Ventura County, California Divorce Attorney

Divorce is never easy. If you are considering marital dissolution for reasons ranging from infidelity or domestic abuse to persistent inability to communicate, divorce is a major, life-changing decision. If your spouse has filed for divorce, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of moving forward on your own.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping good-willed people solve problems and make sound decisions with confidence. Our divorce lawyers in Ventura County, CA are adept analysts, relentless in building strong cases that address each client’s foremost concerns. While we help men and women settle the great majority of divorce cases, we are also forceful and dynamic trial litigators who are eminently qualified to go the distance and win for you.

Selecting the best divorce attorney in Ventura County, California

The Ventura divorce attorney you choose to guide you through the California divorce or legal separation process will almost certainly have a major impact on your ability to emerge from it without regret. Embodying values derived from the strong Christian faith and resolve to reflect our firm founder’s service as a U.S. Marine, the firm of Hartley Lamas Et Al – Attorneys at Law is an outstanding resource for advocacy in:

• A divorce that is relatively amicable/ collaborative but requires careful analysis of key issues and detail-focused development of a marital settlement agreement.
• A divorce is certain or likely to be intensely contested, often due to disputes over child custody and visitation, spousal support, or other vital concerns.
• A traumatic, stressful case arising, for example, from a spouse’s long-term physical abuse, psychological bullying, substance abuse, or refusal to respect and support your family values.
• Dissolution of a domestic partnership.
• Same-sex divorces.
• Military divorces.

Things to know about California divorce laws

As we know, divorce laws vary from state to state and if you live in California and are seeking a divorce from your spouse, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Below, we guide you through the specifications of filing for divorce in the state of California.

A no-fault state

While all states require certain legal grounds for divorce, California is a no-fault state. If you are filing for divorce in California, the court would not ask your reason to divorce. Instead, courts allow anyone and everyone to seek divorce without having any legal grounds.

Residential limitations

Although an applicant can file for divorce in California without any legal grounds, one of the spouses must be a resident of California for at least six months. They also need the residence of at least 3 months of the county they are filing from. 

A community property state

California is a community property state i.e. whatever estate the couple acquires during their marriage equally belongs to both of them. Such property is divided amongst the couple on a 50/50 basis at the time of divorce. But this rule does not apply to third-party gifts like inheritance and also to separate property that the individuals owned before getting married.

Common law marriages are void

In California, a couple living together for a long time is not considered to be married while in other states such couples are said to be married under common law. A common law marriage in California does not qualify for a divorce. Such marriages can be dissolved without any legal action.

FAQs on Divorce

Divorce cases may seem simple but there is a lot of grey area that needs to be covered. Before selecting a Ventura County divorce attorney, get all the information you need on divorce. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions on the dissolution of marriages. 

How to file for divorce?

The process begins by completing the required paperwork and filing it with the court. After the applicant submits the divorce application, a copy of that application is sent to the respondent. Once your spouse has been notified, they are expected to confirm that they have received the said application. Then the court starts the process of termination of the marriage. There is also a waiting time offered before finalizing the divorce. The waiting time varies from state to state.

How long does a divorce take?

Generally speaking, a divorce can take from six to eight months to be finalized, provided that the court procedures and requirements are carried out promptly. But in some cases, a divorce can take longer. Some divorce cases have lengthy proceedings and are more complicated in nature. For example, divorces that have complex child custody cases or marital estates can even take years.

How much does a divorce cost?

Divorce applications do not come with a one-size-fits-all price tag. Divorce costs can differ depending on the case. The cost also depends on the fact whether a divorce is contested or uncontested. The time duration might be another factor affecting the divorce cost. However, if a figure is what you are looking for, an average divorce might cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

If my spouse and I live in different states, in which state can I file for divorce?

You and your spouse may file for divorce in either one of the states where you two reside. While some states require a residential requirement of six months, others require it of a year. Either way, you or your spouse must be a resident of the state where the application is being filed.

Contact the best divorce lawyers in Ventura County, California

Our work speaks for itself. Hartley Lama’s many satisfied clients – from Santa Barbara and Ojai to Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, and all points in between – consistently comment on our dedication to their causes.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19::7

Whether your greatest concerns involve your rights as a father or mother, your child’s right to a safe and stable home, ensuring you receive a fair property and support settlement although your spouse is self-employed and/or has hidden assets and/or complicated assets, or escaping intact from an emotionally oppressive marriage, we are here to help. Contact our offices in Ventura anytime to schedule an initial consultation focused on your specific legal needs.