Irvine Divorce Lawyer
Irvine Divorce Lawyer
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the divorce rate across California was 8.9% in 2021, much higher than the country average of 2.3%. This means thousands of couples choose to divorce in this state for various reasons every year.
At Kaufman Steinberg LLP, we understand that this is a difficult and life-changing decision. Our divorce attorneys Steven G. Kaufman and Jordon P. Steinberg are certified family law specialists by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. They have earned their reputation as a firm of formidable litigators, lawyers and first-rate negotiators by developing result-driven legal strategies.
Schedule a consultation with us today and see for yourself what makes us Irvine’s best family law firm.
Types Of Divorce In Irvine, CA
We at Kaufman Steinberg, LLP have experience handling clients a wide range of divorce and legal separation cases, from simple to complex, from amicable to contentious. An experienced family law attorney in Irvine who focuses on divorce issues can help you with:
No-Fault Divorce
This is when you and legal counsel and your spouse agree that your marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no hope of reconciliation. Since you don’t have to prove that either of you did anything wrong to cause the breakdown of the marriage, the no-fault divorce is usually faster, easier, and less expensive than a “fault” divorce.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is when you and your spouse agree on all the issues involved in your case, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. You do not have to go to court or have a trial. You can file a joint petition for divorce and submit a written agreement that outlines how you will resolve the issues.
Contested Divorce
If you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues regarding factors like property division or child custody, you may have to go to court and have a judge or jury decide on the resolution for you. That’s why a contested divorce tends to be longer, harder, and more expensive than an uncontested divorce. You have to prepare your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arguments, and present your testimony – this legal process can take several months or years.
Summary Dissolution
A summary dissolution is a simpler way to end a marriage or domestic partnership in California for couples who qualify and are able to work together. It is less expensive and there is not as much paperwork as the standard divorce process.
To qualify for a summary dissolution, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must have been married for less than five years
- You must have no children together
- You don’t want any spousal support
- You must not have any significant debt
- You both agree on how to split any property
Collaborative Divorce
As the name suggests, this is when you and your spouse agree to work together in a respectful and cooperative manner and to share information openly and honestly. You also agree not to go to court or threaten litigation. Through this hassle-free approach, you can avoid the adversarial nature of litigation and focus on finding solutions that meet your best interests and mutual needs.
Legal Separation
An alternative to divorce, a third legal process of separation allows you to live apart from your spouse while still maintaining your marital status. You can still address important matters like who will get what assets, how the child custody will work, whether there will be spousal support, and so on. Legal separations can be a temporary or permanent arrangement depending on your situation. Some couples use it as a trial period before deciding whether to divorce or reconcile.
Why Choose Our Irvine Divorce Attorneys?
Decades of Family Law Experience
When it comes to family law and divorce cases, few can match the experience and expertise of our founding partners, Stephen J. Kaufman and Jordon P. Steinberg. For over three decades, they have been navigating the sensitive issues of divorce: how to divide assets, how to support spouses, how to parent children, and how to honor agreements.
Personalized, Compassionate Service
We design a customized legal plan for all family law matters and divorce matters and guide you on:
- Establishing a parenting plan that works for you and your children
- Protecting your assets and income from unfair property division claims
- Securing adequate spousal support or avoiding paying more than necessary
- Enforcing or modifying a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
- Minimizing the emotional and financial costs of litigation
Negotiation and Litigation Skills
The process of ending a relationship can easily turn into a bitter, painful experience. If you feel confident your spouse is being unreasonable or hostile, we will not hesitate to stand up for you in court. We have many family law attorneys with the knowledge, resources, and experience to present a strong case on your behalf and achieve a favorable result.
Transparent Fee Structure
We offer a $2500 flat fee for divorce services for uncontested divorces. For contested divorces or other serious family law matters or practice law matters, we charge hourly rates. We also give you clear, detailed invoices so you can see exactly what you are paying for and why.
FAQs About Divorce In Irvine, CA
How do I file for divorce in Irvine, CA?
To file for divorce in Orange County, you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in Orange County for at least three months. You must also fill out and file the required forms with the Superior Court of Orange County, pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver, and serve your spouse with a copy of the papers. You can find more information and forms on the court’s website.
Does cheating on your spouse affect divorce in California?
California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t have to cite a reason or prove that your partner did something wrong to cause the divorce. You can get divorce lawyers to simply state that you have “irreconcilable differences” and cannot get along anymore.
How long does it take to get divorced?
The minimum time it takes to get divorced in Irvine is six months from the date you serve your spouse with the divorce papers. This is called the waiting period, and it is required by law. However, the actual time may vary depending on your situation, like whether you both agree on all the issues or need to go to trial and how busy the court is.
How much does it cost to get divorced in Irvine?
The cost of getting divorced in Irvine depends on several factors:
- Whether you hire an Irvine family law attorney or handle the case yourself
- Whether you have a contested or uncontested divorce
- Whether you have to pay any court fees
The filing fee for a divorce petition in Orange County is $435 to $450 as of 2023.
Is property division 50-50 in an Irvine divorce?
California is a community property state, so all property and debt acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses unless it is separate property. Community property and debt must be divided equally between the spouses unless they agree otherwise. It is best to have legal representation from a firm of dedicated family law attorneys for the property division process, especially when the financial stakes are high.
How are child custody and visitation decided in a divorce?
These issues are always decided based on the best interests of the family and the child. The age and health of the child, the emotional bond between them and each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child are all factored in by the court. If the child is old enough, their wishes can be taken into account. If there’s any history of domestic violence or substance abuse by either parent, that will also play a role.
How is child support calculated in the divorce?
Child support is calculated based on a statewide formula that accounts for each parent’s income, the amount of time they spend with the child, the number of children involved, and many other factors. The court can order either parent to pay child support to the other until the child turns 18, becomes emancipated, gets married, or dies. You can use the California Child Support Calculator to estimate how much child support may be worth in your case.
Get Our Irvine Divorce Lawyers On Your Side
When you are contemplating a divorce, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions and have endless questions. At Kaufman Steinberg, LLP, our dedicated Irvine divorce attorney team is here to help. With decades of experience in family law cases in Irvine, we have seen it all. We are there for our clients every step of the way in divorce process, providing them with legal guidance, emotional comfort, and practical solutions.Get the ball rolling on this new chapter in your life with a free legal consultation from divorce lawyers. Call our divorce attorneys at 949-757-9000 or fill out our online form to get in touch with divorce attorneys today.