Norco Divorce Lawyer

Norco Divorce Attorney

Making the decision to enter into a divorce is an extremely pivotal moment in life, which is why so many couples struggle to know if and when it’s the right decision. The process is deeply personal, requiring decisions to be made about everything, from finances to family dynamics. While the process can be overwhelming, having the right support can make a huge difference. Hiring a Norco divorce lawyer as a resource can give you the steady hand you need.

At Najera Law Group, APC, our Norco family lawyers understand the complexities of divorce. Every client who comes through our doors brings their own set of needs and circumstances that make their divorce case unique from any other. Whether you are navigating child custody or property division or are trying to achieve a spousal support arrangement that gives you the financial support you need, we can work hard to protect your rights and help secure the outcome you hope for.

What Are the Most Common Legal Issues in a Divorce?

Understanding the most common issues that can arise during the divorce process can help you make informed decisions that protect your interests.

Here is an in-depth look at some of the most frequent issues that come through our doors:

Division of Property and Assets

One of the more significant challenges of a divorce is deciding who gets to keep what. Fortunately, the state of California does give us some guidance, as we operate under the principles of community property. This means that most marital assets and debts are considered joint property and should be split equally. Only marital assets qualify for this, meaning any items that were owned by a single party before the marriage stay in their possession after divorce.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

One of the more emotionally challenging topics to deal with in a divorce is child custody. When the California courts are assessing a divorce case that involves children, they will be looking at it through the lens of what arrangement provides the least amount of disruption to the child’s life. In many cases, this is joint custody, which is where both parents split time with the child and make important decisions about their life, such as their education and medical decisions.

Spousal Support

Otherwise referred to as alimony, the concept of spousal support was developed to ensure that both parties are able to maintain a similar standard of living that they became used to during their marriage. California courts consider different factors when determining what the spousal support figure should be, such as how long the couple was married, each spouse’s earning capacity, and their contributions to the household.

Division of Debt

No one wants to start the next chapter of their life with debt, but it is a reality that many divorcing couples must deal with if they generate debt together during their marriage in Norco, CA. This includes credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, and any other financial obligations they made together. Individual debts brought into the marriage, like student loan debt, will remain with each individual.

Child Support

The concept of child support was developed to offer financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse in a divorce with children. This topic is often disputed when one parent believes that the calculations were unfair, meaning either the receiving spouse believes more money is needed to care for the child or the paying spouse feels the child support figure is too high given their circumstances.

Modifications to Orders

Even after a divorce is finalized, it’s not unusual for more legal issues to pop up. This is because life circumstances change, which is why California allows modifications to any divorce when necessary. For example, if one parent needs to relocate for a new job, the court may need to adjust the existing custody order to ensure the child is able to maintain a bond with both parents.

Norco Divorce Law FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in California?

A: The total cost of a divorce lawyer in California varies wildly depending on how complicated your case is, how many years of experience the attorney has, and what county you file for divorce in. The longer an attorney needs to work on a case, the more time and effort they will be able to charge for. However, you need to keep an eye on the return on your investment. For instance, securing the spousal support you need can quickly outweigh the upfront legal costs.

Q: What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce Settlement in California?

A: California follows community property laws, which means both parties are entitled to an equal share of the overall property that has been acquired during the marriage. This can include income, real estate, and retirement accounts. If the wife in the relationship was the lower-earning spouse, they may also be awarded spousal support to help ensure they will be able to financially support themselves independently once the divorce is finalized.

Q: What Is the 5-year Rule for Divorce in California?

A: The 5-year rule suggests that if you have been married for less than five years before pursuing a divorce in California, you qualify to enter a summary dissolution. This is a much easier way to end a marriage, as it’s less expensive and does not require a trial or hearing to finalize matters. In addition to being married for less than five years, you also must not have children together, must not want a spousal support arrangement, and must already be in agreement on property division.

Q: Is Divorce in California Always a 50/50 Split?

A: Many people wonder if there are any exceptions to California’s community property laws, which dictate that all marital assets are split equally in a divorce. However, the division isn’t always necessarily a 50/50 split. For example, one spouse might get to keep the family home while the other spouse gets to keep a larger share of their financial accounts to help balance the value.

Contact Najera Law Group, APC, Today

If you are gearing up to enter a divorce and have yet to hire a legal team, contact us today. We would love to hear more about your divorce goals and share how we believe we are fit to help you achieve them.