Los Angeles Divorce Lawyers

Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles

Most people don’t expect to get divorced in their lifetime, however, things change, and for many individuals, divorce is inevitable. If you are getting divorced, you need an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney that will handle your case and provide you with the steadfast representation you, your children, and your assets deserve and need. At the Zitser Family Law Group, APC, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate through every challenge that may arise throughout the divorce process. We have helped hundreds of individuals move through their divorce, and are confident that we can provide you with the best representation for your divorce proceedings. We proudly serve clients in Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood Hills, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today. Our accomplished Los Angeles divorce lawyers are prepared to assist you.

Our Legal Services

At the Zitser Family Law Group, APC, we recognize the challenges that come with divorce. With the help of an experienced attorney from our firm, you can rest assured knowing we can assist you with any matter that may arise. Some of the many areas we have experience handling include the following:

What is a Divorce?

Though it is traditionally just referred to as “divorce,” the legal term is a “Dissolution of Marriage” (or domestic partnership). Marriage is considered a legal contract, so to end a marriage officially, you will have to go through the dissolution process.

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The State of California allows couples to divorce without cause. This is known as a “no-fault” divorce policy. Once the process is completed and the divorce is finalized, both individuals are free to enter into a new marriage or partnership at any time.

Examining the Types of Divorce

At Zitser Family Law Group, APC, we respect the fact that no two divorces are alike. Different clients require different strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling a variety of divorce cases, and we can provide the skilled representation necessary for your specific needs. Some of the common types of divorce we handle include the following.

Contested and Uncontested Divorces. We deal with both contested and uncontested divorces because we understand that not every couple can agree on aspects of their case from the beginning. We are here for you when you need to work through issues like property division, child custody arrangements, or spousal support. Our attorneys work to aggressively advocate for your interests throughout the divorce process and, when necessary, represent you in court.While uncontested divorces are generally faster and less expensive than their counterparts, we can guide you through your contested divorce to ensure a fair settlement.
High-Asset Divorces. Divorces involving significant assets, such as real estate, investment portfolios, or business ownership, can be complex. Our team has the experience to meticulously value your complex assets, negotiate equitable property division, and ensure the protection of your financial future.Divorce With International Aspects. Some divorces involve couples with spouses, children, assets, or property located in different countries. These divorces can be difficult to navigate and require in-depth knowledge of international law. Our attorneys can guide you through these complexities while working tirelessly to protect your interests.
Same-Sex Divorce. California recognizes same-sex marriage, and the same divorce laws apply to couples regardless of the spouses’ genders. However, some same-sex divorces present unique challenges. Our team provides inclusive representation for all couples going through divorce.

Benefits of a Los Angeles Divorce Attorney

Divorce is a life-altering event. There are immense legal and financial implications for divorcing couples, and going into the process without a grasp on what to expect can hurt your chances of achieving your desired outcome. Retaining a skilled Los Angeles divorce attorney can offer various advantages.

Protecting Financial Interests

Dividing marital assets and debts fairly can seem impossible. When you believe you deserve something that your former spouse wants, tension can grow, preventing an amicable resolution. Complex financial situations involving real estate, businesses, or investments can worsen without legal representation.

We can ensure that you receive the assets you deserve and protect your financial interests. Our team can also help you understand aspects like the potential tax implications of different asset division options.

Child Custody Advocacy

Child custody disputes are often the most emotionally charged elements of a divorce. Our compassionate attorneys strive for the ideal arrangement for your child or children. We can do everything possible to advocate for your parental rights. Our team can guide you through developing a parenting plan to address visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and child support.

Both legal and physical custody will need to be decided. Legal custody refers to the parent/s who can make important choices for the child, while physical custody refers to the parent/s with whom the child will live.

Navigating Spousal Support

Determining spousal support can be difficult, whether you will be the paying or receiving party. The estimate can become clear when accounting for factors like income disparity, length of marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity. Still, it can be difficult to understand if the number is lower or higher than expected.

Our attorney can analyze your finances, negotiate fair arrangements, and help you address your financial needs effectively.

Negotiation and Representation

With Zitser Family Law Group, APC, our attorneys are adept negotiators who can advocate for your interests in mediation sessions, settlement discussions, or the courtroom. We provide aggressive litigation representation to protect your rights throughout the divorce process if necessary.

California family law can be nuanced, which leaves opportunities for legal missteps. We know these mistakes can have lasting consequences, and we avoid them at all costs. When you work with us, you can understand your rights throughout this difficult process. You’ll know that we’re here to help you make informed decisions to safeguard your future.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Divorces can be emotionally draining, so having a trusted legal advisor by your side can reduce your stress and anxiety about the possible outcomes of your case. When you know that we are here to help you handle the complexities of your divorce, you can instead spend time focusing on your well-being and the needs of your loved ones during this difficult time.

Financial Implications of Divorce

Significant financial implications exist in California when dealing with divorce, whether it be contested or uncontested. We understand that dividing marital assets and debts is no simple task, especially when a couple owns many high-value assets, businesses, or international properties. Determining appropriate spousal support and child support payments can be difficult as well.

Regardless of the specifics of your case, our team commits ourselves to protecting your financial future by ensuring a fair division of property and fair support orders.

Property Division

Property division is one of the most worrying aspects of any divorce, regardless of the state. California is a community property state that encourages the equal division of property. This standard can add complexity to divorce because many aspects of a marital estate are difficult to split down the middle.

When courts divide all assets and debts equally, many times, lines are blurred between what is and is not separate property. When people try to navigate the obstacles of divorce without legal representation, they can lose assets that rightfully belong to them. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance should not be subject to property division, and with our help, it will not be in your divorce.

Our attorneys can properly value all marital assets, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and business interests. We can ensure fair and equitable property division.

Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a court-ordered payment to one spouse whom the court believes needs financial assistance after a divorce. While California courts consider several factors when determining the amount warranted, they sometimes decide on an amount that’s unfair to one party. When you work with us, our team can analyze your case and advocate for the ideal spousal support arrangement.

Child Support

If you and your spouse had children together, you may end up paying or receiving child support. Child support is a court-ordered payment from one parent to the parent with primary custody. This payment is meant to help cover the costs of raising the children.

California uses a formula to calculate child support while examining factors like income, housing costs, and the number of children. Our team can work with you to advocate for an accurate calculation that reflects your and your children’s interests.

Why Accurate Financial Disclosure is Important

Accurate financial disclosure throughout the divorce process is crucial to ensure that your lawyer can properly advocate for optimal outcomes. Accurate disclosures include giving true information regarding all income sources, assets, and debts. Our firms know how aspects can change depending on whether or not numbers are accurate. Presenting relevant and up-to-date information can be essential to achieving an equitable settlement in your divorce.

Tax Considerations With California Divorces

Divorce settlements can have important tax implications that you should be aware of. Understanding the consequences can help alleviate tax burdens rather than surprising you. Some key aspects of divorce that involve tax considerations include:

Property Division: Divisions of marital assets could trigger capital gains taxes, depending on the asset’s value and the length of time it’s been owned. For example, selling a house awarded to you in a divorce settlement can result in capital gains taxes on the home’s appreciated value. Our team can help you understand these implications so you can make wise decisions regarding property division.
Dependency Exemptions: Claiming children as dependents on your tax returns can benefit many people. Typically, the parent with custody gets the dependency exemption in the settlement, but agreements can be reached that let spouses alternate years or share the exemption, depending upon the circumstances.
Spousal Support: The tax considerations of spousal support have changed over time, and staying updated on the current information is important. If you wonder whether spousal support payments can be deducted from your taxes, speaking to a professional about the circumstances surrounding your divorce can be wise. We can answer these questions and any other questions about spousal support.
Retirement Accounts: In Los Angeles, accounts like IRAs or 401ks require careful consideration. Specific procedures can be necessary to transfer funds from one spouse to another without incurring tax penalties. Our attorneys can guide you through the process to ensure the smoothest division of retirement assets.

Taxes can be complex, and having a team of professionals to help you navigate them is crucial. Zitser Family Law Group, APC, can work with tax advisors to ensure your divorce settlement takes key tax considerations into account.

What to Expect During the Divorce Process

Divorce can be a complex process, and the timeline can be tricky. Understanding the general steps involved can help you get through it unscathed. A simplified overview of the typical divorce process in California can include many optional steps that are important to know.

Initial Petition and Response

The divorce process can begin when one spouse files a petition with the court. This petition will state the spouse’s intent to dissolve the marriage while outlining any initial requests regarding property division, child custody, spousal support, or other applicable aspects. The other spouse will have time to file their response and outline their petition.

Discovery Phase

During the discovery phase, the parties gather and exchange their information to provide the other side with the most accurate information and ensure informed decisions. The information exchanged can include financial documents, asset and debt records, and anything else pertinent to the circumstances.

This stage can include answering written questions or participating in depositions, where individuals audibly answer questions under oath. The goal of the discovery is to ensure both parties completely understand the financial situation.

Temporary Orders

If you have children or require financial support while the divorce is ongoing, you can request temporary orders from the court. These orders can address aspects like child custody arrangements, child support, and spousal support until the final settlement occurs.

Mediation Sessions

Mediation can be a helpful tool to employ before going to trial. During mediation sessions, a neutral third party facilitates communication between spouses. In these sessions, the spouses seek to agree on various elements of their divorce settlement. An attorney can advise you throughout the mediation process and ensure your interests are present within any agreements reached.

Settlement Negotiations

Throughout the process, your attorney can work to negotiate for the most fair settlement possible. In these negotiations, we can strive to address any outstanding issues. Negotiations can occur through mediation, direct negotiation, a combination of both, or other means.

Litigation

While not always necessary, some cases require litigation. If you and your spouse cannot agree, your case could go to trial, where a judge will hear arguments and evidence for the case. Both sides will have a chance to make their arguments before the judge finalizes the undecided aspects of the divorce.

Final Judgment

A divorcing couple settles, or a court issues a final judgment. After one of these options occurs, the court finalizes the divorce. The final judgment should outline the legal terms of the divorce, including things like spousal support, property division, and child custody.

While the specific steps of your divorce process may look slightly different, it is important to remember that this is not a task you should try to undertake yourself. Divorce can have a far-reaching impact on the rest of your life. It is crucial to retain the services of a divorce attorney to ensure you can express your desires and achieve the success you are looking for.

After Your Divorce Is Final

The finalization of your divorce can begin a new chapter of your life. At Zitser Family Law Group, APC, we want to help you adjust to life after divorce. As your legal team, we can provide tips on how to better build a fulfilling future, like:

Financial planning. Reviewing your finances is important to keep track of your new income and expenses. Many people benefit immensely from a financial advisor’s help.
Taking care of your emotional well-being. When you prioritize your emotional well-being, you can understand what it takes to have a positive new life.
Establishing healthy co-parenting routines when applicable. When you have children together, communication with your ex-spouse will be necessary to some extent. Effective communication and cooperation can be essential to raising children in a stable environment.
Building and maintaining a social life. Reconnecting with old friends, exploring new hobbies, and joining new social groups that align with your interests can be helpful in this time of change.
Focusing on moving forward. Allowing yourself time to heal can include tasks like focusing on your personal growth. You have the opportunity to create a life that reflects your personal values and aspirations.

Why Do You Need a Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer?

We cannot advise you to represent yourself in your divorce, as many complications can arise without proper representation.

The process can be messy and emotional, and without legal experience, it can be difficult to adequately argue for what you should rightfully receive and keep under the law – especially when determining how to put forward the facts that may affect your case.

At the Zitser Family Law Group, we have decades of experience working in the courts in Los Angeles and Southern California, with a thorough understanding of the state law and an organized team that will help you proceed.

International Cases

The modern era has made it increasingly permissible for individuals to meet and interact with one another on a global basis. This has drastically impacted the practice of family law. Geography has not limited the ability of couples to enter into relationships and even raise children. An additional concern is the presence of investments, property, or other holdings in multiple countries. When complex family law issues arise that require knowledge of international treaties and laws, you must have a family law attorney that knows the terrain. Our office has significant experience in handling these types of issues and is fully committed to protecting your interests, both domestically and abroad.

The international legal system is composed of each countries’ laws, as well as multilateral and bilateral agreements that impact the ability of an attorney to represent his or her client’s needs abroad. Our office will help you to determine what the best jurisdiction is for you to initiate (or in some cases, move) family law actions you may be a party to. Our office also has experience dealing with witnesses who are located in other countries, international holdings, and custody disputes.

If you are concerned that your case may extend past Californian or even American borders, please contact our office. An initial consultation can ensure that you are in tune with the complexities of litigating abroad.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost Near Los Angeles?

A: The cost of a divorce lawyer near Los Angeles can vary depending on factors like your attorney’s experience, your case’s complexity, and how long your case takes to settle. In high-asset divorces, you can expect higher costs due to the intricacies of the financial aspects involved. Attorneys typically have an hourly rate or retainer structure.

Q: What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in California?

A: In a California divorce, what a wife is entitled to is based on community property laws. This means that all assets and debts acquired during your marriage are equally divided after a divorce. There is no automatic entitlement based on the gender of one spouse.

Separate property held before the commencement of marriage remains separate property during and after the marriage unless designated differently by the owner.

Q: Does the Husband Have to Pay for the Wife’s Divorce Lawyer in California?

A: While there is no requirement for husbands to automatically pay for the wife’s divorce lawyer in California, there are circumstances where the husband may be financially responsible for legal fees.

When California courts award spousal support, the financial burden will often include covering legal fees associated with the divorce. If you expect that spousal support will be ordered in your divorce, you should consult with a family law attorney immediately for information about your options.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce if Both Parties Agree in California?

A: In California, the cost of getting a divorce if both parties agree is usually much less than when spouses have many disagreements. In these divorces, called uncontested divorces, the spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, child support, child custody, and spousal support. When the process is amicable, there is no need for expensive litigation or high legal fees.

While some couples start with an uncontested divorce, many seek mediation to resolve their differences.

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Contact Zitser Family Law Group

At Zitser Family Law Group, we recognize that deciding to end a marriage is not an easy decision. Whether your divorce is complicated by business ownership, celebrity status, being older in age, or any other factor, our firm is ready to help. We will do everything in our power to fight for your rights, thereby making the traditionally-difficult process far easier on you and your family. If you are going through a divorce and require quality legal representation, contact the divorce attorneys at the Zitser Family Law Group today.

Los Angeles Divorce Attorney