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Getting Divorced in California
Deciding to get a divorce is probably one of the toughest decisions you can make. Then come hundreds of other financial, parenting, lifestyle, and property decisions you need to make in order to actually get divorced. The right attorney can help streamline this process and allow you to focus on building a happy and healthy life after divorce. The wrong attorney can end up being very costly, both financially and emotionally.

How expensive is it to get divorced?
Ultimately what a divorce costs will vary in every circumstance and is based on a number of variables, some which are predictable and many that are not. The best way to get a true picture of what your divorce could cost is to consult with an attorney that can take your goals and turn it into an actionable strategy.
How hard is it to get divorced?
In theory, if you can read and follow basic instructions, you can do it yourself. There's online platforms and non-attorney profesionals that walk you through the logistics of filling out all the paperwork for a divorce.
But that's just process. It's the substance that can get tricky.
Why do I need an attorney to get divorced?
Getting divorced involves so much more than checking boxes on a standardized form. In a marital dissolution, you are dissolving a legal entity, much like a corporation. This requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a strong comprehension of your rights and responsbilities.
A good divorce attorney knows how to set their clients up for a successful and peaceful life-after-divorce.
What are the big issues in a divorce?
Here are some of the main things to think about in your divorce:
- Property: Who gets what and how do we split it?
- Children: Who makes the decisions? What will the schedule be?
- Child Support: Who will pay and how much?
- Spousal Support: Are both of you self-supporting? Will one still need to support the other?
If you are unsure how to move forward, a one-time case review and strategy session with a skilled divorce attorney can help you plan and budget for a divorce.

Saif A. Pardawala
Orange County Divorce Lawyer