California Divorce Attorney

Guidance From a Divorce Attorney When You Need It Most

A divorce, or dissolution of marriage, is the legal process by which the marital union is canceled through a court judgment. This is never easy — but working with the right attorney makes a significant difference in both the process and its outcome.

At Furubotten Law, APC, founding attorney Denise Furubotten brings more than 30 years of California family law experience to each case, along with in-depth knowledge of California divorce law and the specific practices of courts across Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties.

What Issues Arise in a California Divorce?

When terminating a marriage, parties will almost always address the following issues:

• Accurate and fair division of property and debts under California's community property laws
• Ongoing financial support — spousal support or alimony
• Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
• Calculation of child support awards and modifications

Why You Should Not Handle Your Divorce Alone

Even in simple cases with no children and few assets, divorces involve legally binding agreements that affect your financial future. Common risks of a do-it-yourself divorce include:

• Inaccurate identification or valuation of marital assets
• Mistakes in completing required court forms
• Failure to address pension, retirement, or business interests properly
• Signing agreements that disadvantage you long-term
• Missing deadlines that result in default judgments

The value of working with an experienced divorce attorney is not just legal knowledge — it is strategic judgment developed over decades of representing clients in California's family courts.

How California Divorce Works

California is a no-fault divorce state under Family Code §2310, meaning a divorce can be granted on the basis of irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing by either spouse. California also imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized (California Family Code §2339).

To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for at least three months immediately before filing.

Serving Divorce Clients Throughout Southern California

Furubotten Law, APC represents divorce clients at courthouses throughout Orange County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. Our primary offices are in Huntington Beach and Murrieta, providing convenient access for clients across both Orange County and the Temecula-Murrieta area.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Author: Denise Furubotten, Esq.

California Divorce — Common Questions

How do you file for divorce in california? File FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) and FL-110 (Summons) at the Superior Court clerk's office in your county of residence. How to file for divorce in california by yourself: available for simple uncontested cases using forms from courts.ca.gov, with assistance from the Family Law Facilitator. How to file for a divorce in california — minimum requirements: six months California residency, three months county residency, and irreconcilable differences as grounds. Contested vs uncontested divorce: an uncontested divorce resolves all issues by agreement before or shortly after filing; a contested divorce requires hearings or trial. Divorce in california laws: pure no-fault, equal division of community property, judicial discretion on long-term support. Conditions for divorce: residency and irreconcilable differences only. Divorce no attorney options: self-representation is possible for simple uncontested cases. No lawyer divorce risks: complex assets, children, or support issues benefit strongly from attorney representation. Fast divorce california: six months and one day minimum — no exceptions. Quickie divorce: does not exist in California. How long do divorces take? Seven months to three years depending on complexity and cooperation. How much is a divorce in california? $435-$450 in court fees plus attorney fees from zero to $500,000+ depending on complexity. Questions to ask a divorce lawyer: courthouse experience, case type familiarity, communication style, and fee structure. A divorce lawyer consultation at Furubotten Law, APC is complimentary — call (714) 795-3862.

California Divorce -- Common Questions and Situations

Divorce in California -- also called dissolution of marriage -- is one of the most significant legal processes a person can go through. Whether you are just beginning to consider divorce or have already been served with divorce papers, understanding California family law is essential. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a dissolution. Irreconcilable differences is the only ground required. This applies whether you are filing for a contested divorce or hoping to reach an uncontested resolution.

Many people ask when it is time to get divorced, or how they will know when the marriage cannot be saved. California law does not require any particular length of separation or counseling before filing. If you or your spouse have concluded that the marriage has broken down and reconciliation is not likely, you may file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at any time, provided the residency requirements are met -- six months in California and three months in the county where you file.

Divorce Attorneys and Family Law Representation

Finding the right divorce attorney in California begins with understanding what you need. A family law attorney who practices exclusively in the courthouse where your case will be heard has a significant practical advantage -- knowledge of local rules, judicial preferences, and how matters are typically handled in that department. Furubotten Law, APC is a California family law firm serving Orange County clients at the Lamoreaux Justice Center and Harbor Justice Center, and Riverside County clients at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta and the Menifee Justice Center. Denise Furubotten, Esq. has over 30 years of experience as a family law attorney in these courts.

How to find a divorce lawyer: look for a family law attorney who handles divorce cases exclusively or primarily, has courtroom experience in your specific courthouse, and offers a complimentary initial consultation. An initial case evaluation gives you the opportunity to describe your situation, understand the process, and assess whether the attorney is the right fit. Furubotten Law, APC offers complimentary initial case evaluations -- call (714) 795-3862.

What Divorce Covers in California

A California dissolution of marriage proceeding resolves all legal issues arising from the end of the marriage: division of community property and debts, spousal support, child custody and parenting time, and child support. In a divorce with children, the court makes custody and support orders that govern both parents going forward. In a divorce without children, the focus is entirely on property division and support. California family law requires full financial disclosure from both parties -- each spouse must serve a Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) and an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) within 60 days of filing.

Divorce without splitting assets equally is not possible in California when those assets are community property -- California Family Code section 2550 requires equal division of the community estate. However, the parties can agree in a marital settlement agreement to divide assets in a way that achieves equal net value without splitting every account or asset in half. One spouse may receive the family home and the other may receive retirement accounts of equivalent value, for example. The court will approve any settlement that achieves an equal or mutually agreed division.

The California Divorce Timeline

How long does a divorce take in California? The mandatory minimum is six months and one day from the date the respondent was served with the divorce papers. This waiting period cannot be waived. Most uncontested divorces where both parties cooperate and have agreed on all terms finalize in seven to twelve months. Contested divorces with disputed custody, support, or property issues typically take eighteen months to three years. The complexity of the financial issues, the number of disputed matters, and the capacity of the court's calendar all affect the timeline.

Is divorce a civil lawsuit? Yes -- a California dissolution of marriage is a civil proceeding filed in Superior Court. It is not a criminal matter. The court does not impose penalties or punish either spouse for the breakdown of the marriage. The proceedings are civil in nature, and the judgment entered by the court is a civil judgment resolving the marital status and all related financial and parenting issues.