In Need of a Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles?

When you’re facing the end of your marriage, you need a divorce attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the emotional challenges of this difficult time. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen provides compassionate, knowledgeable representation for divorce cases throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

The firm handles all types of divorce proceedings, from uncontested divorces where both parties agree on terms to complex contested divorces involving significant assets, business interests, and custody disputes. Whether you work in entertainment, technology, healthcare, or any other industry, the firm understands how your unique circumstances affect your divorce.

Divorce Lawyers Who Understand Your Situation

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen recognizes that no two divorces are alike. Each marriage has its own history, challenges, and complexities. That’s why the firm takes time to understand your specific situation, your goals for the future, and what matters most to you.

From the initial consultation through the final resolution, you’ll receive personalized attention and clear communication about your case. The firm keeps you informed at every step, explains your options in plain language, and works with you to develop a strategy that protects your interests.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Divorce in California?

While every marriage is unique, certain issues frequently lead couples to seek divorce representation. Understanding these common causes can help you recognize when it’s time to seek legal guidance.

Common reasons for divorce include:

• Financial disagreements and money management conflicts
• Lack of communication or emotional connection
• Infidelity and broken trust
• Different priorities or life goals
• Work-life balance issues
• Parenting disagreements
• Substance abuse problems
• Domestic violence or emotional abuse
• Growing apart over time
• Unresolved conflicts that create ongoing tension

Whatever the reason for your divorce, the Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen approaches your case with respect and understanding. The firm doesn’t judge your circumstances but focuses on protecting your rights and helping you move forward.

What Are the Different Types of Divorce in California?

California law recognizes several types of divorce proceedings, each suited to different circumstances. Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. This type of divorce typically moves faster and costs less than contested divorces because it avoids lengthy court battles.

Even in uncontested divorces, having an attorney review your agreement protects your interests and ensures you’re not overlooking important details or giving up rights you should preserve.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce happens when spouses disagree on one or more significant issues. These cases require negotiation, and sometimes litigation, to resolve disputes. Common areas of disagreement include how to divide property, appropriate support amounts, and custody arrangements.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen has experience handling contested divorces and works to negotiate favorable settlements while preparing thoroughly for trial if necessary.

Summary Dissolution

California offers a simplified divorce process called summary dissolution for couples who meet specific requirements. To qualify, you must:

• Have been married for less than five years
• Have no children together (biological or adopted)
• Does not own real property
• Have limited community property and debts
• Agree to waive spousal support
• Both sign the required paperwork

While summary dissolution can be efficient, consulting with an attorney ensures you understand what you’re agreeing to and that the process is right for your situation.

Legal Separation

Some couples choose legal separation instead of divorce. Legal separation allows you to live apart and divide property and responsibilities while remaining legally married. This option may be appropriate for religious reasons, to maintain certain benefits, or when you’re unsure about divorce.

Collaborative Divorce

In collaborative divorce, both spouses work with their attorneys and sometimes other professionals to reach agreements outside of court. This process emphasizes cooperation and communication. If collaborative divorce doesn’t result in full agreement, both attorneys must withdraw, and you’ll need new representation for litigation.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation involves working with a neutral third party to negotiate divorce terms. A mediator helps facilitate discussions and find common ground, but doesn’t make decisions for you. Mediation can be less adversarial and more cost-effective than traditional litigation.

Understanding No-Fault Divorce in California

California is a no-fault divorce state. This means neither spouse needs to prove the other did something wrong to get a divorce. You only need to show that you have “irreconcilable differences” that have caused the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage.

This approach simplifies the divorce process and reduces conflict. You don’t need to prove infidelity, abuse, or any other fault to end your marriage.

What Issues Are Addressed in a California Divorce?

Divorce requires resolving numerous important issues that will affect your future. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen helps you navigate each of these areas.

Property Division

California is a community property state. This means property and debts acquired during marriage are generally divided equally between spouses. However, separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) typically remains with its owner.

Dividing property can be complex when you have:

• Real estate holdings
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Business interests
• Stock options and equity compensation
• Intellectual property
• Investment portfolios
• Valuable personal property

The firm works to ensure accurate valuation of assets and fair division according to California law.

Child Custody and Visitation

When you have children, custody arrangements are often the most important and emotionally challenging part of divorce. California courts focus on the best interests of the child when making custody decisions.

The firm helps you pursue custody arrangements that support your relationship with your children while meeting their needs for stability and well-being. Whether you’re seeking joint custody, primary physical custody, or negotiating visitation schedules, you’ll have knowledgeable representation.

Child Support

California has established guidelines for calculating child support based on factors including each parent’s income, the amount of time children spend with each parent, and other relevant expenses. Child support covers basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing, as well as health insurance, education, and childcare costs.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen ensures child support calculations accurately reflect your financial situation and follow California guidelines.

Spousal Support

Spousal support (also called alimony) may be awarded to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce. California courts consider multiple factors when determining spousal support, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s earning capacity
• Age and health of each spouse
• Standard of living during marriage
• Assets and debts
• Whether one spouse supported the other through education or career development

Support can be temporary (during the divorce process) or long-term, depending on your circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?

California law requires a minimum six-month waiting period from when your spouse is served with divorce papers until your divorce can be finalized. This waiting period applies even if you agree on everything.

The actual length of your divorce depends on factors including:

• Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested
• Complexity of assets and property division
• Child custody disputes
• Court schedules and backlogs
• How quickly you and your spouse exchange the required information
• Whether you can reach agreements or need court intervention

Simple uncontested divorces may be concluded soon after the six-month waiting period ends. Complex contested divorces can take a year or more.

What Are the Steps in the California Divorce Process?

Understanding the divorce process helps you know what to expect. While each case is different, divorces generally follow these steps:

1. Filing the Petition

One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court and serves it on the other spouse. This officially starts the divorce process.

2. Response

The other spouse has 30 days to file a Response. This document indicates whether they agree or disagree with statements in the Petition.

3. Temporary Orders

If necessary, either spouse can request temporary orders for issues like custody, support, or use of property during the divorce process.

4. Discovery

Both spouses exchange financial information and other relevant documents. This process ensures both parties have complete information to negotiate fairly.

5. Negotiation and Settlement

Many divorces are resolved through negotiation. Your attorney works to reach agreements on all issues without going to trial.

6. Trial

If you cannot reach a full agreement, unresolved issues go to trial, where a judge makes final decisions.

7. Final Judgment

Once all issues are resolved (through agreement or trial), the court issues a final judgment dissolving your marriage.

Protecting Your Rights During Divorce

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen focuses on protecting your legal rights throughout the divorce process. This includes ensuring:

• Accurate disclosure of all assets and debts
• Fair valuation of property and businesses
• Appropriate support calculations
• Custody arrangements that serve your children’s best interests
• Your voice is heard in negotiations and court proceedings
• You understand your options and the implications of decisions

The firm’s approach combines thorough preparation with strategic thinking to pursue the outcomes you deserve.

Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Divorce involves important decisions that affect your financial future and family relationships. Being aware of common mistakes helps you avoid them:

• Making decisions based on emotion rather than careful analysis
• Hiding assets or providing incomplete financial information
• Using children as pawns or speaking negatively about your spouse to them
• Overlooking the tax implications of property division or support
• Agreeing to terms without fully understanding them
• Failing to update estate planning documents after divorce
• Not considering future needs when negotiating settlements
• Rushing into agreements to “just get it over with.”

Working with experienced legal counsel helps you avoid these pitfalls and make decisions you can feel confident about.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

Divorce costs vary significantly depending on your circumstances. Factors that affect the cost include:

• Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested
• Complexity of property and asset division
• Whether you have child custody disputes
• How long does the process take
• Whether you go to trial or settle
• Attorney fees and court costs

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen provides transparent information about fees and works within your budget while maintaining quality representation. During your initial consultation, you’ll receive information about anticipated costs for your specific situation.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Divorces

Different circumstances in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas present unique considerations in divorce cases:

• Entertainment Industry Divorces

• • • Many clients work in entertainment with income from residuals, backend participation, production deals, or creative rights. The firm understands how to value and divide these assets appropriately.

• Tech Industry Divorces

• • • Stock options, restricted stock units, and equity compensation require careful analysis to determine what constitutes community property and how to divide it fairly.

• Business Owner Divorces

• • • When one or both spouses own a business, divorce becomes more complex. Business valuation, protecting business operations, and dividing business interests require sophisticated legal and financial analysis.

• High-Asset Divorces

• • • Substantial estates require careful attention to complex property division, tax implications, and protecting your financial future. The firm has experience handling divorces involving significant assets.

• Divorces Involving Professional Practices

• • When one spouse owns a medical, dental, legal, or other professional practice, special considerations apply to valuation and division of this asset.

Divorce and Retirement Accounts

Retirement accounts and pensions are often significant marital assets requiring careful handling during divorce. This includes:

• 401(k) plans
• IRAs
• Pension benefits
• Deferred compensation
• Stock options that vest over time

Dividing retirement accounts typically requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a specialized court order that allows division without tax penalties. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen works with financial professionals to ensure proper handling of retirement assets.

Divorce and Real Estate

When you own a home or other real estate, deciding what to do with the property is an important part of divorce. Options include:

• One spouse keeps the home and buys out the other’s interest
• Selling the property and dividing the proceeds
• Continuing to own the property jointly (less common)
• One spouse remaining in the home temporarily (often until children finish school)

The firm helps you evaluate which option makes sense for your financial situation and plans.

Divorce and Taxes

Divorce has significant tax implications that should factor into your decisions about property division and support. Important tax considerations include:

• Filing status changes
• Dependency exemptions for children
• Capital gains taxes on property transfers
• Tax treatment of spousal support
• Division of tax refunds or liabilities
• Retirement account distributions

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen can work with tax professionals to help you understand the tax consequences of divorce decisions.

Protecting Children During Divorce

While divorce is difficult for adults, it can be especially challenging for children. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen encourages parents to:

• Keep conflict away from children
• Maintain routines and stability as much as possible
• Reassure children that both parents still love them
• Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent
• Don’t make children feel they need to choose sides
• Be honest in age-appropriate ways
• Watch for signs of stress or behavioral changes
• Consider counseling support for children

The firm’s approach to divorce cases keeps children’s well-being at the forefront of decision-making.

Post-Divorce Modifications

After your divorce is finalized, circumstances may change, requiring modifications to custody, visitation, or support orders. Common reasons for post-divorce modifications include:

• Significant income changes for either parent
• Relocation of one parent
• Changes in children’s needs
• Remarriage
• Loss of employment
• Health issues
• Changes in children’s preferences or circumstances

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen can help you seek modifications when justified or defend against modification requests that aren’t appropriate.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen for Your Divorce

When you’re facing divorce, you need representation you can trust. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen offers:

• Personal attention to your case
• Clear, honest communication
• Knowledge of California divorce law
• Understanding of the Los Angeles County courts
• Experience with diverse divorce circumstances
• Commitment to protecting your interests
• Respect for you and your situation
• Strategic thinking combined with practical solutions

The firm serves clients throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities, including Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and neighboring areas.

Take the First Step: Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’re considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Early consultation helps you understand your rights, options, and the best path forward.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen offers free consultations to discuss your situation and explain how the firm can help. During your consultation, you’ll receive straightforward information about the divorce process, what to expect in your case, and how the firm approaches divorce representation.

Call (805) 222-6766 or visit https://sethbowenlaw.com/ to schedule your free consultation today.

Office: 19318 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Tarzana, CA 91356

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in California

• How long do I need to live in California before I can file for divorce?

• • • At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in the county where you’re filing for three months before starting a divorce.

• Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn’t want one?

• • • Yes. California law doesn’t require both spouses to agree to divorce. If one spouse wants a divorce, it will proceed even if the other spouse objects.

• How is property divided in a California divorce?

• • • California is a community property state. Property and debts acquired during marriage are typically divided equally. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) usually stays with its owner.

• Will I have to go to court for my divorce?

• • • Many divorces are resolved through negotiation and settlement without a trial. However, if you and your spouse cannot agree on important issues, a judge will make decisions at trial.

• Can I change my name during my divorce?

• • • Yes. You can request to restore a previous name as part of your divorce judgment.

• What if my spouse is hiding assets?

• • • California law requires both spouses to provide complete financial disclosure. If you suspect hidden assets, your attorney can use legal tools to discover undisclosed property.

• How does domestic violence affect divorce?

• • • Domestic violence can affect custody decisions, visitation arrangements, and other aspects of your divorce. If you’re experiencing domestic violence, let your attorney know immediately.

• Can I date during my divorce?

• • • While California is a no-fault state, dating during divorce can complicate custody matters and affect negotiations. It’s wise to discuss this with your attorney.

• What’s the difference between legal separation and divorce?

• • • Legal separation allows you to live apart and resolve financial and custody issues while remaining legally married. Divorce ends the marriage completely.

• Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

• • While not required, having an attorney review your agreement protects your interests and ensures you’re not agreeing to unfavorable terms or overlooking important issues.

Related Practice Areas

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen also provides representation for:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Property Division
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
• Paternity
• Post-Judgment Modifications

Contact the Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen Today

Don’t face divorce alone. Get the legal guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and move forward with confidence.

Call (805) 222-6766 for your free consultation.