Divorce Lawyers Near Me

Divorce Lawyers Near Me

If divorce is on your horizon, you’re facing a major transition in your life, but you may not have any idea where to begin. Divorce is also an emotional journey, and it is only natural to be at a loss. Because the terms of your divorce will directly affect your financial future and your rights as a parent, consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer near you is critical. 

Keeping Your Divorce out of Court

Every divorce is unique to the couple involved, but most couples would prefer to keep their divorces out of court (other than for finalization). When you are able to negotiate terms between yourselves, you retain decision-making power regarding matters that directly affect you and your children. Toward this end, you have a variety of options, including:

• If you and your divorcing spouse are on the same page about terms – or there isn’t too much distance between you – you may be able to negotiate them between yourselves with the experienced legal guidance of your respective divorce lawyers. 
• If, on the other hand, you and your divorcing spouse are not in a position to hammer out terms together, which isn’t uncommon (you are going through a divorce after all), your respective divorce lawyers can negotiate on behalf of each of you for terms that uphold your best interests.
• If negotiations have broken down, there are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options that include mediation. At mediation, a professional mediator – acting as a neutral third party – will help you explore your best options, find common ground, and better understand how the court is likely to rule if you do proceed to court.

One important note to make is that if your soon-to-be-ex is guided by his or her anger and is not interested in compromising, your attempts at negotiation are likely to be exercises in futility, and moving forward toward court sooner rather than later may be your best option. 

Your Divorce Terms

While your divorce will be utterly unique to your situation, the terms that must be resolved remain the same for all divorcing couples, including:

• Child Custody Arrangements – Child custody breaks down into legal custody (who will be making important decisions on behalf of your children) and physical custody (how you and your ex will split your time with your children). Both can be either sole or joint, but it is very rare for a parent to lose visitation rights (of some sort) without a significant reason for doing so. 

• The Division of Marital Property – Called community property in California, the property you acquire over the course of your marriage will need to be divided relatively equally upon divorce. 

• Child Support – Child support is based on state calculation guidelines.

• Alimony – Alimony only applies when one spouse faces a financial downturn upon divorce, and the other has the means to offset it.  

Help Is Available if You Are Looking for an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Near You

The trusted divorce lawyers at Miranda, Magden & Miranda, LLP – proudly serving both Monterey and Salinas, California – have the experience, drive, and legal insight to help. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.