Sacramento
Roseville Divorce Attorney
Divorce is a complex process that requires countless hours of work from both parties. From gathering evidence to counting assets, divorce procedures take time and detailed effort.
For help navigating the process, you need someone with experience in California family law. If you are currently undergoing a divorce in Roseville, Sacramento County or Placer County, contact the Roseville divorce attorney at Boyd Law.
Our years of experience with family law issues means you will have experience by your side during each step of the divorce process.
Understanding your legal options and the right choice for your marriage is an important first step in divorce. This decision determines the rights and restrictions placed on you and your ex-spouse. At Boyd Law, we will work with you to decide the right choice for your needs and guide you through the next steps in your procedure.
Why Choose Us?
In Roseville, California the divorce attorneys at Boyd Law are dedicated to achieving the most favorable, workable, and satisfactory outcome for you and those you love—one that will allow you to move forward with the least amount of stress, disruption, and uncertainty about your future and that of your family.
At Boyd Law, our Sacramento family law attorneys know that any matter affecting your family is not just about the law; it’s about real people, with real needs, real problems, and real feelings.
Our Roseville divorce attorneys are experts at the law, but we don’t stop there; we truly care about the clients we represent, and focus our skills, knowledge, and experience to use the law and statutes to meet your needs, identify solutions to the problems you’re facing, and respect your feelings and desires when seeking an outcome that will work for you.
Here’s some reasons why you should choose Boyd Law to handle your Roseville divorce case:
- We know how to negotiate disputes effectively, and are often able to find creative solutions to the most contentious problems with your divorce, including child custody and alimony issues.
- We understand that your divorce and family law matters may be emotionally draining, and we’re here to support you in every possible way. Let us do the heavy lifting for you so you can focus on your healing during this difficult time.
- We have access to some of the nation’s most highly respected experts on a variety of matters pertaining to divorce and family law: psychologists, social workers, CPAs, forensic accountants, financial advisors, educators, and others whom we can call upon to provide analysis and support your case.
- We can find an efficient and effective resolution for any obstacle that you encounter, working closely with you through each phase of your divorce.
Whether you are going through a contested or uncontested divorce, our team will work with you to find effective legal solutions to the matter at hand with an emphasis on preserving positive family relationships to the greatest extent possible.
Meet Lead Attorney & Partner Karie Boyd
Lead attorney and partner Karie Boyd is here to help you during every step of the divorce process.
Karie has years of experience handling family law disputes across the state of California, and she is committed to being there during every step of your divorce case.
Ms. Boyd delivers case-winning results for her clients in trial as well as positions her clients for out of court settlements, representing clients in both State and Federal Court.
Her civil litigation experience includes both jury and bench trials, as her strong litigation and negotiation skills allow Ms. Boyd to handle the integrated areas of business litigation including partnership disputes and unfair business practices as well as representing clients in divorce matters involving businesses.
So if you’re looking for an attorney who is experienced in handling divorce cases, trust Karie Boyd to take on your divorce case.
What our Clients Are Saying
Here’s what some of our happy clients have to say about working with us. (Google Reviews)
“Professional. Efficient. Personable. The team at Boyd Law executed my dissolution expeditiously and fairly. Highly recommend their services.”
ADRIAN
“Hands down the best law firm out there. They stuck through a very difficult divorce and child custody case with me. I had battled for years. I would recommend anyone of the attorney’s in this firm. They look out for your best interests and have your back the entire time. Thank you again Boyd Law for absolutely everything.”
KRYSTAL (ON BEHALF OF DEREK), ORANGE COUNTY FAMILY LAW CLIENT
“I contacted this firm last minute and they were by far, the friendliest, most helpful firm in the area. This firm had less than 24 hours to prepare for my case. Not only were they swift with their actions, they also worked with me financially. Shelley O’Brien was my attorney. She is experienced and super kind. Thanks to her expertise and the help of the firm, we were able to win my case. I would definitely recommend this firm!”
DAVINA, SACRAMENTO FAMILY LAW CLIENT
Table of Contents
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Methods of Dissolution of Marriage
Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce
Can I Avoid Going To Court During A Divorce?
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Certified Family Law Specialist?
What Are The Methods of Dissolution of Marriage?
When you are considering a divorce, each state has its own methods for the dissolution of a marriage. California state law offers three ways of ending a marriage:
- Legal separation
- Annulment
- Divorce
Each method of dissolution has different effects. Divorce is a complete termination of a marriage, allowing both partners to remarry. Legal separation is not an end to a marriage but indicates that the couple is living apart and allows for some legal declarations such as child custody and property ownership. Annulment only occurs in cases of incest or bigamy – where one partner is already legally married. In annulled marriages, the courts declare the original marriage void and it ceases to exist.
Additionally, there is an option for summary dissolution in some cases, which expedites the divorce procedure significantly.
Divorce in California is “no-fault,” meaning that there does not need to be a specific reason to end a marriage. Courts list no-fault cases as ending due to “irreconcilable differences” and, generally, neither party contests this. While the legal reason for ending a marriage may be straightforward, divorce proceedings are complicated and require careful attention to assets, custody, rights, and every family’s unique situation.
At Boyd Law, we are committed to finding the least-stressful way to complete your divorce proceedings. We work with you to determine the right process to dissolve your marriage, considering your needs and the law to reach the best possible outcome for your case. From advising to representation, our family law attorneys are prepared to handle your case, no matter the unique circumstances in which you find yourself.
California Divorce Laws
To file for divorce in Roseville, California, you must have at least a basic understanding of what the legal process looks like. State law outlines several requirements and regulations that must be met for a valid dissolution of marriage. They include the following:
- Residency requirement. At least one spouse must have been a resident of the State of California for the past six months and a resident of the county where the paperwork is filed for at least the past three months.
- Waiting period. After a divorce petition is filed, California has a mandatory waiting period of six months before the courts will finalize the dissolution of marriage.
- Filing for divorce. The divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the courthouse in his or her county. The other spouse will have the opportunity to respond to the petition within 30 days.
- Settlement vs. trial. All couples are given the chance to come up with their own divorce settlement agreements that a judge will sign before the case is handed to the courts. If a couple cannot reach an agreement, the case will go to trial for a judge to decide.
In addition, it can help to understand California’s laws regarding the key elements of a divorce, including:
- Property division. California is a community property state, which means all assets and debts acquired during a marriage will be divided in half between both spouses in a divorce case, regardless of whether this is fair or equitable. Separate property, however, remains with the respective owner.
- Child custody. The California courts always prioritize a child’s best interests. In general, the courts believe children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a divorce (a joint custody agreement). However, there are exceptions when this would not protect the child’s safety or welfare.
- Child support. Calculating a child support amount that one parent may have to pay the other is done using a statewide guideline calculator. This calculator takes factors such as each parent’s income and time spent with the child into account.
- Spousal support (alimony). Temporary or long-term alimony (support payments from one spouse to the other) may be awarded based on each spouse’s income and capacity to earn, the length of the marriage, contributions to the other spouse’s education or career, and other factors.
An attorney from Boyd Law can guide you through all of California’s divorce laws and the steps that are required to get divorced in Roseville. You can trust your attorney to advocate for the case results that you want throughout the legal process.
Uncontested Divorce Vs. Contested Divorce
A Roseville divorce case may be contested or uncontested. These two divorce processes look very different. Your divorce type can determine whether you can work out an agreement on your own or if you need to hire an attorney.
It can also mean the difference between mediation and having to go to trial against your ex-spouse. In general, a contested divorce is one in which both spouses do not agree to the terms of the split, while in an uncontested divorce the couple agrees on the key elements of the case.
Upon submitting the initial petition for divorce in Roseville, the non-filing party (recipient) will have the opportunity to contest the filing party’s (petitioner’s) divorce terms.
The recipient can answer the petition with a response letter listing the proposed terms to which he or she does not agree, as well as the terms he or she would prefer instead.
The couple may then work together to agree to the terms of the split or else go before a mediator for assistance from an impartial third party. If the couple still cannot agree, the contested divorce case will proceed to trial.
During an uncontested divorce, the recipient either agrees to the terms in the original petition or does not respond at all. Either way, the courts in Roseville will proceed with a default divorce case.
A default or uncontested divorce means the recipient is giving up any right to have a say in the terms of the divorce. In most cases, a default divorce is possible after the couple works together to answer questions as to property division, custody, child support and spousal support. For some couples, however, agreeing on the terms of the split is impossible. These couples may need to take their cases to trial to resolve.
Can I Avoid Going to Court During a Divorce?
Not all couples have to go to trial to get divorced in Placer County. It is possible to get a divorce without ever stepping foot inside a courtroom.
Whether you will have to go to court during your case, however, depends on how well you and your ex-spouse can communicate and collaborate. If you can work out a divorce agreement with your spouse, a judge will not have to intervene.
In most cases, a judge in California will sign off on the terms of an agreement created by a divorcing couple. You will only need to go to court if your case involves contested factors you and your spouse cannot agree upon, such as child custody or property division.
The first attempt at avoiding a divorce trial is typically a conversation between the spouses. In the simplest and most collaborative divorce processes, a couple can often break down the details of a divorce and work out an agreement without professional help.
Many couples, however, will benefit from some legal intervention in the form of a divorce lawyer and/or mediator. Obtaining assistance from a professional is not the same as going to court. Many couples use family law mediation to work out the more complicated aspects of divorce while still avoiding a trial.
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution in California. It focuses on resolving conflicts and creating divorce agreements without needing a judge to intervene. Mediation makes use of an unbiased third-party mediator to listen to the concerns of both sides and facilitate compromises.
It is a collaborative process that often involves lawyers for both spouses to advise and assist them in working out a settlement agreement. If you believe a collaborative divorce process would work for you and your ex-spouse, talk to our attorneys at Boyd Law. We may be able to help your family avoid going to court.
What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Family Law Specialist?
Karie Boyd is a Certified Family Law Specialist, or CFLS. This means she has completed additional education, training, testing and hours in the legal specialty area of family law to become a certified specialist by the State Bar of California.
Hiring a CFLS for your divorce case in Roseville can have many benefits, including:
- Extensive experience
- Ongoing training and education
- Up-to-date legal knowledge
- Comprehensive case preparation
- Access to experts and resources
- Enhanced trust and credibility
- Client-centered representation
A CFLS can provide effective and efficient legal representation so that you can achieve a better case outcome for less money, time and stress. Your attorney will provide strategic divorce planning that puts you first.
Contact A Roseville Divorce Attorney Today
Our goal is to help the Sacramento area understand the legal requirements and processes involved in ending a marriage. We have the experience and resources to offer clients peace of mind during a difficult time.
We offer a genuine, compassionate ear to our clients – guided by our experience with divorce and family law. If you are or will soon be seeking a divorce, contact the Placer and Sacramento County family attorneys of Boyd Law to begin consultation with one of our attorneys.
