Divorce Attorneys in Pasadena
Of course, the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer focus on the legal definition. If you are considering divorce, you probably have thought of many ways to describe the effects of divorce on your emotional, social, and financial lives. Legally, divorce is a process that ends, or dissolves, the institution of marriage between two people. Under the law, divorce is a process; it covers a whole range of legal issues and involves the California state law courts. After you divorce, you are considered single by law.
In California, as of January 1, 2005, registered domestic partners must, like married partners, also file with the court to legally end their relationship. In their case, the termination is called dissolution.
Divorce and dissolution are serious matters, and you deserve an attorney, like one of the Pasadena family lawyers in practice with Donald P. Schweitzer, who understands both your personal needs and the requirements of the law.
Divorce in the United States is a matter of state law. Federal legislation also affects the rights and responsibilities of divorcing spouses. The Pasadena divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer keep abreast of changing law and varying attitudes of the courts.
California was the first state to implement the concept of “no-fault” divorce. Divorce may be granted in California for “irreconcilable differences.” In effect, this means that no one is accused of any wrong-doing; a couple simply claims that there are substantial reasons for their marriage or partnership not to continue.
The only other legal ground for divorce in California is “insanity.” A person’s marriage may be dissolved because of the proven incurable insanity of the spouse. Insanity is defined through a court process involving competent medical or psychiatric testimony.
Why do you need a lawyer?
Divorce law is complex. At the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, we are experienced in the ways this complexity can have an impact on your life. For example, “no fault” divorce means that a married person or a person in a domestic partnership may terminate the marriage or partnership even if the other person would choose to continue the relationship.
Also under California law, a court may delay a divorce proceeding for up to 30 days if it appears there is a reasonable possibility of reconciliation. After the continuance ends, the court may enter a judgment of divorce on either spouse's motion.
It is the law of the state(s) of the parties' residence at the time of the divorce, not the law of the state(s) where the parties may later reside, which governs in divorce cases. If you obtain a divorce in California, California law will always apply to the terms of the divorce.
Divorce law comprises a whole set of issues: legal separation, child custody and child support, visitation, division of property, responsibility for debt, spousal support, domestic violence.
How might these aspects of divorce law affect you? You must be certain that you choose an attorney to represent you in mediation and before the court who will get the best possible outcome for you in divorce or dissolution.
The laws governing divorce are complicated. A good Pasadena divorce lawyer can help you anticipate and be prepared for all the issues that arise from divorce or dissolution of a partnership. At our Pasadena family law firm, we believe you have a right to receive clear explanations of what our attorneys do regarding your divorce and to be informed of everything that happens as your divorce case moves through the court system.
Contact the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer at 866-477-4485 or through our email form for an attorney at law in Pasadena, California.