Divorce

Legal Guidance Through the Divorce Process is Pleasanton

Our Board Certified Family Law Specialist Can Help! Call Us Today!

As your Pleasanton divorce lawyers, Ross Family Law will guide you through the process and ensure you make the best decisions for your future.

When it comes to divorce matters, each decision you make will be an immensely personal and emotional one. Each choice you make will dictate the course of the future for years to come. This Certified Family Law Specialist designation is only awarded to a select few attorneys who display superior understanding and performance in their area of law. Attorney Renee Ross and Attorney Bree Antenucci are certified specialists in family law.

They must show a high level of experience and achievement in their area of law, be in favorable standing with peers and judges, complete at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in their area of expertise as well as other stringent requirements. This experience has equipped them to handle the unique aspects of your divorce case.

With over two decades of combined experience, we understand all of the complexities of the law, empathize with our clients' situations, and possess astute problem-solving skills.

Whether you are considering a litigated divorce, an uncontested divorce, or even legal separation, don't hesitate to contact our firm.

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Guiding You Through Life's Legal Matters

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The Ross Family Law Difference

Focused on Personalized Service & Solutions

Certified Family Law Specialists

Two of our attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and our Founding Attorney is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Full-Service Boutique

As a full-service boutique law firm, you will get the attention that your case needs. At Ross Family Law we dedicate ourselves to obtaining your best possible outcome.
One-On-One Support

Our attorneys work one-on-one with you to devise a plan to achieve your goals.
Compassionate Care

We offer individualized care and tailored solutions for each client's unique needs.

Guiding You Through The Divorce Process

You can look to us for guidance through all stages of the divorce process, which may include:

Identifying, valuing and dividing community property
Negotiating and crafting a marital settlement agreement
Protecting your interests in divorce litigation
Requesting or opposing alimony (spousal support)
Identifying complex tax issues
Navigating child custody and child support proceedings

Additionally, we strive to bring clarity to the confusion that same-sex couples often face when separating or divorcing. We can guide you through the gray areas of dissolving a domestic partnership, establishing parental rights or dealing with complex custody matters. Our firm services clients throughout the Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin and San Francisco Counties.

What are Grounds for a No-Fault Divorce in California?

California is a pure no-fault divorce state, which means that the court does not even consider the “faults” of a spouse when deciding on divorce. Rather, a spouse must simply state that the couple has “irreconcilable differences” that can’t be resolved. This will result in a no-fault divorce in California.

The other cause for divorce in California is “incurable insanity”, which means that one spouse has been deemed incurably insane. However, this comes with a burden of proof and can be more complicated than a no-fault divorce. Therefore, a no-fault divorce is much more common since it is simpler and easier to prove.

Is Everything Split 50/50 in a Divorce in California?

Not everything is split 50/50 in a divorce in California. For example, the law does not require a 50/50 split of assets or debts. Instead, the court will divide property and debts in a way that is "just and right," taking into account all relevant reasons, such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, the contributions of each spouse to the couple, and the needs of any children.

For example, if one spouse has significantly more earning potential than the other, the court may award that spouse a larger share of the assets. Or, if one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent for many years, the court may award that spouse a larger share of the marital home.

Ultimately, the court's goal is to divide property and debts in a way that is fair to both spouses and meets the needs of any children.

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Tips for Divorce

A few things you should consider before divorce:

Preparing Your Finances

When considering divorce, it’s important to first understand your finances.

What does the community have, and how is it supported?
Do you own property or a business?
Are there investment or retirement accounts?
Have either of you received inheritances?
What do each of you earn?

Not all relationships have financial transparency, and many people come to us wanting to know their options without knowing their current financial picture. In order to know what your life might look like after a divorce, including how you will support your household without your spouse or partner, you need to know what the community has now.

Look through your records and make a list of every asset and debt you know of that is part of your estate. Understanding your financial situation as best you can before consulting with an attorney can be very helpful. It can also be very helpful to prepare a list of questions before the consultation to ensure you cover every question and concern you have.

Choosing an Attorney

If you do decide to proceed with the divorce, choose an attorney who is a good fit for your goals. For example, if you want to proceed as amicably as possible, tell your attorney that and make sure they’re on board. Communicate your needs and expectations as a client and ask how the attorney will meet those needs. A good attorney-client relationship is one of mutual trust and respect. Choose someone with whom you can cultivate that relationship, and you eliminate one potential stressor while going through your divorce.

Dealing with Emotional Hardship

No matter how amicable your divorce may be, chances are it will still be emotionally challenging. Don’t be afraid to add a therapist to your support network of family and friends. Your attorney should be able to recommend a therapist who can help you work through the emotional hurdles you experience along the way.

Call (925) 308-9920 to schedule an evaluation to discuss your divorce case.