Los Angeles Divorce Lawyers

LOS ANGELES DIVORCE ATTORNEY

Founding partner Todd Spodek, and his team of Los Angeles divorce lawyers, are here to help guide you through this complicated time in your life. Todd has handled cases that have captivated the media spotlight and has many years of experience handling cases in the limelight. His unique perspective is unique amongst his peers, and other attorneys you may be considering. Our team’s goal is to help keep your emotions in check, and to make decisions with a sound, and reasonable, state of mind. We constantly share our experience and expertise, so you can make the best decision possible.

LOS ANGELES DIVORCE ATTORNEYS

Our Los Angeles family law attorneys have experience with all aspects of family law cases and divorce. Regardless of whether you need a prenuptial agreement in order to preserve your premarital property, or want a postnuptial agreement – we can help. Perhaps you, and your child, are the victims of domestic violence and need a restraining order against your spouse. We can help. We empathize, and we understand. We can take immediate action to preserve your safety, and get you the court-ordered protection you need.

FAQ

What are grounds for divorce in California?

California has drastically simplified the divorce process by establishing two legal grounds for divorce:

• Irreconcilable differences, which have caused a breakdown in the marriage
• Permanent incapacity to make decisions

Bottom line, these are two general and vague concepts which divorce lawyers in Los Angeles can use as basis for a divorce. This is sometimes called a no-fault divorce. Whether we’re talking about contested, or uncontested divorces, these are grounds which can be used to grant an order of divorce. In some states, adultery and other grounds still exist for divorce. California has decided that its best that the reason for divorce is not in contest — and that the state simply accept that the divorce is happening, and instead the state should focus on more important matters like property, assets, and children. In California/Los Angeles, fault is not considered in property division and alimony. Some states award a greater amount of alimony to a spouse who has been wronged as a result of adultery. As your Los Angeles divorce lawyer will tell you, this approach is not followed in California. The only factors that weigh into alimony and property division are financial issues. Spouses don’t get punished by the court for adultery.

In California, a divorce can be offered for irreconcilable differences. It essentially means, circumstances that a judge determines have ended the marriage. It can be virtually anything from a disagreement that spouses cannot resolve, to adultery, or abuse.

In some instances, California laws will let your Los Angeles divorce lawyer offer a divorce if there’s a permanent legal incapacity to make decisions. It means the doctor has determined that your spouse is incapable of making decisions. This can be the result of illness, psychological disorder, or injury.

Are there rules that my spouse and I must follow during the divorce process?

Even though divorce is common in the USA, the process will vary. Short term marriages without children or property, can result in a less complex and time consuming divorce than marriages which are long term marriage. For example, divorce couples who have child custody, property division, debt, and spousal support, will have a less stressful divorce than couples who agree/refuse to work together on the divorce proceedings.

The first step is filing the divorce petition. Regardless of whether both spouses agree to it or not, one spouse can file a legal petition to ask the court to terminate the marriage. The spouse who files the petition has to include some preliminary information, such as:

• statement which tells the court that at least one of the spouses meets the state’s residency requirements for divorce
• legal reason for the divorce
• any other statutory info that the state requires

Residency requirement vary, depending on where you live. States require that at least one spouse live in the state anywhere from 3 months to 12 months. Divorcing spouses have to meet the state’s residency requirements before the court is allowed to legally accept the divorce case. Bottom line, your Los Angeles divorce attorney can help you.

Grounds for divorce will vary from one state to the next. Many states offer a no-fault divorce.

Can I get a legal separation or an annulment instead of a divorce?

If you’re unhappy about being married, but don’t want to get divorced, whether for legal reasons, or religious reasons, there might be alternative methods. Depending on your situation, an annulment or separation could be better.

Annulment: This is different from a divorce. While both end a marriage, the two do not accomplish the dissolution of the marriage in quite the same way. Divorce legally ends the marriage, but it recognizes the existence of the marriage. An annulment has the effect of erasing the marriage. An annulment can only be granted on legal or religious grounds. Generally, states only grant an annulment in certain situations. One reason, is to prevent couples from going around the divorce laws – because these laws were meant to protect spouses. There are grounds for annulment. In an annulment, there generally has to be someone whose at fault. For example, a reason for annulment can be fraud or misrepresentation. In oder to get an annulment on this basis, one of the parties has to have lied about something material, such as whether they were married to someone else already. The lie has to be significant. Fo example, it must be something you should have known about – and if you had known this information, you would not have agreed to marry the spouse.

Another basis for annulment can be concealment. This involves hiding material information, instead of lying about it. Concealment is when someone discloses to fail something about themselves that is major. One example is having a criminal record.

Is there a simplified process for getting a divorce?

If you decide to get a divorce, there are a few ways to get a divorce in a simple manner. You may be worried about legal costs, how much time it’ll take, and whether you’re making the right move. But not all divorces have to be expensive, or last for years. There are simple ways to get a divorce. The process doesn’t have to take years, or even months. If you’re able to come to an agreement with your spouse, your divorce can happen quickly. 

The easiest type of divorce, is called an uncontested divorce. This is a relatively fast divorce because all of the major issues have been agreed upon by you and your spouse right at the beginning. In contrast, a contested divorce is one where all the parties cannot agree on some, or all, of the issues. It may require going to trial, and could require lengthy settlement meetings. It may also involve digging into your spouse’s personal info, like finances, which can take time and energy. 

Uncontested divorces are simpler ways to get divorce, and take less time, because you and your spouse have already agreed on how to handle things like:

• Custody
• Visitation
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Division of Property and Debt

How do I file for divorce?
What should I do if my spouse injures me?
How can I get information from my spouse about our property and finances?
How will our property be divided?
What is spousal support? Is it the same as alimony?
What happens to our children when we separate?
What happens if we cannot agree on custody?
What choices does the judge have in granting custody or visitation rights?
Will the judge consider our children’s wishes?
Is the dissolution process the same for registered domestic partners?
Do I need a lawyer?
How can I find and hire the right lawyer?
How can I get a divorce through mediation?
Can I handle my own divorce without a lawyer?
What can I do to make my case faster and cheaper?

Divorce Resources

• Divorce or Legal Separation Self-Help
• California Courts Divorce
• Divorce Overview Diagram 
• Family Law Facilitator Information 
• Filing Court Locator
• Divorce and Family Law Glossary 
• Divorce Forms 

Based on 362 reviews.

Charle Butler

2021-03-12

Verified

I was hesitant to hire the Spodek Law Group. I read reviews and knew they have a great reputation. However, I thought I would spend money and not see or speak to my attorney. From the beginning to end of my case Todd and the entire staff were available and willing to help. We worked towards and end result that was way above my expectation and Todd delivered. I am forever grateful for patience and long days and night spent working on my case. Thanks Todd and the entire team!

Mesonista parsons

2021-03-05

Verified

My attorney at Spodek was Abigail. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns, as well as responsive. Her fees are affordable and Abigail took the time to make sure I understood everything relating to my case. I highly recommend Abigail and will request her services in the future.

debabrata chakraborty

2021-03-03

Verified

Todd A Spodek is the experienced and best criminal lawyer at USA. He is very professional and always respond on time. Alex also very cooperative and always help me. They took care me and my problem like family member. I am 100% satisfied for their professional service. My result was unexpected and amazing. They dismissed my case. I am really grateful to them. I will recommend you to go there if you want to solve your problem. I wish all the best for them.

Asata Hendricks

2021-03-02

Verified

Truly appreciate the work the guys did!. Exceptional team & I know they care about each and everyone of their clients. I am super thankful to be referred to Spodek Law Group and I am grateful Todd & Alex were able to work diligently to achieve an outcome I am pleased with. Despite COVID they stayed on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Very thankful.

Mike Moroff

2021-02-26

Verified

I'm very satisfied with the services rendered by Todd, Alex and Mary Lou. I whole heartedly recommend Spodek Law Group . I've worked with and have retained other attorneys in the past with Todd's firm being the cream of the crop for many reasons. A very serious legal matter was resolved after a year's hard work and effort. Todd expertly guided me through the process and was able to navigate and make the good journey bearable as well as successful. Mary Lou initially provided excellent assistance before referring my case to Todd. Alex's support was effective and timely. The customer portal (MyCase) is an invaluable communication tool that also kept track of my case. Various aspects of my case were explained and there were several options provided but I made the final decision of how the case would be handled. The legal fee was reasonable considering the effort and amount of work plus it was a flat fee regardless of the length of time required to conclude my case. Todd made himself available to me and we had many scheduled meetings to go over the progress and to discuss the next steps. I felt more confident after many discussions with him. You will not go wrong choosing Spodek Law Group for legal matters.

Josh Katz

2021-02-24

Verified

Being that it was the first time that I was in need of an attorney, I was afraid and hesitant and knew I needed the absolute best. It is beyond understood why Spodek Law Group has a reputation of being the top, if not the best law firm in New York. Alex and Abigail were there every step of the way even at the most unconvenient hours. I could not have asked for more. They are extremely good at what they do and they delivered much much more than just winning my case. A big thank you to Alex and Abigail for all the guidance and counseling and their upmost loyal support that extended far more than just legally. If you need the absolute best than don't hesitate to hire Spodek Law Firm.

L.C.

2021-02-24

Verified

I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Todd and Alex for their hard work and dedication to my case. I had never been in any trouble before but I had an unfortunate event occur and in the midst of COVID-19 at that therefore I knew I needed a team that was dedicated to my success. Today- my case has been finalized and I’m walking away with no record and can continue life as a mother and a Grad student worry free. I cannot express enough gratitude for their assistance.

AnnMarie Soliman

2021-02-23

Verified

I received a summons and called Spodek law group for a free consultation. Alex took my call and was very quick and responsive. He was available anytime through multiple platforms and very reassuring when needed. They are extremely organized and thorough. They got my case dismissed! I’m very grateful. Thank you Alex and Todd!