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Divorce

Whatley Law Firm offers a steady hand to guide you through a delicate situation—our law office can advise you on what you need to know to get through a divorce intact. In California, the parties do not need to agree to end a marriage or a domestic partnership. Either party can initiate the proceedings, and the other party cannot put a stop to the proceedings by not cooperating. Also, California is a “no fault” divorce state. This means that the party seeking the divorce does not need to prove that the other party did something wrong. Simply put, either party simply requests a divorce based on “irreconcilable differences”, or the existence of significant differences between a couple that are too great and beyond repair.

The laws in California provide for certain steps to get divorced:

  • Term of residency in the state
  • Term of residency in the county
  • Filing of petition for dissolution
  • Fair response times for the other party

Once these initial steps are completed, your divorce may be contested or uncontested.

If your divorce is uncontested—that is, your spouse agrees with what you state about the marriage—then Whatley Law Firm can help you draft the orders that end your marriage (“Judgment”).

If your divorce is contested—because your spouse disagrees with what you request, or requires something from you to end the marriage—then our firm can guide you through the process, represent you through the negotiations, or represent you at any hearings or trials necessary.  

We may even be able to help you if you are unable to locate your spouse, and are having trouble getting the divorce proceedings moving because of it.

Your Life Is Changing—Divorce Proceedings Are Only the Beginning

Once you make the decision to file for divorce, we can provide assistance in organizing what needs to be done to suit your new life.

Whatley Law Firm can give you advice in Contra Costa County for all aspects of your transition:

  • Child custody and visitation rights
  • Enforcement of custodial rights, if your rights are denied by your former spouse
  • Child support
  • Alimony, or spousal support
  • Modification of orders or Judgment terms, if you believe an old reality is reflected and there has been a change of circumstances
  • Community property division

We work to make a rocky change a little smoother for you.  We can also often finish a divorce case without needing to ever go to a hearing or trial at the courthouse.  Each case is different, and we treat each case with the respect and attention your case deserves.  

Call 1-925-228-0800 for your free 30 minute consultation to learn more about divorce, legal separation, and other family law issues in Contra Costa County.

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