Pleasanton Divorce Lawyer

Pleasanton Divorce Attorney

Divorce is a more complex process than many people expect. It is more than just terminating a marriage contract; it is also the formal legal process of dividing marital property between the divorcing spouses, resolving other important financial issues, and determining custody and support of their children if they have children together. A Pleasanton divorce lawyer can be an invaluable asset if you are planning to end your marriage in the near future.

Comprehensive Divorce and Legal Separation Representation in Pleasanton, CA

We provide comprehensive divorce and legal separation representation for individuals throughout Northern California. We understand the serious emotional and financial hardships often associated with divorce – legal separation. Contested divorces can be stressful and intimidating for children. We strive to guide our clients through the legal system.

The Tierney Law Group has extensive experience with divorce counsel in Pleasanton and surrounding areas. When you hire our firm to represent you in your divorce case, you can rest assured that we can take the time necessary to get to know you and your situation so we can address the specific issues that worry you the most about the process.

No two divorce cases are exactly alike, and every client we represent will have a uniquely tailored and individualized case strategy developed by our team. Our goal is to help you understand the various legal mechanisms in play in your divorce and to approach the situation with confidence and peace of mind.

Resolving Your Divorce Case in Pleasanton

Every divorce case is different, but there are a few key issues that every divorcing couple will need to address to complete the process successfully. You can rely on the Tierney Law Group to help you understand the various important elements of your individual divorce case, which may include:

• Property division, which must unfold according to the state’s community property rule for divorce. Both spouses will need to submit financial disclosure statements to complete this process, which will outline each of their separate properties as well as the community property that must be evenly divided.
• Child custody. If a divorcing couple has children, child custody determination could be the most challenging aspect of their divorce. They cannot resolve this issue privately; the family court has a legal duty to ensure their custody arrangement suits the best interests of the child.
• Child support. When one divorcing parent assumes greater custody rights over their child, the other parent will be required to pay child support to ensure the child receives equal financial support from both parents. It is possible for a child support order to be modified over time as the parents’ financial situations fluctuate.
• Spousal support. Also known as alimony, it is support paid from a higher-earning spouse to a lower-earning spouse to help them maintain their standard of living after divorce. The amount that must be paid will depend on the difference in the spouses’ incomes, and the time that payments must continue typically depends on how long the marriage lasted.

It’s possible for your divorce to entail other issues that will require the focused attention of an experienced Pleasanton divorce lawyer. When you choose the Tierney Law Group to represent you, we can identify every area of concern in your case and assist you in determining the optimal approach to resolving your divorce.

It is possible to explore alternative dispute resolution if you and your spouse both agree to do so, but you may not be able to resolve every issue your divorce entails through this process. Ultimately, some measure of litigation is likely to be necessary for you to complete your divorce successfully. Whatever your case requires, you can count on the Tierney Law Group for consistent support through every phase of your case.

Individualized Approach

Our straight forward approach to family law enables us to evaluate your situation thoroughly to determine the best course of action based on your goals and needs. We realize the benefits gained when both parties can collaborate to create viable marital agreements. However, we also recognize that complex situations, such as custody issues, require immediate litigation or trial. Whether you are going through a contested or uncontested divorce, our law firm has the experience and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Thorough Pre-planning

Whether you are seeking a divorce or legal separation, we believe you need to be aware of your financial situation before making decisions about your property, child support or spousal support. Thorough planning can also help you understand every fact and possible outcome to your case. We recommend that you start gathering and reviewing as much information as possible, including: bank statements, stock and brokerage accounts, employment pay stubs, IRA and 401(k) statements.

FAQs

Do I Need to Prove Fault for Divorce?

No, you do not need to prove fault for divorce in California. As a no-fault divorce state, most petitions for divorce are filed for the reason of irreconcilable differences, meaning the marriage has broken down beyond hope of saving. Fault plays no role in divorce proceedings unless it involves domestic violence. This can have a strong bearing on the outcome of the case, and the abuser will likely face criminal prosecution as well.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Divorce in Pleasanton?

The time it could take to complete a divorce in Pleasanton depends on multiple variables, such as the overall complexity of the divorce, whether the divorcing spouses have children, and whether they are open to the idea of exploring alternative dispute resolution. Some couples can qualify for summary dissolution, which will expedite divorce significantly. However, all divorces are subject to the state’s mandatory six-month waiting period.

Do I Have to Lose Half of My Property in Divorce?

You will only lose half of your marital property in divorce. The state upholds the community property law for divorce, meaning all marital property is subject to strictly even division. Marital property can include anything the couple purchased together and the income they both earned while married. They will each be allowed to keep their separate property, which typically includes the things they owned prior to marriage.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Pleasanton Divorce Lawyer?

You need to hire a Pleasanton divorce lawyer if you want to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive conclusion to your divorce. You will be better prepared to address unexpected challenges that arise with your case and will be able to approach each stage of your proceedings with confidence when you have an attorney’s help. You are also more likely to achieve your desired results when you have a legal representative you trust on your side.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Pleasanton Divorce Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Pleasanton divorce lawyer will depend on your chosen attorney’s billing policy and the overall complexity of your case. Some attorneys offer clients flat rates for specific legal services, while most of the family lawyers bill their clients by the hour. If you have an hourly billing agreement with your attorney, the more time they must spend working on your case, the more you pay in legal fees.

The Tierney Law Group wants to help you secure the results you hope to see in your impending divorce. We know this is an emotionally challenging situation, and we want to help you feel more confident about the proceedings ahead of you.

Contact the Experienced Pleasanton California Family Law and Divorce Attorneys at Tierney Law Group, PC, today for a consultation. Let our team help you at this difficult time.