Costa Mesa Divorce Lawyer

No one plans ahead for divorce or enters a marriage with the expectation that one day, that marriage will need to be legally dissolved. However, these circumstances arise every day, and it is vital that you retain the counsel and representation of a trusted and experienced Costa Mesa divorce lawyer who can help you navigate your case.

With nearly two decades of experience in family law, The Goldberg Legal Group is here to serve you and your loved ones during this difficult time. With our level of legal knowledge, we can guide you through every aspect of your divorce case and offer you a greater chance of achieving the most favorable outcome available in your situation. Trust a Costa Mesa family law attorney to help you through your California divorce and assist you with moving on with your life.

Best Costa Mesa Divorce Lawyer

Types of Divorce Available in Costa Mesa

Against more popular avenues of belief, the divorce rate in California has actually seen a steady decline since 2014, with only 8.7% of individuals in the state seeking a divorce in 2023. Under California law, couples seeking divorce do not need to prove fault but can rather file for a no-fault divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. While many of these cases can proceed relatively quickly and smoothly, there is always the potential for disputes to arise.

At The Goldberg Legal Group, we are here to advocate for all our clients, no matter what type of divorce they are facing. We advocate for fair and safe custody arrangements for any minor children, financial security and stability, and a fair and equitable settlement.

Legal representation can play a crucial role in several different types of divorce cases, including:

  • Contested Divorce: In Costa Mesa, when the divorcing parties cannot reach an agreement on major issues involved in their case, such as the division and distribution of property or a custody arrangement, litigation may become a necessity. Rather than trying to argue in favor of your interests in these complicated divorce aspects, it is vital that you trust an attorney to represent you in all court hearings so your rights may be protected.
  • Uncontested Divorce: If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on all the terms of your divorce, you may be able to seek an uncontested divorce, which can be both quicker and more cost-effective. A lawyer can help ensure that your final divorce decree complies with state law and protects you against future custody or financial disputes with your ex-spouse.
  • Default Divorce: In divorce cases where one spouse fails to respond to the filed petition of divorce, you may be able to seek a default judgment. At The Goldberg Legal Group, we can work to ensure that only fair terms are involved in this judgment and that it works to protect both your parental and financial rights and stability. If disputes arise, we can stand by your side and fight for the settlement you deserve.
  • Summary Dissolution: For Costa Mesa couples who do not share any minor children together, do not own a large amount of wealth or assets, or have been married for less than five years, seeking a summary dissolution may be a wise and time-savvy way to seek a divorce. An attorney can help ensure that all potential filing errors are avoided and your final judgment is compliant with all laws.
  • Collaborative Divorce: In this type of Costa Mesa divorce, both spouses involved work alongside their legal representation, individuals in the financial sector, and agencies who work with children to ensure that a divorce agreement can be reached outside of expensive and lengthy court hearings. However, it is important to note that this kind of divorce requires skilled negotiations to ensure all terms are fair and enforceable.
  • Military Divorce: California is home to over 30 major military bases, more than double the number hosted in any other state in America. With this large number of bases comes a large number of military personnel, and if you are facing a divorce as a military member or your spouse is a member of the armed forces, it is vital that you have an attorney who can ensure compliance with both state and federal laws.

The Goldberg Legal Group: Your Right Choice

Facing a divorce in Costa Mesa is often one of the most difficult experiences an individual can deal with in their lifetime. For over 18 years, the team at The Goldberg Legal Group has been seeing families through the hardest and most difficult of divorce cases.

We are here to guide you through any type of divorce, whether you require litigation or mediation or if you need representation when trying to seek custody of your children. We are here to gather evidence in support of your interests, defend your rights, and ultimately seek the most favorable outcome possible.

There are several signs that might point to your need for a divorce attorney in Costa Mesa, including:

  • You and your spouse are no longer able to effectively communicate on certain aspects of your divorce
  • You have tried therapy or counseling, but it has not been helpful
  • Your spouse has been unfaithful
  • Your spouse is abusive
  • You and your spouse cannot reach any agreements regarding your children

If any of these factors apply to your case, reaching out to The Goldberg Legal Group can prove vital to the success of achieving a divorce judgment that supports your interests.

Aspects of a Costa Mesa Divorce

In a Costa Mesa divorce, there are several areas that you and your spouse will need to reach an agreement on, depending on the nature of your marriage. These aspects can include the following:

  • Property division
  • Child Custody: In the United States, many divorces affect young children, as about 72% of all divorce cases occur within the first 14 years of the marriage. In California, there are two kinds of custody that must be determined in a divorce. Legal custody is the parents’ respective abilities to make decisions regarding their child’s health, education, and upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child will primarily reside.
  • Child Support: In addition to custody rulings, when minor children are involved in a Costa Mesa divorce, the parents will need to reach a decision regarding any potential child support. These determinations are calculated based on the income of each parent, the time each parent spends with their child, the tax filing status of each parent and their exemptions, and the costs of any pre- or post-tax health insurance premiums.
  • Alimony, or spousal support. Another crucial aspect of a Costa Mesa divorce is spousal support or alimony rulings. There are two primary forms of alimony in California. Temporary alimony refers to the kind of support given to a spouse until the final divorce judgment has been handed down. Alimony, as laid out in a divorce judgment, provides continuous support for a lower-earning spouse for a set amount of time. To seek more legal help, you can contact our Costa Mesa spousal support lawyer.

Tips When Filing for Divorce

Deciding to end a marriage can be rife with contention and intensely charged emotions. When children are involved, or you and your spouse own a considerable amount of property and assets, the stakes can only increase. It is vital to have an experienced Costa Mesa family law attorney on your side who can guide you through every step of the legal process involved and ensure your interests are protected.

When filing for a divorce, there are several things to be mindful of, including:

  • Staying civil with your spouse
  • Remembering that your children come first above all else
  • Ensuring that all discussions regarding your finances are kept as short as possible
  • Determining which spouse will live where while also deciding if the children will be able to stay in the same school system
  • Remembering that it is more beneficial to work with your spouse rather than against them and do whatever you can to resolve your divorce privately, rather than posting about your case on social media

Mistakes to Avoid in a Costa Mesa Divorce

No divorce is easy, no matter how amicable you and your spouse attempt to remain. Figuring out all the different aspects, especially those that apply to your children, can cause short fuses and raised tempers, no matter how good your intentions may be. There are several mistakes that can be easily made when emotions run rampant, all of which can negatively impact your Costa Mesa divorce.

The most common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Posting to social media regarding your divorce, as this can actually harm your case. Keep in mind that anything you post to social media can be used against you.
  • Failing to disclose all your financial information, as this can lead to intense legal punishment. It is important that you do not hide assets to ensure a fair process.
  • Refusing to follow court orders, as this can severely impact your case, especially when it comes to child custody rulings.
  • Not seeking legal counsel, as you might lose out on support and advice vital to the success of your case.

Costa Mesa Family Law Courts

Dealing with family law matters in Costa Mesa can be taxing, and it can be important to know the location of the courts where you may need to make appearances. Knowing these locations can ensure that you are well-prepared ahead of any necessary court hearings or appearances. In the Costa Mesa area, the family law courts that may become involved in your case include:

At The Goldberg Legal Group, we can help you know where and when to attend these courts to ensure your compliance with all necessary proceedings.

Costa Mesa Divorce FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce in Costa Mesa?

A: While it can be challenging to offer an exact number as to how much a divorce costs in California, there are several factors involved in these cases that can influence the final cost analysis of your divorce case. These factors include the duration and complexity of your case and the skill level of your attorney.

Q: How Can Child Support Be Enforced in Costa Mesa?

A: In Costa Mesa, a child support court order is legally binding. When an individual fails to pay their required child support, there are several ways the law can be enforced. Child support orders can be enforced through income withholding orders, an interception of tax refunds, a suspension of an individual’s driver’s license, credit reports, or family law contempt proceedings, in which an individual could face community service, fines, or even prison time for not paying support.

Q: What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Costa Mesa?

A: In California, you may be able to seek a divorce on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences,” otherwise known as a no-fault divorce. You may also be able to seek a divorce on the grounds of “incurable insanity,” however, in order to seek this kind of divorce, you will need medical or psychiatric proof that supports your claim.

Q: What Is Considered in the Best Interest of the Child in Costa Mesa, CA?

A: In a child custody case, custody will be determined based on what the family court judge believes to be in the best interest of the child. Factors taken into account to make this determination include the age and health of the child, the welfare and safety of the child, if there is any history of physical violence or substance abuse by either parent, and the nature of the contact each parent has with their child.

Speak with a Trusted Costa Mesa Family Lawyer Today

If you have recently found yourself involved in a Costa Mesa divorce, it is essential that you seek the counsel and representation of a skilled and experienced family law attorney. At The Goldberg Legal Group, we are here to assist you through every aspect of your divorce proceedings. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation with our team and learn more about our legal services.

Costa Mesa, CA Divorce Resources