What is a Divorce Attorney?
As an experienced divorce attorney in San Diego, Yvonne Rizzo provides informed guidance for couples and families undergoing the divorce process. From filing petitions to negotiating child custody, Yvonne and her team coordinate each step of the process. Our divorce attorneys provide assistance with:
- Divorce
- Legal Separation
- Child Custody
- Division of Property
- Family Law
Contact us today to schedule complementary consultation, or read more about our team here.
Divorce vs. Seperation
In a legal separation, the couple will no longer jointly acquire debts and assets, but they will remain legally married. Some clients choose legal separation for financial, religious, or health reasons. A divorce attorney can help you determine if legal separation is an appropriate option for your family. Keep in mind that divorce and separation require different legal processes in San Diego County. Read more about the Divorce and Legal Separation here.
Divorce Regulations and Process in San Diego County
Divorce laws vary by state and county. A knowledgeable divorce attorney in San Diego is key to ensuring that you follow the correct and legal process. With decades of experience as a family law attorney in San Diego, Yvonne Rizzo will help you through each step of the journey. During a detailed consultation, Yvonne and her team will lay out the entire process.The first formal motion is to file a divorce petition with the state. The petition may include claims to property, custody details, spousal support, and attorney fees. While no two divorce or separation situations are identical, the process may also include:
- Filing a divorce petition with the state
- Disclosing assets
- Conduction negotiations
- Division of property
- Establishing spousal and/or child support
Once the initial petition is filed, it must be served to the other spouse. The other spouse will then have a 30-day period to formally respond to the petition. The next steps may involve disclosing property, or using a standard dissolution procedure to work through issues of child custody and more.
Divorce and Child Custody Law
Divorce and separation can result in some of the most complex and challenging family law scenarios. A well-informed divorce attorney in San Diego to keep the process as efficient and professional as possible. In San Diego county, child custody issues almost always include mandatory legal mediation. A divorce attorney can help guide the mediation procedure. Child custody law is highly dependent on the unique details of your divorce case. Child custody and visitation is decided by a judge, or through an agreement between the parents. Additional considerations in the case may include military orders, geographical relocation, sickness, and financial considerations. Learn more about Child Custody or schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
Alimony, Child Support & Spousal Support
Divorce and legal separation may result in the establishment of alimony, child support, or spousal support. California has a complex series of state and county Family Code regulations on this matter, so it is essential to work with an experienced divorce attorney for correct and thorough interpretation of the law. A divorce attorney in San Diego can help you determine if this pertains to your situation, and provide guidance on how to proceed. Learn more about Child Support on our Resources Page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Military Divorce
As a divorce attorney in San Diego, Yvonne Rizzo has supported many military couples through the unique challenges of the divorce process. Deployments, re-location, child support, and alimony may all factor into the equation. When working with military clients, we make special considerations to ensure that their divorce falls into compliance with San Diego Family Law. Keep in mind that in order for the divorce to be processed under San Diego law, the couple may have to meet minimum time requirements for residency in the state.
Marriage Nullity
Nullity is an additional alternative to divorce. This may be invoked in situations where a marriage may be voided. Nullity also requires a formal petition and may include the division of property. A divorce attorney in San Diego can help you determine if this option is viable for you.
Attorney Fees
According to San Diego Family Law, both parties with a divorce shall have equal access to legal representation. This means that one spouse may be required to pay the attorney fees of the other spouse in certain situations. Communal funds, like joint bank accounts, may also be used to pay attorney fees. Read our blog for a detailed article on this matter, as well as other helpful information about the divorce process.
Selecting a Divorce Attorney
When selecting a divorce attorney in San Diego, there are a few important factors to consider. Where you live, and how long you have lived with your spouse will impact how the divorce must legally proceed. In addition, factors like child custody, military divorce, and division of property may call for special guidance. In addition to knowledge of local regulations, your divorce attorney should have completed specialized training in Family Law. Keep in mind that less than 1% of California’s attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists. Yvonne Rizzo holds the Certified Family Law Specialist Certification, as well as almost two decades of experience in Family Law.
Your Consultation
The first step in the process is to schedule a private consultation with our team. All consultations are free of charge, and are intended to determine the duration and extent of services needed. Read more about our team, or book your consultation today.
About Yvonne Rizzo
Yvonne Rizzo is a Certified Family Law Specialist in San Diego, California. Her practice is based in central San Diego, serving clients throughout the county. Prior to establishing her private family law practice, Ms. Rizzo worked as a Deputy City Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit for San Diego County. She also worked as a civil litigator in Los Angeles, supporting medical malpractice defense cases. Her licenses include:
- State Bar of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
- State Bar of New York
For more information about fees, scheduling, and services, contact the office of Yvonne Rizzo here.
