Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles

Filing for divorce is a big step that comes with many difficult decisions. Regardless of how long you have been married, you and your spouse must separate your lives and determine how to move forward, especially if children are involved. Our divorce attorney in Los Angeles, CA can help you through this difficult time and provide sound counsel to help you and your spouse come to a satisfactory agreement. 

S.L. Pitts has been helping Southern California clients with their divorces for more than 20 years. Our firm has the extensive knowledge and skill to help you regardless of your circumstances. We understand how challenging and emotional this process can be, and a California family law lawyer will listen to you and guide you through the process. We protect your interests and help you get the most favorable outcome possible.

S.L. Pitts is Committed to You

S.L. Pitts handles your divorce with the sensitivity and discretion it deserves. Whether you are starting or ending a marriage in Los Angeles County, we understand that you are taking a big step forward in your life. We help you navigate the big decisions that come with these moments so you are protected and can make the right decision for you and your family. When you hire our team, you can expect us to:

• Focus on you from start to finish
• Give you honest advice
• Show respect in all interactions
• Identify and implement creative solutions to the problems you face
• Work as a team to reach a resolution
• Keep your information confidential

When you work with our L.A. divorce attorneys, you can enjoy confidence and peace of mind that you are our top priority and that we will secure you the most favorable outcome possible. Our team acts with integrity and provides you with sound counsel and excellent service from start to finish.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Provide Protection in the Event of a Divorce

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are designed to help couples preemptively make decisions about their assets and more in the event of a divorce. Both documents are legal contracts, but the main difference is that prenuptial agreements are drafted before a couple is married, and postnuptial agreements are drafted afterward. California prenuptial agreement laws dictate the parameters of these contracts. 

Prenups and postnups can be especially beneficial for high-net-worth and high-asset couples in Los Angeles. This can help you and your partner make decisions early on that could streamline divorce proceedings if you choose to end the marriage. These agreements can significantly reduce the time it takes to finalize your divorce. 

While every state is different, California recognizes and enforces prenuptial and postnuptial agreements as long as they are entered into willingly, are fair, and are signed. Couples must also adhere to the seven-day waiting period between drafting the agreement and signing. Legal counsel should be sought when drafting a prenuptial agreement to ensure enforceability from the start, to amend the contract at a later date, or determine your options when filing for divorce. 

Legal Separation is Possible for Couples Who are Not Ready for a Divorce

Divorce may not be the answer for every couple. Los Angeles couples may be uncertain if divorce is the right decision for them, or they may see the potential for reconciliation. For some spouses, religious reasons may also preclude them from filing for divorce, or they may want to use this time to decide the terms of their divorce. In these situations, a legal separation in California can provide a better solution.

Unlike divorce, separation does not dissolve the union between spouses. It allows a couple to live independent lives while retaining their status as a married couple. However, they will still need to make decisions about how assets will be split up and how child custody and support will be shared. A separation can also be undone or converted into a divorce, depending on how you and your spouse choose to move forward. 

Understanding the Divorce Process in Los Angeles County

When you file for divorce in L.A., you are seeking to completely dissolve the union. There is a set process you must follow before the divorce is finalized. It is important to work closely with divorce attorneys in Los Angeles County to make sure all steps are completed properly. They can also be an invaluable resource when negotiating the terms of the divorce. 

To begin the process, you must first petition the court for a divorce. The petitioning spouse must serve their partner with divorce papers, who then must review and respond if they want to avoid a default judgment. During the required six-month waiting period, couples can negotiate divorce terms. Couples must share all financial information so decisions can be made about assets, alimony, and child custody and support. A divorce is finalized when all decisions have been made and the court issues approval.

Asset Division Is an Integral Part of Divorce Proceedings

Assets must be divided fairly in a divorce. California is a community property state, which means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered marital property and must be shared equally during a divorce. This is a common area of conflict for many couples. All property and debts in a divorce must be accounted for so everything can be divided fairly. 

California also recognizes separate property, which is any asset or debt that an individual had before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance solely in their name during the marriage. These items are exempt from division. It is also important to be aware that some property may be commingled, which means that it was purchased with a mix of separate and marital funds. These may be more complex to separate during divorce proceedings.

To ensure maximum protection and fairness, our divorce lawyers in Los Angeles can work with you to protect your rights and minimize disputes between you and your spouse. They can also help you navigate situations where your spouse may be hiding assets. Regardless of the situation, a divorce lawyer can streamline this process and handle any obstacles that arise. 

High-Asset Couples Face Unique Challenges When Dividing Assets

High-net-worth or high-asset couples may face unique challenges when filing for divorce and dividing up their assets. These divorces are highly complex, given the value and form of the assets involved. A valuation is generally needed to determine the full value of marital property and how it can be divided, as some assets may not be liquid. These couples may also have to make special considerations when determining custody and child support. 

Spousal Support Requests During a Divorce

During a divorce, a spouse may petition the court for spousal support (alimony). If granted, the other spouse must make payments to the requesting spouse in conjunction with a court order. Granting these requests is up to the discretion of the court system. Courts will consider length of marriage, income, age, health, employability, and more when determining whether or not to grant the request, per California Family Code § 4331. Judges may grant temporary or long-term support.

Custody Arrangements Must be Made During the Divorce Process if Children are Involved

Unfortunately, determining child custody is often contentious during a divorce. Each parent often has ideas and expectations for how they want parenting time to be divided, which may not necessarily align with the other’s expectations. Both parents also want to make sure that they have access to their child and that their rights are upheld. However, the court will always prioritize the best interests of the child in these matters. 

The more parents can work together, the better for the child and the divorce proceedings. Parents are required to create a custody plan that determines how parenting time is divided up, how decisions are made, and so much more. There are many ways parents can share parenting time, and our Los Angeles divorce lawyers can help you and your partner decide which is right for your family. It is important to provide as much stability for children as possible to minimize the impact on them in a divorce.

Understanding Child Visitation Rights

Depending on the circumstances of a couple’s divorce and custody arrangements, one parent may have visitation rights instead of full custody. The court determines a fair schedule for when a parent may spend time with their child, along with any applicable stipulations that may be necessary. Be sure to work with our L.A. divorce attorneys during this process. 

Child Support Establishes How Parenting Expenses Are Shared

In addition to custody plans, you and your spouse will also need to decide on child support. Both parents must remain financially responsible and provide for the child. Typically, the non-custodial or higher-income parent is responsible for making payments. How much is paid depends on each parent’s income. Couples can use an online calculator to calculate child support, but a judge will rule on the amount in the end.

Child support orders are legally binding once they are issued. All payments can be made and tracked through the California Child Support Services website. If a parent makes late payments or refuses to pay, then they may face penalties. Child support orders may also be modified, but the court must sign off first. If either spouse experiences a significant decrease or increase in income, then they can petition the court to change the terms of the order. If the court approves, an amended support order will be issued. 

L.A. Couples Have Options About How They Resolve Divorce Disputes

Conflict is not uncommon during a divorce, so it is important to prepare for it and have a good conflict resolution strategy to deal with it. Based on your circumstances, your Los Angeles divorce lawyers will recommend the most effective alternative dispute resolution method in your case. This may include one of the options below: 

• Collaborative Divorce: This process is ideal for couples who are committed to working together to make decisions about the terms of their divorce. This is a voluntary process, and gives couples the most control over the outcome of their divorce. It also helps couples preserve the relationship, which is especially beneficial if children are involved. 
• Divorce Mediation: This process allows both parties to voluntarily discuss their differences with the aid of a neutral third party known as a mediator. Mediators listen to both parties, facilitate discussion, and help couples reach a decision about their dispute. However, mediators cannot make a decision. Mediation allows couples to keep their divorce private and is less expensive and time-consuming. 
• Divorce Arbitration: This process is more formal than mediation but more informal than litigation. Both parties will have a chance to present their sides before an objective third party known as an arbitrator, who will issue a decision on the matter. Arbitration may be either binding or nonbinding. It is also private, less expensive, and not as lengthy. 
• Divorce Litigation: This process is used when other methods do not yield a decision, or when there is too much contention between couples. This process follows formal court proceedings, and a judge will hear and decide on the terms of the divorce. This process is lengthy, public, expensive, and provides the least amount of control over the outcome. 

Every couple’s situation is different, so the method(s) applied will depend on the specific factors involved in your divorce. The more you and your spouse can work together, the better the process and outcome. If alternative dispute resolution works for you, the court will only need to review and sign off on your divorce terms at the end.

Contact Our Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

S.L. Pitts provides compassionate and assertive advocacy when you are going through a divorce. We know that this is a difficult time for you, and we work diligently to reduce your stress and streamline the process as much as possible. We protect your interests as we help you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce. To discuss your options with our Los Angeles County divorce attorneys, schedule your consultation today.