The first step in any divorce is discussing the topic with your spouse. While divorce comes with many unknowns and intense feelings, you can take control of your case by doing as much research as possible with the help of an attorney. They can explain what to do before filing for divorce in Agoura Hills, California.
Choose an Agoura Hills Divorce Attorney to Advocate for Your Rights
For years, founding attorney Jeffrey Hoffer of Hoffer Family Law Firm has been advocating for California residents everywhere. Officially recognized as among California’s top 5% of law firms by Super Lawyers Magazine, Hoffer’s dedication to his clients has made him one of the leading family attorneys in the state.
Our firm represents clients living in Forest Cove, Fountainwood, the Historic Quarter, Lake Lindero, Malibu Junction, Hillrise, Morrison Estates, South End, and all of Agoura Hills.
Hoffer has also been selected as a part of the Ten Most Dependable Family Law Attorneys of the West, meaning that new clients know they can trust him to provide empathetic and reliable legal care during their case.
However, recognition is not a guarantee of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Four Key Steps to Take Before Filing Your Divorce Case in Agoura Hills
In 2024,7% of men living in Agoura Hills were divorced. That same year, 12% of women in Agoura Hills were divorced. While it may feel isolating right now, it can be helpful to remember that you aren’t alone in this process and that thousands of others have gone through a similar situation. Before you can file your case, there are several key steps that can help set you up for success. You should:
- Gather relevant documents, including financial documents. During the first stages of your divorce, legal proceedings can come quickly and make you feel overwhelmed. If you have all of your documents together beforehand, it can help ease your stress during the official process.
- Understand the full scope of your marital assets. In 2024, the averagehome value in Agoura Hills was $1.1 million. The average income for men that year was $121,610, and the average income for women was $72,220. In your case, you have to fully disclose your financial situation. If you hide something intentionally or forget about an asset, it can affect the outcome of your case.
- Think about how you want to handle alimony and child custody. You don’t need to discuss these topics with your spouse before filing, but it’s important to understand what you want to pursue during your divorce case. This way, when you meet with Hoffer for the first time, you have a strong idea of what you want.
- Create a new financial budget. During a divorce, you likely won’t have the same finances and income as you did during marriage. Creating a new budget to help you live comfortably during the legal process is necessary before filing. If you are worried about maintaining your lifestyle, inform Hoffer during your consultation so you can discuss potentially filing for temporary alimony during your case.
After accomplishing these tasks, hire a skilled divorce lawyer from Hoffer Family Law Firm to help you file your divorce case. For residents of Agoura Hills, filing is done at either the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in Los Angeles, or the Van Nuys Courthouse West, located at 14400 Erwin Street Mall in Van Nuys.
The Benefits of Mediation During a California Divorce
You’ll work with Hoffer, your spouse, and your spouse’s lawyer to resolve your divorce issues during mediation. These topics can include:
- How to divide your property
- Spousal support payments
- Child custody and support
During mediation, your legal team can negotiate with your spouse’s team to work toward a mutual resolution of these issues. Mediation allows you to avoid court and a judge’s ruling, meaning that you get to decide how your case ends. If you can’t agree in mediation, the case is decided by the court.
FAQs
Q: How Do Courts Grant Alimony in California?
A: Courts in California grant alimony by determining a variety of factors.
These factors can include the length and lifestyle upheld during the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, each spouse’s career and income, how each spouse contributed to the marriage, each spouse’s financial obligations, each spouse’s skills and education, the current job market for each spouse’s field, any history of abuse or domestic violence, the spouse’s ability to pay alimony, and tax consequences.
Q: How Can an Attorney Help Me During My California Divorce?
A: An attorney can help you during your California divorce by representing your interests at every stage of the legal process. Having a lawyer on your side is the same as wearing a life jacket while kayaking; it adds a layer of protection to keep you safe. Even if you have a good relationship with your spouse, they’ll likely have their own lawyer. Your attorney can work to protect your rights and negotiate to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
Q: What Money Can’t Be Touched in a California Divorce?
A: The money that can’t be touched in a California divorce is any money or asset that you acquired before you got married. That property typically isn’t divided during a divorce. However, if it has become mixed with property acquired during marriage, it may be subject to division. For instance, if you invested in stocks before marriage and they grew in value while you were married, that growth may partially belong to your spouse.
Q: What Is the Biggest Mistake During a Divorce Case in California?
A: The biggest mistake during a divorce case in California is acting adversely toward your spouse. While it’s normal for emotions to be intense during a divorce, if you act aggressively or argue with them, it can negatively affect the outcome of your case. If your spouse tries to fight with you in legal proceedings or outside of court, don’t engage with them. Instead, send your attorney any written communication from your spouse as proof of their bad behavior.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer Who Cares About Your Well-Being
To understand more about the divorce process in California, you can order a free copy of Hoffer’s book, Ending Your Marriage in California: A Guide for Divorcing Wisely. Reach out to our office in Agoura Hills today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation with Hoffer.
