Riverside Divorce Lawyer

How to File for Divorce in Riverside County

To file for divorce in Riverside County, you must live in California for at least six months and Riverside County for at least three months.

You can get the forms online or at the courthouse. You must pay $435 to file the forms.

You must serve the papers to your spouse within 60 days. Your spouse has 30 days to respond. You can ask the court to end the marriage if they don't. The whole process can take 6 to 12 months.

These timeframes run concurrently and start the day the Respondent is personally served. Parties cannot be returned to single people until at least six months and one day have passed - even if all issues are settled, and the judgment is filed with the court. 

However, all other issues can be resolved before this date.

If the respondent fails to respond to the petition forms, the case can continue without cooperation. A default request is submitted to the court before, along with the judgment forms permitting the case to proceed and be finalized without the respondent.

This process can be lengthy and confusing, so it is essential to contact our divorce attorneys in Riverside, CA, for further guidance. We also have a divorce law firm in Temecula, CA.

When you work with the Albright Family Law Group, our Riverside divorce lawyers can serve the other party personally, so you do not have to worry about this potentially stressful situation.

Understanding Divorce in Riverside County

For residents of Riverside County, navigating the divorce process can be challenging and stressful. Divorce involves the legal dissolution of a marriage, which can include various contentious issues such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements. These aspects can lead to significant emotional and financial strain during the proceedings.

In Riverside, local resources like the Riverside County Superior Court provide essential information and forms for starting divorce proceedings. However, navigating the legal landscape can be daunting without the assistance of an experienced legal professional. At Albright Family Law Group, we understand the challenges clients encounter during the divorce process, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Personalized Legal Assistance in Divorce

A common challenge faced by Riverside residents is navigating the complexities of legal paperwork and the stringent timelines associated with it. Missing a deadline or incorrectly filling out a form can lead to delays and heightened stress. At Albright Family Law Group, we understand how this can exacerbate the emotional burden of an already taxing situation. Our team can assist you, ensuring that you meet deadlines and accurately complete all necessary paperwork.

We are well-versed in the unique aspects of Riverside County's legal landscape, including the specific challenges our clients face. Our local insight means that you can receive personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your divorce in Riverside County. Dial (951) 400-5273 to begin.

Things to Think About Before Divorce in Riverside County, California

There are several things that you should know about divorce as you consider starting the California divorce process.

Weigh your options: Some times after a big argument or dramatic event, we feel that divorce is our best option. Many times, this is not true. Time to cool off, time to consider the other person’s position or even consider counseling. An alternative to divorce includes Legal Separation. This option prohibits re-marriage (because you are technically still married to each other) and allows you to remain on health insurance plans as well as beneficiaries for retirement plans and death benefits. The process for a Legal Separation is the same as a divorce.

Get a support team in place: Regardless if your divorce is mutually agreed upon, completely unexpected, or a long time coming, it is still a very stressful and emotional transition. If you have children, you must also be sensitive to their needs as the family goes through this transition. Having a support team in place, be it family, friends, church members, or co-workers, will help you manage life during the divorce process.

Get your finances in order: What are your assets and debts? Approximately how much money do you need each month to cover monthly expenses for you and your children? Can you keep living in your current home, neighborhood, or city without receiving support? It may be beneficial to hire an attorney to prepare some support calculation estimates for you to assist you in determining your ability to pay your monthly living expenses.

• Gather the names and contact information for all bank accounts and investment/retirement accounts.
• Make a copy of the most recent credit card statements and valuations of vehicles and other property.
• Know how much you and your spouse earn individually and if either of you gets bonuses, fringe benefits (car allowances, health benefits, life insurance, cell phone service, etc.), or pay raises regularly.

Make a list of your “must-haves” and “can-haves”: Knowing what you are adamant about keeping and what you can live without will make the process less stressful for you. Really take the time to determine what is most important to you so that you can focus your energy on that. This will also help conserve attorney fees.

Research attorneys: Finding an attorney who will fit your needs may require multiple consultations and doing your homework (checking reviews, asking for referrals, sitting at the courthouse, & knowing your financial limitations). Hiring a “cheap” attorney may get you what you paid for; but, on the other hand, not all “expensive” attorneys will give you the greatest results. Know what you can afford, and consider that you will likely have to pay more than the initial retainer. Find an attorney who you feel will help you to get the results you are seeking. Divorce, in general, is not positive, but having the right attorney will help to minimize some of the negativity.