Oceanside Divorce Lawyer

Divorces are highly contentious and emotional experiences. It is important to have skilled representation to look after your best interests during this difficult time. At Ratzer|Dobis, our Oceanside divorce lawyer can provide the aggressive advocacy you need to achieve the results you deserve.

Why Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer in Oceanside?

Separating from your spouse can be a long and arduous process. The decisions made during a divorce will have far-reaching consequences financially and personally. There are several reasons to retain representation:

  • Protect your best interests
  • Navigate the legal process
  • Ensure the process is fair
  • Provide legal advice for critical questions
  • Communicate to your spouse on your behalf
  • Maintain civility by keeping things less emotional

A divorce lawyer in Oceanside, California, can also streamline the process. Contested divorces can take years over matters like alimony and child custody. A divorce attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal process and handle the extensive paperwork.

Why Choose Ratzer/Dobis?

Our firm’s focus rests entirely on family law. At Ratzer/Dobis:

  • Our goal is to make your life and your family’s life better
  • Our family law attorneys are certified
  • We offer free consultations

We understand divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can have. With a Ratzer/Dobis lawyer by your side, you can feel secure that your concerns and goals are effectively represented.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Oceanside, California?

In Oceanside, spouses do not need any grounds for a divorce. California is a “no-fault” state, meaning that spouses do not have to prove that the other spouse is responsible for the dissolution of the marriage.

All states offer a no-fault divorce. However, California is one of a few states that only offer no-fault divorces. Regardless of the reasons the marriage is ending, the blame will not be considered when dividing assets, granting alimony, or deciding child custody.

What Marital Issues Can Our Divorce Attorneys Handle?

At Ratzer|Dobis, our California divorce attorneys can handle a wide range of family law matters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average divorce rate is 2.3 per 1,000 people. The divorce rate has been trending down, meaning that people are staying married much longer.

However, the longer the marriage, the more complicated the divorce. Lengthier marriages tend to have more assets that are intertwined. In addition, longer marriages may make it more difficult to prove which assets are separate property versus community property.

A few of the most common marital matters our experienced divorce lawyers can handle include child custody agreements, high-net-worth divorces, and spousal support.

Child Custody Agreements

Child custody agreements are long-term, complex arrangements made in the best interest of the children. Parents must agree on physical and legal custody. In many cases, both parents want an equal say in the health and education of their children, choosing joint custody over sole.

In addition, parent time must be considered and agreed upon. Parent time is a visitation schedule, often detailing pick-up and drop-off times and locations. In rare cases of abuse or parental absence, visitation may only be granted while under supervision.

High-Asset Divorces

Despite California’s no-fault divorces, the division of assets can be just as complicated as in other states. High-asset divorces are even more contentious.

When a couple owns more than $1 million in assets, it is usually divided between various properties and investments, making an equitable division complicated. In many cases, one or both spouses may own a business.

Forensic accountants and other third parties are often used in high-asset divorces to maintain fair distribution.

Spousal Support and Alimony

Spousal support and alimony are some of the most controversial divorce matters. In California, a spouse may be granted temporary or permanent spousal support.
A judge will consider numerous factors before granting alimony, including:

  • The needs of the supported spouse
  • The ability of the paying spouse to pay
  • The length of marriage
  • The community and separate property of both spouses
  • How long it will take for the supported spouse to become self-reliant
  • If the supported spouse gave up opportunities for the other (i.e., stayed home to raise the children, supported the other spouse while they gained education)
  • If there is a history of domestic violence

A judge may grant temporary spousal support during the divorce process. The supported spouse may need time after the divorce to become self-sufficient. However, in some cases permanent alimony may be granted.

What is Considered Community Property?

In a no-fault state, defining community and separate property is crucial. Community property is all the assets, debts, cash, and earnings acquitted during the union. During the divorce process, all community property will be divided equally.

This may not mean every asset must be liquidated to be equitably distributed. Instead, the overall division of assets must be equal. If one spouse takes ownership of the marital home, the other spouse will need assets of equal value.

What is Considered Separate Property in Oceanside?

Separate property involves various cash and assets owned by only one spouse. Typically, it consists of property acquired before or after marriage.

In addition, inheritances, gifts, and settlements are considered separate property. However, it should be noted that a spouse will need to prove that an asset is a separate property. For example, if one spouse inherited a piece of real estate, they will need to prove that in court. Otherwise, the asset will be added to the marriage’s community property.

Contact an Oceanside Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorcing without proper legal representation can have life-long consequences. Unprotected spouses can lose their home, a substantial portion of their income, and have their separate property misclassified as community property due to lack of proof.

At Ratzer|Dobis, our Oceanside divorce lawyer can evaluate your unique marital situation and provide various strategies to protect your best interests. We will take the time to learn your goals and concerns through close, personal service. Our talented legal team will aggressively advocate on your behalf to ensure your goals are met.

Contact our offices for a free consultation today to discuss the details of your marital matter.

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