Family Law Attorneys in Los Alamitos, California
At Zwierzchowski & Nguyen, our experienced family law attorneys in Los Alamitos pride ourselves in pursuing valuable divorce, child custody, and financial support solutions for each of our clients, so they can move forward with their lives with confidence.
Our Orange County family lawyers know that no two sets of families are the same, and neither are their legal needs, which is why we customize each case by listening to each client’s unique requirements, so we can provide legal guidance that empowers them.
We understand that if you need our California family law attorneys or our Certified Family Mediators, your life is drastically changing. We want to help you pursue the best outcome for your family law needs, so you can take control of your future.
If you would like to learn more about your family legal options, contact our skilled Los Alamitos family lawyers today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Zwierzchowski & Nguyen Los Alamitos Family Law Attorney Practice Areas
At Zwierzchowski & Nguyen, our Los Alamitos family law attorneys have nearly 20 years of experience producing unique legal solutions for our clients.
With over 11,500 people calling Los Alamitos home, we believe our residents should have access to the same experienced and skilled legal representation as larger cities, without traveling miles to get obtain the guidance they need to produce results. That is why we are here.
Our skilled Los Alamitos family law attorneys represent clients in the following practice areas:
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Family Formation
- Domestic Violence
- Family Law Mediation
- Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements
If you have questions about your family’s future, and how we can help you pursue the results you deserve, contact our experienced family law attorneys in Los Alamitos today to schedule a free initial consultation.
What is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in Los Alamitos, California?
Most people are surprised to learn that there are very few differences between legal separation and divorce in California.
Spouses who legally separate often do so for the same reasons couples divorce, which can include working on their marriage’s personal details, including physical, emotional, psychological issues.
Others are ready to part but are unwilling to divorce because of the support their spouse provides, either financially, or through health insurance or other benefits, which requires a legal separation to be the end of their relationship.
Some simply cannot divorce because of religious or family issues.
Others are unwilling to end their marriages, so they can give future reconciliation a chance.
Like divorce, legal separation is a deeply personal choice, and one that should be respected, no matter the reasons behind the decision.
Legal separation provides couples with the opportunity to resolve all marital issues, including:
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
Legal separation in California is nearly the same as a divorce, except it does not return the parties to their single status, which means neither person can remarry.
The only other difference is that there is no waiting period to obtain a judgment of legal separation, as a divorce in California requires a six-month waiting period from the time petition is filed and served to the time judgment may be entered.
What If We Change Our Minds About Legal Separation in California and Want to Reconcile or Divorce in Los Alamitos, California?
In California, married couples who have legally separated have three options.
The first is to remain legally separated going forward, which can last if both spouses see fit.
The second is to file a motion to vacate the court’s order of legal separation and serve the other spouse with the court-provided paperwork stating in that you no longer wish the legal separation to be effective.
Keep in mind, the other side can object to the termination of the legal separation. Both spouses must agree to the reconciliation, as one spouse cannot undo a legal separation in California.
Once the legal separation has been vacated, you are free to resume your marriage.
The third option is to pursue a divorce, which requires filing a new petition for dissolution of marriage and completing new financial disclosures.
As with all California divorces, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period to obtain your divorce.
If you would like to know more about legal separation, reconciliation, or divorce in Los Alamitos, we can help answer your questions during a free consultation.
Contact Our Dedicated Family Law Attorneys in Los Alamitos, California Today
At Zwierzchowski & Nguyen, divorce lawyers and certified family mediators in Los Alamitos will walk you through your legal separation, reconciliation, or divorce options, so you can make informed decisions about your future. Contact us today by calling 562-359-2106 to discuss your unique marital circumstances, so you can begin planning your future with confidence.