Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer

A divorce is a stressful life event, but sometimes making the decision to move on is better for everyone involved. All the decisions that are made during the divorce process will shape your future with your family. If you are ready to start the divorce process, you need the support of a Los Angeles divorce lawyer. A professional who has extensive experience with divorce and family law can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible for you.

Selecting the right lawyer to represent you and provide legal counsel throughout your divorce is not a decision that should be made hastily. Rather, you should consider what is at stake and select a Los Angeles divorce law firm that brings more to the table than any other law firm. The Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers, APC, has many years of experience assisting families through this life-changing process.

The Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers puts extra effort into mending the wounds of divorce, particularly when it comes to children. Ms. Rogers has an extensive background in psychology and uses her experience and knowledge to advise her clients and carefully guide each case she takes on. Her relatability and compassion are equally esteemed, as are her professionalism and reputation in the courtroom.

Ms. Rogers is well-respected by her colleagues, fellow Los Angeles divorce lawyers, and family court judges. Her reputation of being prepared, competent, and confident precedes her in the courtroom, and she is well-known as a no-nonsense legal force when it comes to upholding her clients’ rights and fighting for justice on their behalf. Her tactical approach in the courtroom makes for many successful divorce case outcomes for her clients and their families.

The laws of divorce in California were established for the purpose of providing a fair process for couples who wish to end their marriage. Neither party needs to be at fault for inciting divorce, as California is a no-fault divorce state. When fault is not part of the divorce requirements, it makes the process less adversarial for the parties involved.

Divorcing couples have some options as to how they can carry out their divorce proceedings in California. Some of the most common ways of divorce are listed below.

• Mediation
• Collaboration
• Uncontested
• Litigation

California divorce laws aim for fairness, cooperation, and the well-being of any children involved. This attitude reflects the state’s commitment to conflict minimization and transition facilitation in support of post-divorce families. California strives to enact and uphold the laws in an effort to remain respectful and considerate to all involved.

Even the state’s policies regarding property division speak to the non-confrontational vibe the state wishes to uphold when it comes to divorced parties and the divorce process. A fair and equitable division of assets and debts serves to leave parties without animosity against each other moving forward.

Divorce is the most sought-after facet of family law, and most family law practice areas are intertwined with divorce. In many instances, they go hand in hand. Below is a list of legal areas that fall under the umbrella of Los Angeles divorce law.

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on all the important matters of divorce, as well as the minute details of divorce terms, including division of property, both child and spousal support, parenting time, and more. An uncontested divorce does not require the case to go to court before a judge to determine the terms of the divorce because they have already been decided on. The only requirement is that a judge sign off on the divorce.

When parties involved in a divorce cannot see eye to eye on the terms of their divorce, they must have a judge decide what the terms of the divorce will be on their behalf. These types of divorces require litigation and, as a result, are much more costly than uncontested divorces. They also take more time and can become emotionally charged without an experienced attorney who knows how to maintain a certain air of composure in the courtroom.

California, being a community property state, requires a 50/50 division of all marital property. This can get complicated, though, when discrepancies arise regarding what is community property and what is separate property in terms of assets. Sometimes, a divorce attorney is needed to help distinguish between assets and attempt to work out feuds among couples. In some cases, non-monetary marital contributions can offset a 50/50 division, which an attorney can also help in identifying.

Divorce can be complicated and arduous, especially when dealing with a deceptive spouse who is believed to be hiding assets. A knowledgeable divorce attorney knows how to uncover marital assets and undergo an actual valuation of marital property for the purpose of completing a fair and just division of property.

When a divorcing couple has a collective value of community property equaling one million dollars or more, it is considered a high net worth divorce or high asset divorce. These divorces require special care to be taken and are not the same as other types of divorces. It is imperative that these cases be handled properly with forethought and experience with high net worth divorce; otherwise, one party could get taken advantage of by the opposing legal team.

When one or more divorcing parties own a business, either with their spouse, alone, or with a third party, the division of property can get complicated when it comes to valuing and dividing company ownership and assets. In an ideal scenario, a seasoned Los Angeles divorce lawyer can offer suggestions and potential solutions to resolving disputes and avoid leaving ex-spouses with animosity and disdain for each other after the divorce proceedings are finalized.

In many cases, disputes between couples and divorce proceedings are fueled with spite and resentment, and it may be difficult for one or both parties to see the role they are playing in what may seem like an indefinite standoff. Divorce mediation can be a very effective means of facilitating an amicable solution to property division disputes and other heated topics of divorce proceedings.

Having a third party offer a practical perspective and encourage compromises between spouses can prevent a divorce case from going to trial. This saves time and money that would otherwise have resulted in litigation fees and a much longer timeline of a trial.

Many times, divorce involves children, and the divorce terms must make determinations for the children of the marriage regarding whom they will live with and when they will have time with their other parent. A parenting plan answers these questions and is an important part of a divorce settlement. It is the one thing that must be approved by the judge to ensure it upholds the child’s interests and affords both parents their right to have a relationship with their child.

Child support is not optional in California, but sometimes, it takes a paternity test and a court order to help someone realize their legal obligation to contribute to the upbringing of their child. A compassionate but firm family attorney can represent parents on either side in these situations, whether the client is seeking support or seeking to legitimize themselves as a parent to retain visitation rights. This only applies to unmarried parents, though.