Tulare Divorce Lawyer

Tulare Divorce Attorney

Work with an educated and qualified Tulare divorce lawyer for all of your legal needs over the course of your divorce. At Chase Family Law, our experienced family law attorney has a deep familiarity with the different aspects of divorce and can provide effective counsel suited to your individual needs.

Looking at Divorce in Tulare, California

According to the Census Bureau, the rate of divorce across the United States rose from 2021 to 2022 by 3.6 percent. For California, in particular, the rate of divorce in 2021 was 5.94 filings per 1,000 people. In the following year, 2022, the rate actually went down slightly, with the rate being 5.88 divorces per 1,000 people.

If you or your spouse resides in Tulare, all filings related to your divorce are likely to go through the Visalia Courthouse, located at 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201 in Visalia, CA 93291. The courthouse that processes your case can vary, so be sure to consult your lawyer if you’re unsure of geographical jurisdiction.

What Issues Are Included in a Divorce Case?

Divorce, known officially as the dissolution of marriage, is a legal process that ends the marital union between two people. However, dissolution isn’t as easy as simply filing for divorce. Before the process can be finalized, various relevant issues must be settled.

This is also the case for spouses who choose to legally separate. Legal separation generally entails the same proceedings as a divorce, the only difference being that once finalized, the spouses are still technically married despite living independently of one another.

These are some of the important aspects of a California divorce that spouses must reach an agreement on:

• Division of community property: California is a community property state. This means that any assets and liabilities that were acquired during the course of marriage are equally shared. This can include the marital home, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, businesses, and financial obligations. In a divorce, this community property must be fairly distributed between the spouses.
• Matters of child custody and support: Divorced and separated spouses who share children have to determine how custody will be shared or allocated. In California, there is legal and physical custody, which can be jointly shared between parents or solely awarded to one parent. Child support is also a required parental responsibility, and details such as the amount of financial support must be determined.
• Alimony arrangements: Alimony, or spousal support, may be awarded in some divorce cases if either spouse requests it and is found eligible by the court. The party that would provide alimony to their spouse must also be deemed capable of paying the financial support. Factors such as the income and standard of living of both spouses are carefully evaluated by the judge.

How a Divorce Attorney Helps You in California

Regardless of your unique circumstances, it’s likely that you would benefit from the help of an experienced divorce lawyer. If your divorce is complex, an attorney can streamline the process. Even if your divorce is simple or uncontested, it’s advised that you work with a lawyer because, as a legal professional, a lawyer understands how to avoid potential pitfalls, filing errors, delays, and other common issues.

Your attorney is also there to protect your rights as a spouse and/or as a parent, advocating on your behalf and offering insightful legal advice in Tulare. A competent divorce lawyer can assist you in or out of court, such as when you and your spouse opt to reach a settlement through mediation or another alternative dispute resolution method.

FAQs About Tulare, CA Divorce Laws

What’s the Difference Between Divorce and Separation?

Divorce and legal separation are similar legal processes. While divorce is the official dissolution of marriage, meaning the spouses are no longer married, spouses after a legal separation are still seen as technically married in the eyes of the law.

Both processes address the same important family law issues. There may be several reasons to choose separation over divorce. Many spouses want to maintain the marriage for tax or insurance benefits, religious reasons, or to allow time for potential reconciliation.

What Are the Types of Child Custody in California?

In California, child custody is composed of two aspects: physical custody and legal custody. Custody may be shared or solely awarded. Physical custody covers issues such as where the child will primarily reside and how visitation time works.

Legal custody refers to the responsibility and authority of a parent to make important life decisions regarding their child. These include health and medical decisions, the child’s education and extracurricular activities, and religious denomination, among other critical judgments about a child’s upbringing.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Divorce in California?

In California, you’re not legally obligated to hire a lawyer to file for divorce. However, it’s nearly always recommended to consult a family attorney for critical divorce proceedings.

Not only can a lawyer ensure there are no mistakes when filing important paperwork, but attorneys also utilize their depth of legal knowledge to counsel you on how to reach an optimal outcome. As your legal counsel, your divorce lawyer is there to listen to your needs and advocate for your rights.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Divorce in California?

In the state of California, how long it may take to finish a divorce case can be difficult to estimate without knowing the details of your situation. It’s advised that you ask an experienced divorce attorney about how long you should expect your divorce to take. Generally, divorces tend to take longer to finalize if they’re contested, the proceedings are highly contentious, or if the spouses have a large or complex marital estate. Many cases take several months to settle.

Seasoned Divorce Lawyer to Represent You

During divorce proceedings, it’s a good idea to work with a family law professional who can advocate effectively for your rights and provide insightful counsel. Our attorney at Chase Family Law can do this for you. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a skilled and experienced divorce lawyer.