Experienced Divorce Attorneys
Divorce may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. However, it can also be the fresh start you need after an unfulfilling or draining marriage. While the choice to divorce may not be an easy one, the decision to hire an attorney should be. Having a Coachella Valley divorce attorney by your side throughout this process can help you fight for what you deserve and secure a divorce agreement that protects your best interests.
The sooner you hire a divorce attorney in the Palm Springs area, the quicker you can start preparing for the next chapter of your life. Call Castillo & Associates at 800-497-9774 to set up a consultation right away.
What Approach Do You Want to Take?
It’s important to think about what you want your divorce to look like and what you hope for your life after divorce. Some divorces are between two people who know that the marriage is over and who simply want to get it over with quickly and fairly. When this is the case, it makes sense to work through things promptly and keep things amiable. However, if the divorce comes at the tail end of an abusive marriage or one that involved substantial harm to one party, there’s likely to be a lot more hurt feelings in the mix. In these cases, staying amiable is often not an option. Expect an adversarial divorce process and be ready to fight a little harder for what matters most to you.
At Castillo & Associates, we’re committed to approaching your divorce in a way that meets your needs. If you want to fight aggressively to get everything you can as you leave, we’re ready to advocate for you. If your top priority is maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship for the sake of your children, we are prepared to take a more nuanced approach to your case. It all starts with an in-depth consultation with our team of Indio divorce attorneys.
California Divorce Laws
Divorce laws vary significantly from state to state. California, like many other states, has fairly strict residency requirements. To file for divorce in California, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing and in the county of filing for three months.
California is part of a large group of states that does not recognize fault divorces. The only option is to file no-fault divorce, which cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for the end of the marriage. Even if one party cheated, was unfaithful, engaged in unsafe or illegal behaviors, or otherwise put their spouse in a position where divorce was the only option, no-fault divorce is the only choice.
Another important law focuses on the division of assets. California is a community property state, so both parties are viewed as equal owners of the income and assets accrued during the marriage. The same is true for all debts taken on during the course of the marriage. However, any income or assets gained during the separation period is the sole property of the person who earned it.
Important Decisions to Make
From the very beginning of the divorce process until the final papers are signed, you’ll be faced with a variety of challenging choices. Some of the issues we’ll work with you on include:
- Division of assets: The assets you leave the marriage with will lay the foundation for your new life as a single person. Our goal is to ensure you walk away with what you deserve.
- Child custody: In California, the court begins with the assumption that a child benefits most when they get meaningful time with both parents. With that assumption and your unique circumstances in mind, we will come up with a custody agreement that suits you.
- Child support: Both parents have an obligation to support their child, and child support ensures that a child enjoys the same quality of life with both parents. Whether you expect to receive or pay child support, we will advocate for your best interests.
- Spousal support: Not all divorces involve alimony or spousal support. If yours is likely to, it’s important to talk to us early so you know what to expect.
Take the First Step in Your New Life With Castillo & Associates
You have a difficult road ahead of you, but you do not have to walk it alone. With the La Quinta divorce attorneys at Castillo & Associates, you can get the empathetic and knowledgeable representation you deserve. Set up your consultation with our Indian Wells-area team now by calling us at 800-497-9774 or sending us a message online.