Orinda, CA Divorce Lawyers

Be Smart and Choose the Best. Our Top-Rated Orinda Divorce Lawyers are Smart, Strong, and Capable of Delivering Results in the Most High-Stakes Cases. 

When divorce is fast approaching, the pressure of what’s at stake might begin to weigh on you. Whether you have kids to think about, own a business, have a high-net-worth, or some other challenging circumstance, Fenchel Family Law, PC is ready to stand by your side. We’re passionate about solving the most complex legal problems and leveraging our legal acumen and litigation strength to maintain our solid track record of wins and achieve the outcome you’re seeking.  

Our Orinda divorce lawyers have over 100 years of collective experience, with backgrounds in finance and corporate that can give you an advantage when it comes to the financial aspects of divorce. You don’t have to – and shouldn’t – settle for mediocre legal representation. Contact our firm today to book your free case evaluation and learn more about what sets us apart from other family law firms. 

Understanding the Early Stages of the Divorce Process in California 

Once you’ve made the decision to pursue divorce, you’ll need to formally initiate the process by filing the proper paperwork, but prior to that, you need to make sure you’re eligible to file in California. That means you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least the past 6 months, and in the county you plan to file in for at least the past 3 months.

Depending on your circumstances, there are 3 main forms you must complete and file:

• Petition for Divorce (form FL-100)
• Declaration under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement At (form FL-105), and 
• Summons (form FL-110). 

These forms provide the court with basic information about your divorce and your kids (if you have them), such as the arrangements you’d like to seek when it comes to custody, child support, property division, and other related matters. 

Next, you’ll want to begin gathering your important legal and financial documents, so that our Orinda divorce lawyers can gain clarity about your situation. The more clear a picture you can provide us, the better we’ll be able to hit the ground running on strategy and preparation for your case. For example, clients typically provide us with:

• Your prenup or postnup, if you and your spouse have one
• Income information
• Bank statements
• Investment and retirement accounts
• Debts and liabilities
• Property and asset information
• Relevant correspondence records with your spouse (texts, emails, etc.)
• And more. 

We understand that this time may be challenging – emotionally, financially, and logistically – but we’ll be by your side at each step, helping you navigate the early stages of divorce in a way that sets you up for success. 

Navigating the Path Forward & Reaching Agreements

The level of agreement between you and your spouse will play a major role in determining how your divorce proceeds. Contrary to popular belief, hiring a divorce attorney does not automatically mean you’ll be jumping right into tense courtroom litigation. At Fenchel Family Law, PC, we offer multiple levels of representation to meet your specific needs, including consulting-only, limited-scope, and full-scope. 

Many times, we are able to step in and help clients use cooperative methods of dispute resolution such as mediation or negotiation to reach agreements on issues like property division, child custody and support, and spousal support quickly. 

However, one thing you can count on when you work with our Orinda divorce lawyers is that we will never pressure you into taking a deal you don’t want. While some other attorneys might try to convince or coerce you into accepting terms you aren’t happy with to avoid litigation, we are perfectly content to go to battle for you if it’s necessary!

We’re seasoned litigators who have tried hundreds of cases in the family court and are at home in the courtroom. Family law litigation is what we’re passionate about, and it’s where we excel. No matter what your case calls for, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have the best possible team behind you. 

Learn More About What Partnering With Our Orinda Divorce Lawyers Could Mean For Your Case. Call Now!

At Fenchel Family Law, PC, we take the time to get to know you so we can thoroughly understand the goals you have for your divorce and the future you’re trying to build. We have also curated a team of experts like financial professionals and psychologists whom we frequently consult with when needed. 

You can have confidence moving forward with our team in your corner, because we arm you with all the knowledge and insights you need to make the best possible decisions for yourself and your family. Reach out today to book your free case evaluation and take the next step. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Orinda, CA

How is marital property divided upon divorce in California?

California is a community property state, meaning all marital property is split evenly (50/50) upon divorce by default. However, that does not mean that you and your spouse are not able to negotiate and work together to reach your own agreements on how to divide your property. 

Can fathers get sole custody in California?

Sole custody is rare in California (but not improbable), because the courts generally believe that joint custody is what’s in the best interests of the child. This is the only standard the court will use to make custody determinations, regardless of whether the mother or father is seeking sole custody. 

How long does the divorce process generally last?

While there is a 6 month mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized in California, the overall timeline of your divorce will depend on how quickly or slowly you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement. If your divorce must be litigated, you can generally expect it to take longer, as everything will be dependent on the court’s schedule and how many outstanding cases are ahead of yours.