San Mateo Divorce Lawyer

San Mateo Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce can be an excruciatingly complicated and emotional experience. You may be confused by the steps you need to take and overwhelmed by the implications of each negotiation. Fortunately, a San Mateo divorce lawyer can help you.

A San Mateo Attorney Can Help With Your Divorce

When it comes to filing for a divorce, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The unfamiliar language and emotional toll can be exhausting, but an attorney can provide you with peace of mind. Find your San Mateo divorce lawyer at TDC Family Law.

Your San Mateo family lawyer will help eliminate confusion by clearly explaining each step and demystifying the legal jargon you encounter during divorce proceedings. As a Mediation Lawyer, they can guide and streamline negotiations over property distribution, and—if you have children—a Parent Coordinator can assist in crafting a parenting plan that safeguards your child’s welfare while helping you achieve your desired outcomes.

California Divorce Statistics

In 2022, 673,989 marriages ended in divorce. California’s divorce rate is approximately 6.5 per 1,000 women, meaning almost six out of every 1,000 women in the state will get divorced. This is a fairly low average, even compared to surrounding states like Oregon, which has a divorce rate of 7.9 per 1,000 women.

There is a lot to consider when you begin divorce proceedings, but the two main things you will need to decide on are property division and child custody.

Property Division

Property is an umbrella term that covers land, houses, vehicles, accounts, and various other assets. When you get divorced, all the property owned by you and your spouse must be divided.

• Community Property: The state of California is legally a “community property” state. This means that, after you are married, everything you acquire, including debt, belongs to both you and your spouse. In the event of a divorce, the debts and property you accumulated during your marriage will most likely be split 50/50 unless there are extenuating circumstances.
• Separate Property: Now that you have accounted for the property you acquired during your marriage, you’ll need to evaluate how separate property factors into your divorce. Separate property covers anything that you owned prior to your marriage and anything included in your prenuptial agreement. This could be something as big as your house or as small as a ring.

Child Custody

Like most parents, the courts will prioritize the well-being of your child above all else when it comes to child-related divorce matters. This can include any of the following:

• Custody: The parents or the court will need to determine who has custody. It could be joint, or one parent could have sole legal and/or physical custody.
• Visiting Rights: If one parent does not have custody of their child, their visiting rights will need to be determined. In some cases, visitation may be supervised or not permitted at all.
• Child Support: If there is a non-custodial parent, they may be required to pay child support.

With the help of your San Mateo divorce lawyer, you can move through each step of the child custody process with wisdom and confidence.

What If My Safety Is at Risk?

If you are escaping from a domestic violence situation in San Mateo and need housing and/or help while awaiting the finalization of your divorce, there are many resources you can turn to. CORA, located at 2211 Palm Avenue, offers emergency housing, while the San Mateo Domestic Violence Hotline runs 24 hours a day and can be reached at +1 (650) 312-8515.

FAQs

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

A: The final price of a divorce lawyer in San Mateo, California, tends to vary case by case. There are, however, common contributing factors that tend to impact the overall divorce cost in California, such as the level of complexity your case presents, how long it takes for your divorce case to resolve, and what lawyer you hire to represent you. Experts’ fees and court expenses could also affect the total cost.

Q: What Is the Five-Year Rule for Divorce in California?

A: The five-year rule, also known as a summary dissolution, is a simplified form of divorce in the state of California. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• You have been married for less than five years
• You have no children together
• You do not want spousal support
• You do not own and/or owe very much
• Both parties agree on how to split up the property and assets

If you meet these requirements, you should discuss this with your lawyer.

Q: Can I Represent Myself in a Divorce Case in California?

A: While it is perfectly legal for you to represent yourself in your divorce case, there are many benefits that come with hiring a skilled lawyer to represent you. Not only will they be able to help you navigate the legal and administrative side of your case, but they can also be a voice of compassion and reason when facing the emotional side. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help you avoid common pitfalls.

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

A: Generally speaking, all property and assets accumulated during the marriage are considered community property, which means everything that you owe and own from the time of your marriage will most likely be split in half in the event of a divorce. In terms of property you owned prior to your marriage, it can become a bit more complex. Prenuptial agreements can bring some clarity, but if you owned or owed it prior to your marriage, it will likely remain yours.

Get Help From TDC Family Law Today

Getting a divorce can leave you feeling alone, especially when it comes to negotiating property division and child custody. While you may feel isolated, you do not need to shoulder this burden by yourself.

The legal team at TDC Family Law is prepared to help you navigate the complex world of family law. Your San Mateo divorce lawyer can assist you in establishing and pursuing your desired outcome. With compassion and knowledge, your lawyer can help you face your divorce head-on, providing you with peace of mind and bringing you closer to your goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.