Rancho Santa Fe Divorce Lawyers

Understanding Divorce Cases in Rancho Santa Fe

A divorce is a life-changing event that affects your life and your child's. Besides, it will have long-term effects on your family and friends. In Rancho Santa Fe, divorce cases are rampant despite the area's relatively small population. If you are planning to get a divorce or are already processing one, you will need to address major issues like child support, child custody, and division of property, among other factors.

Dealing with divorce can weigh you down emotionally, and you will need a cool head to guide you through the process. Our experienced and compassionate Rancho Santa Fe family law lawyers at Mattis Law A.P.C. are ready to help you through every legal aspect of divorce and represent your interests at the negotiation table. Contact our experienced Rancho Santa Fe divorce attorneys at (858) 328-4400 to understand how we can be of help.

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What Divorce Options Are Available in Rancho Santa Fe?

Rancho Santa Fe residents have several options when it comes to dissolving a marriage. Some of these options include:

• Dissolution: A great alternative to divorce is dissolution. If couples have been married for less than five years, don't own a home, don't have any kids (including adopted ones), and have assets valued at less than $25,000, they may seek a dissolution instead of divorcing. This method of ending a marriage saves time by keeping you out of court and doesn't require a lot of paperwork.
• Separation: A legal separation is a perfect option for you if you want to divide property and assets with your ex-spouse but don't want to go through the divorce proceedings. Separations don't involve divorce proceedings that could be lengthy and costly. However, if you decide to involve divorce proceedings, you must obtain a marriage dissolution form at a San Diego County Superior Court. After that, a divorce attorney will prepare a petition to launch the divorce process.
• Annulment: This option is suited for people whose marriage could be illegal or doesn't meet all the legal requirements for a marriage license.

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What Are the Grounds for Divorce?

California is a no-fault divorce state — neither party is required to prove there was a mistake (like abuse or an affair) that resulted in the termination of the marriage. While this is the case, those looking to end their marriage in Rancho Santa Fe must cite one of two legal concepts:

• Irreconcilable Differences - This concept refers to any disagreement between the spouses that is regarded as too grave for them to continue being together as a married couple. Irreconcilable differences vary depending on the nature of the relationship.
• Incurable Insanity - This is where one spouse has been identified as incapable of making decisions on his/her own. The insanity must be proven by a medical professional who asserts that the condition cannot be cured.

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How Are Divorces Settled?

There are several ways divorce cases are settled in California. Some of them include the following:

• "Kitchen Table" Agreement - In this divorce settlement option, you and your ex-spouse divide property and debts. If you have children, you can also decide how to share custody with your partner.
• Attorney Litigation and Negotiation - In this settlement option, you and your partner can hire attorneys who handle the case on your behalf. Most cases are settled through negotiating.
• Mediation - In this case, you and your partner mutually select a neutral person to help you come to an agreement.

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Rancho Santa Fe Divorce Attorneys Provide the Help You Need

Our experienced Rancho Santa Fe divorce attorneys at Mattis Law A.P.C. are ready to help if you plan on getting a divorce. We offer a free initial consultation where we discuss your case and answer any questions you might have. Call us today at (858) 328-4400 to schedule your consultation.

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