#1 Trusted Divorce Lawyer

Even the simplest divorce cannot be finalized sooner than six months due to California’s mandatory waiting period. However, the actual duration varies depending on:

• The complexity of your marital assets and debts;

• Whether you and your spouse agree on key issues;

• Court scheduling and county backlog;

• The presence of children or domestic violence concerns.

High-conflict or contested divorces can take a year or more. Working with an experienced attorney ensures your case moves forward efficiently and strategically — avoiding unnecessary delays and emotional strain.

A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and divide finances without legally ending the marriage. It’s often chosen for religious, insurance, or financial reasons.

A divorce, on the other hand, terminates the marriage entirely, allowing either spouse to remarry.

Both processes require court approval and involve decisions about property, debts, custody, and support.

Z Family Law Firm helps clients determine which path — legal separation or divorce — best aligns with their personal, legal, and financial goals.

California courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child, not on parental preference. Judges consider:

• The emotional bond between each parent and the child;

• The child’s stability, health, and safety;

• Each parent’s ability to co-parent and encourage contact with the other parent;

• Any history of domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse;

• In some cases, the child’s own wishes (depending on age and maturity).

Custody can be joint (shared) or sole (granted primarily to one parent).

Z Family Law Firm provides compassionate yet assertive representation to secure parenting arrangements that truly serve your child’s best interests.

California uses a statewide formula (the “guideline calculation”) that takes into account:

• Both parents’ gross income;

• The amount of time each parent spends with the child;

• Health insurance, daycare, and other related expenses;

• Certain tax deductions and credits.

While the formula provides a baseline, the results can vary depending on accurate financial disclosures.

An experienced attorney ensures your child support order is fair, enforceable, and compliant with California’s legal standards.

California follows the community property system, meaning that assets and debts acquired during marriage are typically divided 50/50 between spouses.

However, some property may remain separate, such as:

• Assets owned before marriage;

• Inheritances or gifts received individually;

• Certain personal injury settlements.

Complex cases — involving real estate, businesses, or retirement accounts — require careful valuation and documentation.

Z Family Law Firm works with financial experts to ensure a fair and transparent property division that protects your long-term financial security.

Yes. California law allows for temporary and long-term spousal support based on factors such as:

• The length of the marriage;

• Each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and financial need;

• Contributions to the marriage (for example, one spouse supporting the other’s career or raising children);

• The standard of living during the marriage;

• Age, health, and ability to become self-sufficient.

Our firm helps clients both secure fair alimony and challenge unreasonable requests, ensuring financial outcomes that reflect real-world needs and equity.

In California, a spouse’s refusal to sign does not stop a divorce.

If the other party fails to respond within the legal timeframe, the court may issue a default judgment and finalize the divorce without their participation.

Z Family Law Firm ensures all procedures — from service to judgment — are properly executed so that your case proceeds smoothly, even without cooperation from the other side.

Protecting your property starts with documentation and transparency. Steps include:

• Gathering detailed records of all assets and debts;

• Keeping separate property clearly identified and unmingled;

• Avoiding suspicious transfers or withdrawals;

• Consulting an attorney before making financial moves.

Z Family Law Firm creates clear legal strategies to protect business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and families from unfair settlements or hidden asset claims.

Domestic violence includes not only physical abuse, but also emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial control. It can occur between spouses, partners, or family members.

Victims can request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) to protect themselves and their children.

Our firm helps clients:

• File emergency restraining orders;

• Prepare evidence and court documentation;

• Navigate custody and safety issues associated with abuse.

Your safety is our top priority, and we act quickly to secure the legal protection you deserve.