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Family Law Attorneys in Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Family Law Lawyers

At the Harris Family Law Group, our family law attorneys in Santa Monica focus on protecting the rights of our nearly 92,000 residents when they need customized legal guidance and options to pursue the future they envision.

Whether that includes outlining a prenuptial agreement, discovering divorce opportunities, or modifying existing child custody or child support orders, our experienced Los Angeles County family law lawyer, Jeffery L. Harris, creates tailored solutions for each of our clients unique needs.

If you have questions about how your future will look when you begin making changes to your family dynamics, our Santa Monica, California family law attorney will answer your questions and discuss your concerns during a free consultation today.

Santa Monica Family Law Attorney Practice Areas at Harris Family Law Group

At the Harris Family Law Group, our family law lawyer in Santa Monica understands how difficult these circumstances can be for spouses, parents, and any children who are involved in disputes that require legal representation.

Our Santa Monica family law attorney listens to each of our client’s goals, and the obstacles that are keeping them from reaching their objectives without legal intervention.

That is why we are here: to create customized legal solutions for all, so they can move forward with their lives with confidence.

Our family law lawyers in Santa Monica represent clients in the following practice areas:

Whether you need a Santa Monica family law attorney to oversee an uncontested divorce that can be accomplished through mediation or will be embroiled in a high conflict divorce that requires an aggressive and thorough litigator, the Harris Family Law Group has your complete legal needs covered.

What is the Difference Between Divorce and Uncontested Divorce in Santa Monica, California?

When couples decide to divorce in California, some are often surprised by the conflict that ensues while sifting through the details of property division, spousal support, and child custody, and the necessary child support, when applicable.

When disputes arise, and one or both spouses cannot agree on one or more details of the divorce agreement, it is called a contested divorce.

An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on each of the agreement’s details, including property, money, and parenting issues.

An uncontested divorce may not require a court hearing, but instead can be complete by mail, or with a brief appointment with the court clerk.

However, not all marriages are eligible for an uncontested divorce in California, so it is important to speak with an experienced divorce attorney in Santa Monica to ensure you meet the criteria for a summary dissolution.

The eligibility conditions to pursue an uncontested divorce in California include:

  • The reason for the divorce must be irreconcilable differences
  • Neither spouse is seeking spousal support from the other
  • The couple does not have any unpaid debts totaling more than $6,000
  • Neither spouse has any property other than a lease under one year

If you and your spouse can agree on the details of your divorce, an uncontested divorce may be handled in significantly less time than a contested divorce.

Contested divorces are often more expensive, take longer, and are significantly more physically and emotionally taxing, as neither side is willing to give up on their divorce requirements easily.

It is important to understand that even if one spouse opposes the divorce — which may be what is causing the contention — the proceedings may still move forward, as both parties do not have to agree to the filing.

Can We Finalize Our Santa Monica Divorce During Mediation?

Our Santa Monica divorce lawyers have handled all types of divorces over the past two decades, including everything from high-asset and high-conflict divorces to uncontested divorces that are finalized through productive mediation sessions.

What many couples are surprised to learn is that divorce mediation is not just for uncontested divorces. Divorce mediation sessions can be extremely productive for spouses who do not agree on anything at the onslaught of their filing. This is because our Santa Monica divorce mediation attorney takes the time to explain the laws that apply to their divorce, and how those laws will be interpreted by the courts, should they continue their proceedings inside the courtroom.

Mediation provides a comfortable, non-confrontational forum where both spouses can list their goals and begin negotiations that will allow each to control the outcome.

When the details of your divorce can be finalized through mediation, the outcome is confidential, and stays between the spouses, instead of leaving the detailed decisions to a judge, who does not know either one of you.

If maintaining control of your divorce details is important to you, and you believe – no matter how far apart you and your spouse currently are on agreeing – both of you can keep an open mind and are willing to negotiate, divorce mediation may be right for you.

Contact Our Experienced Santa Monica Divorce Attorneys at the Harris Family Law Group for a Free Case Evaluation Today

At the Harris Family Law Group, our divorce attorneys in Santa Monica know that dissolving your marriage is a difficult decision, especially if it was not your idea – or if you were surprised by the request. No matter which side of the divorce you are on, we can help design solutions that support your best interests and a positive future, so you can move forward with confidence.

Contact our skilled Santa Monica divorce attorneys today at the Harris Family Law Group by calling (310) 745-8644 to schedule a free case evaluation, so you know what to expect from the legal process and can plan a successful outcome inside or outside the courtroom.

Directions to Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer from Santa Monica, CA

These directions are from Google Maps starting from:
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Total Est. Time: 15 mins
Total Est. Distance: 9.1 mi

  1. Head southeast on 2nd St toward Colorado Ave
  2. Turn left onto Colorado Ave
  3. Turn right onto 4th St
  4. Turn left onto the Interstate 10 E ramp to Los Angeles
  5. Merge onto I-10 E
  6. Take the exit onto I-405 S toward Long Beach
  7. Take the H Hughes Pkwy exit toward Sepulveda Blvd
  8. Turn right onto Howard Hughes Pkwy
  9. Take the 1st right onto Park Terrace Dr
  10. Turn left onto Center Dr
  11. Turn right onto Center Dr. W
  12. The destination will be on the left

 

Call Us:
(310) 745-8644

We are located at:

6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500
Los Angeles CA 90045

Our Law Firm Also Serve on Following Los Angeles and Orange County’s Cities: