody in a Cathedral City Divorce
When California courts determine child custody, their main concern is the well-being of the children and the custodial parent’s capability to provide care. California recognizes two types of custody: legal and physical.
Legal custody involves making significant decisions in the child’s life, such as healthcare, education, and religious upbringing. On the other hand, physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides or stays.
Courts consider the following factors when assessing child custody:
- The age and health of the child.
- The emotional bond between each parent and the child.
- The parents’ ability to provide care for the child, including emotionally, physically, and financially.
- Any history of family violence or substance abuse.
- The child’s connections to their school, home, and community.
Courts do not prioritize one parent over the other based on their gender, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs when granting custody.
Contact our Compassionate Cathedral City Divorce Lawyer Today
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our attorneys are skilled advocates committed to offering you the practical guidance and representation you need. We prioritize your family and future and strive to keep you well-informed every step of the way. Reach out to us today!
We will attentively listen to your concerns and passionately advocate for your interests, whether it involves safeguarding your children, securing a fair financial settlement, or navigating the divorce process smoothly. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., is here to support you.
