Orange County
Huntington Beach Divorce Lawyer
Thinking about divorce?
You could be taking the first steps toward a healthier, happier life. Divorce is the end of your union with a spouse, but it can be the beginning of a many other things. Sometimes, divorce is the best solution for a family.
If you live in Huntington Beach and are looking for a divorce lawyer who can get the best outcome for your case, come to Boyd Law. We represent clients in Surf City and the surrounding region, dedicating resources to resolving even the most complex family law cases. We know we can help you with your Huntington Beach divorce or legal separation.
Why Choose Boyd Law?
- Our lawyers create long-term relationships with their clients through compassionate representation, exceptional customer service and one-on-one care. At our firm, you’re not a number. You are someone we will care for during every step of this difficult time.
- Our law office offers a team of legal experts that have knowledge and experience across a broad array of topics within family law, especially California divorce law.
- Our lead trial attorney & CEO of Boyd Law, Attorney Karie Boyd, is a certified family law specialist. She was also ranked in the Top Ten Divorce Attorneys by the National Academy of Family Law.
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Do I Need Cause to File a Divorce in Huntington Beach, CA?
One of the basics of getting divorced in California is knowing what to put on the divorce petition. To end your marriage in California, either you or your ex-spouse/partner will need to file a divorce petition and note on what legal grounds you are making the request.
Your options for divorce in California are:
1) irreconcilable differences
or
2) permanent legal incapacity to make decisions.
You do not need cause to file for divorce. You can simply check option 1 to file for a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. California is a no-fault divorce state.
What Are Irreconcilable Differences?
Irreconcilable differences is California’s way of allowing couples to dissolve their marriages without needing to list a specific cause, such as adultery. Checking the irreconcilable differences box on a divorce petition is all you will need to do to complete your paperwork. You do not need to go into more detail about why you and your spouse/partner are filing for divorce.
If you are filing for an annulment, however, you will need to base your request on one of the state’s approved grounds, such as incest or fraud. California’s no-fault rule also means the courts will not take fault into consideration if your case goes to trial.
A judge will not look at fault for the irreconcilable differences between you two to determine matters such as property division, for example. Instead, the courts will use a specific calculation method to divide assets and debts down the middle, 50/50, regardless of alleged fault for the divorce.
What Is the Difference Between a No Contest and Contested Divorce?
Your Huntington Beach divorce case will be either contested or no contest. A contested divorce case means one or both of you either do not want to divorce or do not agree to the terms suggested in the divorce petition.
You and your spouse will have to make many decisions during a divorce case in California. You will need to discuss property and debt division, child custody/visitation, child support, spousal support, alimony, and more.
If you cannot agree on all of these terms, you will have a contested divorce case. A contested divorce will have to go to trial if you and your spouse cannot work out an agreement during pre-trial negotiations. At trial, all the aspects of your divorce case will be up to a judge to decide. You will not have control over the outcome of your case.
A no contest divorce, on the other hand, is one in which both parties agree to the terms of the divorce. It is a simpler legal process that will not involve a trial in California.
Instead, you and your spouse will work out a divorce settlement agreement between the two of you out of court, often with help from divorce lawyers and mediators. Most couples strive for no contest divorces in Huntington Beach. A no contest divorce will be faster, cheaper and less of a headache for you and your family.
You will also have the power to control the end result. You will have a say in the decisions that matter the most to you, such as child custody.
You can improve your chances of achieving a successful no contest divorce in California by using an attorney to facilitate productive conversations and negotiations between you and your ex-spouse. At Boyd Law, our lawyers have years of experience handling divorce mediation and achieving successful settlements.
What To Know About Divorce in Huntington Beach
No two divorces are exactly the same. Yours will be unique, with issues and questions that pertain only to you and your family. There are, however, certain aspects of divorce that remain the same in almost every case.
At Boyd Law, we’ve gleaned a great amount of firsthand experience and information about divorcing couples in Huntington Beach. We can help you sort through simple to complex family law issues. Here are five basic things you should know before you file for divorce:
- Divorce isn’t your only option. Consider legal separation and annulment as other ways to end your marriage or domestic partnership. You may find that another option is more suitable for your lifestyle or goals.
- California is a no-fault state. California’s no-fault divorce laws mean that you and your spouse can split without one being necessarily “at fault.” Simply cite “irreconcilable differences” as your reason for divorce and you don’t have to prove fault.
- It doesn’t matter who files first. If your spouse has already filed, you have the chance to contest his or her terms. The same is true if you file first. The courts in California do not give special attention to the party that files for divorce first.
- You may not have to go to court. Not every divorce case goes to the courtroom. You and your spouse may be able to resolve issues without a judge, during mediation or a collaborative divorce process. A lawyer can still come in handy in these situations.
- You should retain an attorney. While it’s possible to complete the divorce process with an attorney, one can be a significant aid during this time. A divorce lawyer can handle paperwork, help facilitate compromises, fight for your legal rights, and make the entire process much easier on you.
Boyd Law has represented clients in divorce cases in Huntington Beach for decades. We’ve handed executive divorces, military divorces, celebrity divorces, high net worth divorces, law enforcement divorces, and more.
There is no divorce circumstance we can’t handle with finesse. Our big law firm resources combined with small firm personal attention is just the combination you need for delicate legal matters like divorce or legal separation in Orange County.
Talk To A Huntington Beach Divorce Lawyer Today
If you think divorce is the right step to take to end your marriage or partnership, don’t wait. Talk to a divorce lawyer in your area today. Boyd Law offers complimentary, no-obligation family law consultations so that you can discuss your options and specific needs of your case free of charge. Our law firm will help you determine if retaining a divorce attorney is right for your case. Call (949) 753-1028 or contact us now to begin.
