Poway Divorce Lawyers

Legal Guidance and Support During a Divorce in Poway

Poway is known as “The City in the Country.” Located in San Diego County, it is a city of nearly 50,000 people that was once cattle country with ranches throughout the area. Today, Poway is a great place to settle down and enjoy life. Most of the households in this community are families.

Not all families stay together, and some people in Poway find themselves facing divorce. This can be a difficult, emotionally painful, and stressful experience for anyone. An experienced Poway divorce lawyer can guide you through the process, ensure you understand your rights, and serve as a dedicated advocate for you and your children.

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What Are Your Options for Dissolving a Marriage in Poway?

Couples seeking to dissolve a marriage may have several options:

• Dissolution: You may be eligible for summary dissolution if your marriage has lasted less than five years, there are no children of the marriage, your marital property is valued at less than $25,000, and you do not own a home. Summary dissolution requires less paperwork than divorce and keeps you out of court.
• Separation: A legal separation may be a good choice for couples who want to live separately and divide their property and assets without going through divorce proceedings.
• Annulment: If there is a possibility that your marriage is not legal, an annulment can be pursued.
• Divorce: This is the most common way to dissolve a marriage. The process involves petitioning the court for the legal dissolution of the marriage under specified terms.

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What Are the Possible Approaches to Divorce in Poway?

How you obtain your divorce, and the cost and time involved, can depend on how well you and your spouse are able to communicate. Possible approaches to divorce include:

• Kitchen table agreements: Both spouses sit down together and work out the terms of their divorce agreement. This will include settling on how marital property and debts are divided, how child custody is shared, and what arrangements are made for child support and alimony.
• Mediation: If you and your spouse cannot agree on all major issues, you can choose a neutral third party to help you arrive at a settlement. A mediator does not have the authority to make legally binding decisions. He or she can suggest options and provide an opportunity for your and your spouse to discuss your needs outside of the courtroom. If mediation is successful and you are able to reach an agreement, you and your spouse will sign a settlement agreement that divides your marital assets and terminates the marriage without the necessity of going to court.
• Attorney negotiation or litigation: Each spouse retains an attorney to handle the divorce. These attorneys work to settle the case through negotiation, with the goal of reaching an agreement that is beneficial for all parties concerned. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case goes to trial and a family law judge makes decisions concerning the divorce.

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What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?

California is one of 17 states with no-fault divorce laws. You are not required to prove wrongdoing that resulted in the breakdown of the marriage. When you petition for divorce, you must cite one of two possible grounds – irreconcilable difference or incurable insanity.

Divorce can create upheaval in your family’s lives. Do not go through this complicated process alone. Even if you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce on your own, you will still need a Poway family law attorney to help you file documents properly with the court. Contact Mattis Law, A.P.C. at (858) 328-4400.

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