Divorce Lawyers in Fairfield-Suisun, CA Assert Your Rights

Solano County law firm focuses on your goals for the future

Fairfield-Suisun, CA has become the great escape for San Franciscans and other Bay Area residents fleeing high costs of housing. In the vicinity are award-winning wineries and vineyards, premier golf courses and popular destinations that are enjoyable for the entire family. Fairfield-Suisun is also home to Travis Air Force Base and iconic attractions like the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Jelly Belly Factory. However, residents of Fairfield-Suisun are not immune from domestic problems, including those that may lead to divorce. Since 1973, the divorce lawyers at Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC have helped clients successfully resolve issues around alimony, child support, child custody and the division of their property. Whether you negotiate a settlement or go to trial, we provide strong advocacy and personalized service throughout the process.

Types of divorce in California

California is a no-fault state, which means you do not have to allege marital misconduct to get a divorce. You simply assert that the marital relationship is irretrievably broken. However, there are different types of divorce, which include these:

• Uncontested divorce — This type is available to spouses who have reached a marital settlement agreement on the major issues (alimony, child custody, child support and division of property), which they present to the judge for approval. Parties often reach a settlement through divorce mediation or the collaborative divorce process.
• Contested divorce — This means the spouses have not reached a complete marital settlement agreement and must have a hearing to settle some or all issues.
• Simplified divorce — An expedited process is available to couples who separated less than five years after marrying, have no minor children and are not expecting any, own no real estate, have minimal assets and debts, have waived the right to alimony and have reached a settlement agreement.

All of these types of divorce are the same for opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples.

Division of property in a California divorce

California is a community property state, so assets and debts acquired during the marriage — including the family home — are divided evenly. However, controversies often arise over whether a particular asset or debt is community property or is the separate property of a spouse. Spouses also may differ on the valuation of items in the marital estate. In addition, spouses are not always transparent in their reporting, with some actively trying to hide assets. Our family lawyers are adept at using the discovery process to ensure complete financial disclosure.

How do you file for divorce in California?

State law requires that at least one of the spouses must have been a California resident for at least six months. As a divorce petitioner, you can file a complaint in the court of the county where you or your spouse has resided for at least three months. The complaint contains your request to dissolve your marriage, along with the terms you request for alimony, child custody and support and the division of community property. Drafting the complaint is an important step in the process and should be handled by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

How long does it take to get a divorce in California?

It's hard to say how long a divorce might take. An uncontested divorce between cooperative parties with minimal property is the quickest type of divorce, taking about six months. More complex cases take considerably longer. As your divorce attorneys, our goal is to reach a favorable resolution on the best terms possible in the least amount of time.

Contact our Fairfield-Suisun family law firm for a divorce consultation

Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC represents divorce clients in Fairfield-Suisun and throughout the North Bay. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer, call 707-674-6057 or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located in nearby Vallejo.