Orange County Divorce Lawyer
Practice Areas
Orange County Divorce Attorney
Divorce is one of the most impactful life events you can go through. Many individuals become worried about what a divorce means for their finances, children, and personal life. Working with an Orange County divorce lawyer throughout your divorce can help you create a plan that helps you feel stable and supported during and after the divorce.
Why Choose the Law Office of Stacy L. Campuzano?
Stacy L. Campuzano is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has more than 20 years of experience working in Southern California. She has also been rated by Super Lawyers for the past three years and has an Avvo rating of 10.0.
When you are going through a divorce, you can trust Stacy L. Campuzano to provide strategic advice, compassionate personal support, and guidance on California’s divorce laws and legal processes.
An Overview of Divorce in Orange County
Divorce is one of the most common types of legal matters in California. There were 108,403 marital cases, such as divorces and legal separations, in California in the 2024 fiscal year. In Orange County alone, 7% of men and 11% of women are divorced.
Divorce cases begin by filing paperwork through the Superior Court of California. In Orange County, this can be done online or at the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive South. Then, the divorce papers are served to the other spouse, who then has a chance to respond.
Most divorce cases are resolved through a settlement between the spouses. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement on all the major terms of the divorce, your case may need to be settled in court.
Important Decisions in a Divorce Case
There are many key decisions involved in a divorce case. If you hire a divorce lawyer, they can explain your options and help you create a plan that aligns with your interests while still adhering to California’s divorce laws and being fair to your spouse. Some examples of the types of decisions you may be making include:
- Property division. How you choose to divide property can have long-term impacts on your financial stability. Assets such as real estate, personal property, financial accounts, and retirement savings may all need to be analyzed and divided.
- Child custody. If you and your spouse have children, creating a child custody arrangement is a top priority. Under California law, a child custody arrangement should be in the best interests of the child. This means supporting the child’s safety, physical and mental well-being, and development. Many couples choose to have joint custody, though there are situations where sole custody is in the best interests of a child.
- Child support. Child support is another important aspect of getting a divorce as parents. Child support fulfills a parent’s responsibility to financially provide for their child, and is typically paid by the parent who does not have primary custody of the child.
- Spousal support. Spousal support, or alimony, is paid from one spouse to another in order to help the lower-earning spouse meet their financial needs. In many divorce cases, spousal support is a short-term situation while the lower-earning spouse finds employment or pursues educational or training opportunities. However, there are cases where more long-term support is needed.
Why You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Going through a divorce is never easy. However, working with an Orange County divorce lawyer can help you reduce your stress and find solutions that work with you and your spouse’s goals. Some of the ways in which a lawyer can help you include:
- Explaining the legal requirements, such as required documents when filing for divorce
- Facilitating negotiations between you and your spouse
- Suggesting potential solutions to disagreements or important decisions
- Making sure your personal and financial goals are protected
- Representing you during negotiations or in court, if necessary
FAQs
Q: What Is the First Thing I Should Do If I Want a Divorce?
A: The first thing you should do if you want a divorce is to consult with an Orange County divorce attorney. An attorney can explain your options for divorce when it comes to how these cases can be resolved, how property may be divided, the impact on your children’s custody, and other important issues. They can also help you complete the required documents and file your divorce case with the court.
Q: What Is the 10-Year Rule for Divorce in California?
A: The 10-year rule for divorce in California is about the duration of spousal support. While marriages that last under 10 years may have limits on how long spousal support orders can last, there is no automatic limit that applies to marriages that have lasted for 10 or more years. Without a standard limit set, it is important to carefully consider your individual divorce case and identify a spousal support plan that is fair and reasonable.
Q: What Is a Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce in California?
A: California is a community property state, which means that a spouse is typically entitled to half of all marital property. Most assets acquired during the marriage are considered community property and should be split equally. This often includes income from both spouses’ work, the marital home, investments, and other assets. Notably, assets that remain separate include gifts made specifically to one spouse, inheritances, and property acquired before the marriage.
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
A: The difference between a contested and uncontested divorce is whether a couple is able to reach an agreement on the major terms of the divorce. If they are able to agree on the important decisions, such as property division and child custody, then it is an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is when a couple cannot reach an agreement.
Often, working with a divorce lawyer improves the likelihood of an uncontested divorce by facilitating good-faith discussions between spouses.
Reach Out to a Compassionate Orange County Divorce Attorney Today
The Law Office of Stacy L. Campuzano is ready to help you navigate your divorce. Contact us to set up a consultation with a skilled divorce attorney.