Divorce can affect nearly every part of your life, including your finances, living arrangements, and relationship with your children. That’s why it is of the utmost importance to have legal representation that can help you protect your interests and achieve your goals once the marriage ends.
An experienced Agoura Hills divorce attorney at Diaran & Bociaga is who you want on your side when the stakes are at their highest. Contact us today in Agoura Hills, California, to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our legal team.
Why Choose Diarian & Bociaga to Handle My Divorce Case in Agoura Hills?
Diarian & Bociaga has become known throughout Southern California for our track record of positive results and personalized client service at a time when clients need them most.
Clients in Agoura Hills, CA, choose our firm time and time again because we:
- Have decades of combined experience handling divorce and family law matters.
- Have a proven history of strong results for clients, including prompt and painless resolutions whenever possible.
- Provide boutique-level client representation where your needs are prioritized and your questions and calls never go unanswered.
- Offer the highest levels of advocacy at the negotiation table and the courtroom
Divorce proceedings can quickly become overwhelming without an experienced Agoura Hills divorce attorney. We are here to be that support system and advocate for the outcomes you desire most.
Why Hire a Divorce Attorney to Handle Your Case?
Even when spouses agree on certain issues, divorce still involves technical legal procedures, strict deadlines, and long-term consequences that can significantly affect your future.
Navigating these issues without a divorce attorney is not advisable in most situations. An experienced lawyer can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and obligations before and during divorce proceedings
- Preparing and filing all necessary court documents to dissolve the marriage
- Negotiating property division and support issues based on what’s important to you and your lifestyle
- Protecting your parental rights and relationship with your children in custody disputes
- Identifying hidden or disputed assets that might otherwise be shielded from division
- Representing your interests during hearings or mediation
Mistakes during a divorce matter can have lasting financial and personal consequences. Your attorney minimizes that risk and helps you get an outcome that makes sense for you and your future.
What Are the Requirements Before You Divorce?
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning spouses do not need to prove wrongdoing to end a marriage. Most divorces are filed based on “irreconcilable differences.”
Before filing for divorce in California:
- At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months
- One spouse must have lived in the county where the divorce is filed for at least three months
California also imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. During the process, courts may issue temporary orders regarding child custody/support and other important legal matters.
How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in California?
California follows a community property system. Generally, property and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and are subject to equal division upon divorce.
Community property may include:
- Income earned during the marriage
- Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage
- Real estate purchased during the marriage
- Vehicles and financial accounts
Separate property (such as assets owned before marriage or certain inheritances) may generally remain with the original owner, assuming they weren’t commingled with marital assets.
How Is Child Custody Determined After a Marriage Ends?
California courts decide custody matters based on the best interests of the child. The courts differentiate between legal custody (authority to make major decisions for a child) and physical custody (where the child lives).
Factors courts may consider include:
- The child’s health and safety
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- Stability and continuity for the child
- Each parent’s ability to provide care
- Any history of abuse or substance abuse
Courts generally encourage continuing involvement from both parents whenever appropriate. Child support, if awarded, is typically calculated using statewide guidelines that consider each parent’s income, parenting time arrangements, and major childcare expenses.
Contact an Experienced Agoura Hills Divorce Lawyer for Help
Divorce can create uncertainty about your future. Having experienced legal representation can help you protect your life post-marriage and create the arrangements that matter most to you. The attorneys at Diarian & Bociaga are here to be your advocates at every stage of your case.
Contact an experienced Agoura Hills divorce lawyer today to discuss your case and learn how our firm can help.