Los Altos Divorce Lawyer

Los Altos Divorce Attorney

Divorce is always difficult. Even if both parties get along and it’s a mutual breakup, the process of going through your shared past can be an emotional, upsetting experience. Having an experienced Los Altos divorce lawyer by your side can be a great support with many benefits during this difficult process.

Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes has helped the community of Northern California for more than thirty-five years in all aspects of family law, including divorce. Tracy Duell-Cazes, the founder and sole practitioner at Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes, is a Certified Family Law Specialist, so she is highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated.

She has also been named a Northern California “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers every year since 2009, which is a designation that no more than 5% of attorneys in an area can claim.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

California has the 7th lowest divorce rate in the country at 5.88 per 1,000 women reporting getting divorced in 2022. You are not alone, and plenty of people find themselves in need of legal help for a divorce in the Golden State.

Los Altos, California, divorce laws can be complex and confusing for someone untrained in law. It can be easy to make an error that could potentially lead to delays or even invalidate a divorce. If you are considering a divorce, hire a divorce lawyer who can provide guidance every step of the way, ensuring mistakes are not made and protecting your rights.

The following are just a few of the ways a Los Altos divorce lawyer can help:

• Divorce strategy: There are many different methods of obtaining a divorce in California. Speaking with a divorce attorney can help you decide which one is most applicable in your situation, whether contested, uncontested, default, or a summary dissolution.
• Litigation: Oftentimes, a neutral third party can be beneficial during the divorce process. This person can guide the conversation, keeping discussions civil and on task while maintaining strict confidentiality. Mediation can be a preferable option if both parties are on good terms, and it avoids multiple courtroom visits. One thing to note is that if mediation is unsuccessful, discussions must start over, even if topics were agreed upon.
• Litigation: Even in uncontested separations, disagreements can arise. It can be a sensitive time for all involved. In these instances, having someone to advocate for you can be crucial both in and out of court.
• Child custody & visitation: Many divorces require the complex process of establishing custody of the children. This can be a very emotional and contentious process. Physical custody can be shared by the parents, or one parent may have sole custody, with the other having visitation. Legal custody, which is the ability to make legal decisions for the child, can also be shared or granted to one parent.If parents cannot agree, a judge will decide on arrangements based on the best interests of the child.
• Spousal support: In some cases, you or your former spouse may be eligible for ongoing support from the other. This can be a delicate matter to discuss, both for the party that wishes to receive support and the one that will be paying for it. A divorce lawyer can determine what is fair, and there are many considerations that come into play.Support can be ordered temporarily while the divorce is in process, and long-term support will be determined when terms are finalized.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Los Altos, CA?

A: The cost of a Los Altos divorce lawyer can vary greatly. Things that can affect the cost are the complexity of the case and whether or not the case proceeds to court. Additionally, the expert fees and court expenses may contribute to the total cost. Discuss fees with a family law attorney during the initial consultation so there are no surprises later.

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

A: The five-year rule refers to summary dissolution. This can be a faster, cheaper alternative to the normal divorce process that requires specific conditions. These include:

• The marriage lasted less than five years
• There are no children involved
• Spousal support is not desired
• The couple agrees on property division
• There are few shared assets

If you qualify, then a summary dissolution may be the path for you. The residency requirement of six months still applies.

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

A: The ten-year rule refers to a section in the California Family Code that defines a long marriage as ten or more years. This can potentially affect spousal support. If a marriage is considered a long marriage, spousal support may be required for a much longer period. It does not mean lifetime payments are guaranteed, or that either party automatically gets spousal support.

Q: Will Your Spouse Get Half in a Divorce in California?

A: Your spouse will get half in a divorce, but only half of the property and debts acquired during the marriage. California has community property laws specified in the California Family Code. All property or assets acquired jointly during a marriage will be split equally between both parties. Anything owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is exempt.

Q: How Long Will Your Divorce Take in Los Altos, CA?

A: The length of a divorce has a wide range depending on a variety of factors. The shortest divorce in Los Altos, CA, will take at least six months, as state law requires a waiting period. If spouses cannot come to an agreement and it moves to court, the process will be much longer. In Los Altos, this will likely be at the Family Justice Center Courthouse in San Jose. Speak with a divorce attorney to verify court appearances and potential time frames.

Contact Us Today

Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes is dedicated to supporting those in our community through this challenging period of their life. Together, we can make this life transition as smooth as possible. Contact us today for an initial consultation.