Divorce

Orange County Divorce Lawyer

Achieve a Positive Divorce Agreement

If you are considering dissolving your marriage, there are several aspects that you must consider beyond splitting the union between you and your spouse. For example, if there are minor children involved, you must think about the issues of child custody and child support. Additionally, most marriages involve some sort of marital property that has to be divided between the two partners. In cases where one spouse was the domestic partner who took care of the home and/or children, sometimes you must also think about alimony/spousal support.

All of these factors are overwhelming if you are already dealing with such an emotional and upsetting situation. When you need help, you can count on an Orange County divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman to provide you with compassionate, stable and effective legal counsel and representation. When you need what's best for you and your family, you can trust our legal team to advocate your best interests throughout the entire situation.

At The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman we offer help with the following:

What are the grounds for divorce in California?

California is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means that you don't need your spouse's approval to end the marriage; however, you will still be required to state the grounds for your divorce. If you and your spouse consent to the divorce, or if you state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," then a no-fault divorce will be granted. There is more than one way to settle a divorce, and certain proceedings can be more complicated than others.

Some may require a lawyer that specializes in a specific type of proceeding, such as military divorce. We understand that divorce is a very personal issue, so we always keep our clients' well-being in mind. Whether you and your spouse are in 100% agreement, or your companion is refusing to participate altogether, an Orange County divorce attorney will come prepared with the support that you deserve.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in California

Not all divorces are resolved in court. Most couples are able to complete uncontested divorces, avoiding the expense, time and stress of a contested divorce in court. However, this requires you and your spouse to agree on all issues involved with your case, including custody, support and property. This is why it is still helpful to work with an attorney regardless of the circumstances of your case and whether it is resolved inside or outside of the courtroom. A skilled divorce attorney in Irvine can work to protect your legal rights and interests in order to seek the best possible outcome through negotiation, mediation or litigation. In general, avoiding court is a more effective option for most couples.

The following are reasons to consider an uncontested divorce:

  • Considerably cheaper than settling in court
  • Less time spent on divorce
  • Reduced stress
  • Limited strain on relationship with spouse
  • Limited trauma your children may experience

To find out more about your options in this regard, we recommend contacting an Orange County divorce attorney at our firm at your earliest convenience. We can help you make the right choices for your particular case.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

If you and your spouse are considering settling your divorce without a lawyer, you could run into a multitude of problems. Expert advice will help both of you obtain everything you deserve from the divorce. State divorce laws don't always guarantee an equal split of assets and debts, and if complicated issues such as inheritance, child support and child custody exist between both parties, your lawyer can help to ensure that you receive a fair share. Even if you and your spouse are on agreeable terms, divorce can be an extremely trying process.

To Maintain a Stress-Free Environment

Delicate matters can turn a friendly sit down into a battle royale. Hiring an Orange County divorce attorney will create a stress-free divorce environment. The process is stressful enough; let a divorce lawyer handle all the legal ins and outs. Even if you plan to settle out of court, it is crucial that you have legal assistance on your side looking out for your rights and interests. When disputes arise, having an experienced professional on your side will help you completely understand your legal rights and options, therefore making it easier for you to come to a conclusion you can be happy with.

To Avoid Mistakes in the Process

The two reasons married couples make mistakes in a lawyer-less divorce are the stress brought on by the process and complications brought on by the legal system. If you accidentally forget to include a particular medical bill or loan documentation in your settlement agreement, this could cause significant problems. An attorney will make sure that all of the details are tended to and the proper paperwork is presented to the court.

You and your spouse may agree 100% on the written settlement agreement, but if it is not written in such a way that the judge understands or accepts, he or she may issue a divorce decree that goes against what you and your spouse initially agreed upon. Our attorneys are familiar with all the different forms and paperwork that are needed to complete the process. If you go to court without legal counsel, any issues with this paperwork could cause significant delays.

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney

So how can you choose the right attorney for your case? This is a personal matter and will vary depending on your particular needs and concerns. That is why we recommend talking to a few different attorneys about your case. You can visit their offices or undergo a phone consultation to get an idea of who you would be working with. It is also important to review their credentials, background, education and experience to see if you believe they have the skill necessary to handle your case. Because your particular qualifications and concerns will vary, your final choice in attorney will be up to you and you alone.

Call (949) 558-2799 for a Free Consultation

Every divorce is different. For example, because California is a community property state, you can expect that your marital assets will be split equally upon dissolution of marriage. However, there can be serious contention as to which property is marital and which is not. With the help of an Orange County divorce attorney, you can definitively handle these situations in a manner that is always advocating your best interests.

Contact The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman to speak with a divorce attorney in Irvine to discuss your options.

CONTACT THE FIRM FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

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Whether you are facing criminal charges, contemplating divorce, struggling with debt, or dealing with complex immigration issues, The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman is well-equipped to help. With more than three decades of experience, our skilled attorneys in Orange County, CA are available to assist with a wide range of legal matters. All you have to do is fill out the form below or give us a call at (949) 558-2799 to get started. From there, we can help guide you down the right path. Fill out our free and confidential case evaluation form below. A qualified attorney will evaluate your case and determine how the firm can help.

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