Riverside Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is often one of the most stressful and emotional experiences a person can face. Even in amicable separations, discussions about child custody and asset division can become contentious. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. At The Sands Law Group APLC, located in Riverside, California, our experienced and compassionate family law attorneys are dedicated to helping clients navigate this challenging process as quickly, painlessly, and economically as possible.

We provide exceptional legal representation at affordable fees and boast a multi-lingual staff fluent in French, Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, and English, ensuring clear communication and comprehensive legal services for all our clients.

When searching for the best divorce attorney in Riverside, CA, experience and expertise are essential. At the Sands Law Group APLC, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive knowledge of California family law and our proven track record in successfully handling divorce cases.

Here’s why we are your top choice for a Riverside divorce law firm:

Strategies tailored to individual families

Every divorce case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Our Riverside divorce lawyers take the time to understand your specific situation and craft personalized legal strategies that fit your needs.

Empathetic Family Support

We recognize that divorce can be emotionally overwhelming. Our compassionate divorce attorneys are dedicated to providing empathetic support throughout the process, ensuring you feel heard and valued.

Strong Legal Advocacy for Families

Divorce cases often involve complex legal issues requiring expert handling. Our firm’s strong advocacy skills ensure we fight for your rights and protect your best interests every step of the way.

For exceptional legal representation and a supportive approach, trust the Sands Law Group APLC, your best choice for divorce attorneys in Riverside.

Yes, California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither spouse is required to prove that the other spouse was responsible for the cause of the divorce. The Legislature eliminated the fault-based system, recognizing that changes in societal needs were compelling enough to base the dissolution of marriage on the breakdown of the relationship, rather than assigning guilt or fault.

This approach allows couples to divorce amicably without needing to provide evidence of wrongdoing by either party, simplifying the divorce process and focusing on resolving issues such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements.

In California, the divorce process starts with filing numerous forms, especially if your case involves child custody and property division. While it’s possible to pursue a divorce without legal assistance, DIY divorces often result in higher costs, extended timelines, and increased stress.

At the Sands Law Group APLC in Riverside, our experienced divorce lawyers streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. We handle all aspects of your case, from paperwork to court representation, helping you achieve the best possible outcome with minimal stress. Trust our expertise to navigate your divorce smoothly and effectively.

When seeking a divorce in Riverside, couples can choose between a contested or uncontested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is ideal if both parties mutually agree on key issues such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. While some details may still need resolution, an uncontested divorce signifies that the spouses have reached a general consensus and prefer legal guidance to avoid a chaotic court dispute.

Contested Divorce

Choosing an uncontested divorce can be more cost-effective and quicker, giving both parties greater control over the final outcome. However, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate switching to a contested divorce during the process, highlighting the importance of having a skilled Riverside divorce attorney from the outset.

At The Sands Law Group APLC, our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through either type of divorce, ensuring your interests are protected every step of the way.

Divorce Options in a Riverside Contested Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but understanding your options can make the process smoother. If you’re considering a contested divorce in Riverside, California, it’s essential to know the pathways available to resolve disagreements over divorce-related issues.

Mediation

Divorce mediation is a voluntary process aimed at helping divorcing spouses reach a consensual settlement on all divorce-related issues without stepping into a courtroom. In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between both parties to help them negotiate terms such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Many couples in California choose mediation because it is confidential, more affordable, faster, and less stressful compared to traditional court trials. Mediation allows both parties to maintain control over their decisions and is often a more peaceful approach to resolving a contested divorce.

Arbitration

Arbitration offers another option for couples seeking an informal approach to dispute resolution. In this process, a neutral arbitrator is hired to make binding decisions regarding contested issues. Unlike mediation, where spouses come to a mutual agreement, arbitration results in a decision imposed by the arbitrator, which both parties are legally obligated to follow. Arbitration is a good option for couples who wish to avoid the courtroom but still want a binding resolution to their disagreements. This process can be more efficient and private than a court trial, but it also carries less flexibility than mediation.

Court Trial or Divorce Litigation

When divorcing couples cannot reach an agreement through mediation or arbitration, the next option is a court trial, also known as divorce litigation. In this scenario, the case goes before a judge who will decide on all unresolved divorce matters, including asset division, custody, and support. Divorce litigation is often the most expensive and stressful option due to the time and costs associated with court appearances, legal fees, and the emotional toll of a drawn-out process. However, it may be the only viable route for couples facing complex or highly contentious issues.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is a unique process in which each spouse hires their own attorney, along with other professionals such as financial advisors or therapists, to help negotiate a divorce settlement outside of court. The goal is to create a cooperative environment where both parties and their legal teams work together to reach a resolution that meets everyone’s needs. However, this approach can be costly due to the additional professionals involved.

Collaborative divorce can be beneficial for couples who are committed to resolving their differences amicably but still need professional guidance to finalize their divorce terms.

An uncontested divorce can be an attractive option for many couples in California looking to end their marriage amicably. Unlike a contested divorce, an uncontested divorce allows both parties to agree on major issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, without requiring a lengthy and costly court battle.

Saves Money

One of the most significant advantages of an uncontested divorce is the financial savings. Because both parties reach an agreement without extensive litigation, there’s no need for prolonged court appearances or costly attorney fees. This makes uncontested divorce an affordable option compared to traditional divorce proceedings.

Saves Time

Uncontested divorces typically move through the legal process much faster than contested divorces. Since both parties agree on the terms, the court’s role is mainly to review and approve the divorce agreement. This streamlined process allows couples to finalize their divorce more quickly, enabling them to move forward with their lives sooner.

Amicable Process

An uncontested divorce is generally more amicable because it encourages cooperation between spouses. By avoiding courtroom confrontations, couples can focus on maintaining a respectful relationship, which is especially important if they have children. This peaceful approach can help reduce stress and emotional strain for both parties.

Mutual Agreement

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses come to a mutual agreement regarding the terms of the divorce. This means they have control over the decisions that impact their lives, rather than leaving it up to a judge. This flexibility allows couples to customize their divorce terms to suit their unique needs and circumstances.

More Cooperative

The cooperative nature of uncontested divorce can set a positive foundation for future interactions between ex-spouses, particularly when co-parenting is involved. This mutual understanding can make post-divorce communication easier, fostering a more stable and supportive environment for any children involved.

Does Not Work for Cases of Domestic Violence

Uncontested divorce may not be a viable option if there is a history of domestic violence in the relationship. In such cases, power imbalances or intimidation can make it difficult for one spouse to negotiate freely or safely. A contested divorce may offer more protection and ensure that the rights and safety of both parties are adequately considered.

Does Not Work if There is a History of Abuse

Relationships with a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse are not well-suited to uncontested divorce. The dynamics of abuse can create an unfair negotiating environment, where one party may feel pressured to agree to terms that are not in their best interest. A contested divorce, with legal representation and court oversight, can provide a safer and more equitable path to separation.

Not Suitable When Parties Are Unwilling to Communicate

An uncontested divorce requires open and honest communication between both spouses. If either party is unwilling or unable to communicate, an uncontested divorce may not be feasible. Couples who cannot reach a mutual agreement on critical issues will likely need the assistance of the court to resolve their disputes through a contested divorce process.

In California, the terms “divorce” and “marriage dissolution” are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to the legal process of ending a marriage. However, from a legal standpoint, there is no substantial difference between the two terms. Both divorce and marriage dissolution refer to the same process of legally terminating a marriage in California.

Under California law, the process of divorce or marriage dissolution involves several key steps:

1. Filing the Petition: The process begins by filing a petition with the court. The party initiating the process is referred to as the petitioner, while the other party is known as the respondent. The petitioner files the necessary documents, which outline the grounds for divorce or marriage dissolution and the requested relief, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division.
2. Legal Requirements: Since California is a “no-fault” divorce state, the grounds for divorce or marriage dissolution can simply be irreconcilable differences, meaning that there has been an irremediable breakdown of the marital relationship. The court does not consider fault when dividing property or determining spousal support.
3. Division of Assets and Debts: California follows the community property principle, which generally means that marital assets and debts are divided equally between the spouses. However, the court has the discretion to deviate from a 50/50 split based on factors such as the financial circumstances of each party, the length of the marriage, and contributions to the acquisition and maintenance of assets.
4. Child Custody and Support: In cases involving children, the court prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements. Child support is also calculated based on state guidelines, taking into account factors such as income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on general principles of California family law and may not encompass all aspects or complexities of individual cases. Consulting with an experienced family law firm such as The Sands Law Group in Riverside is essential to receive personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation and to navigate the divorce or marriage dissolution process effectively.

A divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. When a divorce is finalized, the marriage is completely dissolved, and both parties are free to remarry if they choose to do so. In a divorce case, the court addresses issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The court’s decisions on these matters are binding and enforceable. Divorce proceedings require filing a petition for divorce, and there is typically a mandatory waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.

Legal separation, on the other hand, is a legal process that allows couples to live apart and address important issues without terminating the marriage. It provides an alternative to divorce for those who may have religious, financial, or personal reasons for not seeking a divorce. In a legal separation, the court can still address matters such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support, similar to a divorce case. However, at the end of a legal separation process, the couple remains legally married. This means they cannot remarry unless they subsequently file for divorce.

It’s important to note that a legal separation can serve as a precursor to divorce. If a couple decides to proceed with a divorce after a legal separation, they can convert the legal separation into a divorce by filing a request with the court. This avoids the need to start the divorce process from scratch.

By following these eight steps, you can navigate the divorce process in Riverside County. Remember to consult with a qualified attorney or seek legal advice specific to your situation for personalized guidance.

Experienced divorce attorneys should review your case, determine the most appropriate legal strategy for moving forward, and ensure that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the entirety of the process. Contact The Sands Law Group, ALPC today for a confidential consultation about your case.