San Diego Divorce Lawyer
200+ Years of Combined Experience – Get Our Divorce Lawyers on Your Side
On This Page:
- Safeguarding Your Interests During Divorce in San Diego County
- Divorce Services in San Diego, CA
- Filing for Divorce in San Diego
- Types of Divorces in California
- Uncontested Divorce in California
- How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in California
- High-Conflict Divorce Lawyers in San Diego
- Turn to a San Diego Divorce Lawyer for Legal Representation
- San Diego Divorce FAQ
Choosing to end a marriage through divorce is no easy decision. If you are looking to file for divorce in San Diego County, Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC can guide you every step of the way. The goal of our San Diego divorce lawyers is to make the divorce process less overwhelming for you and your family.
Our San Diego divorce attorneys bring more than 200 years of combined experience to each case. We consult with other professionals, such as therapists and accountants, in order to ensure your needs are met. If you are you ready to file for divorce in San Diego, we are the legal team you want in your corner.
Call (858) 492-7968 or fill out our online form for a consultation with a San Diego divorce lawyer.
At Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC, we are dedicated to helping you reach a fair and equitable resolution that is in the best interests of you and your family. Our San Diego divorce attorneys have extensive experience handling all aspects of divorce, including:
Our San Diego divorce lawyers are prepared do everything within our power to secure the most favorable outcome possible so you have everything you need to move on with your life. We are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of the men and women who seek our help.
Why Choose a San Diego Divorce Attorney from Our Firm?
- We have been honored with inclusion on the Super Lawyers® list
- We have an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
- We have ten Board Certified Family Law Specialists
- We were named among the San Diego County Top Attorneys
We offer a variety of services related to divorce, including but not limited to:
- Negotiation and preparation of divorce settlements
- Representation in court for divorce proceedings
- Mediation services to help couples reach an agreement
- Assistance with child custody and visitation arrangements
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Spousal and child support arrangements
- Modification of existing divorce decrees
- Enforcement of court orders
- Name changes
- Adoption
- Guardianship
Wondering how to get a divorce in San Diego? A divorce attorney in San Diego can more easily help you navigate the process of filing for divorce. To file for divorce in San Diego County, you must first determine if you are eligible to file. To be eligible, you must have lived in the county for at least three months, and you must have grounds for divorce. Once you have determined that you are eligible to file, you may complete the appropriate paperwork and file it with the San Diego County Superior Court. The court will provide more specific instructions on how to proceed with the filing process, but here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to file for divorce in San Diego:
- Fill out the required divorce paperwork
- File your divorce papers with the clerk at your local courthouse
- File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and serve it on your spouse
- Complete and file a Summons, which informs your spouse of the divorce proceedings
- File a Declaration of Disclosure, which is a form that provides information about your assets and debts
- File a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the final document that officially dissolves your marriage
- Pay the filing fee for divorce in San Diego County
- Serve copies of your divorce papers to your spouse
Our San Diego divorce attorneys handle all types of divorce cases, including:
- First-to-file
- Uncontested divorce
- Contested divorce
- Same-sex divorce
- Military divorce
If you are looking for divorce lawyers in San Diego and Irvine, look no further than Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC. Known for delivering skilled legal representation, we are the kind of San Diego divorce law firm you need on your side when filing for divorce. We will help you make legally sound decisions while also helping you remain level-headed throughout the entire process. Our experienced divorce attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of legal services and to helping you achieve the best possible result in your divorce case. Let us put our extensive resources to work for you, inside or outside of the courtroom. Consult with a San Diego divorce lawyer today.
Contact Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC to Consult a San Diego Divorce Lawyer! We Serve Del Mar and All of San Diego County.
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Not all divorces involve conflict and court dates. Many couples that want a fast divorce in San Diego find that they can resolve their divorces amicably, reach settlements in a timely manner, and minimize the cost of divorce by getting a divorce without court.
This is called "uncontested divorce," also known as "summary dissolution." Since uncontested divorces don't require a judge to make decisions, it is a form of quick divorce in San Diego.
The requirements for uncontested divorce in California are as follows:
- You and your spouse have read the Summary Dissolution booklet provided by the court clerk
- The grounds for divorce must be “irreconcilable differences”
- One spouse must be a California resident for at least six months and a resident of the county in which the divorce will be filed for at least three months
- There are less than five years between the date of the marriage and the date of the separation
- The spouses do not have unpaid debts exceeding $6,000, excluding car notes
- Neither spouse owns real property other than a lease under one year
- There are no minor children and neither spouse is pregnant
- The marital assets are worth less than $38,000 (including retirement and deferred compensation, but not including vehicles)
- The spouses have signed a settlement agreement that divides all property (assets and debts) and all documents to transfer assets according to the settlement agreement
- Neither spouse is seeking alimony
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CertifiedTen of our attorneys have earned the distinction of certified family law specialist.
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EquippedSkilled in litigation and mediation, we are prepared to handle any type of divorce.
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AttentiveWe respond quickly to clients and ensure they are always informed about their case.
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SeasonedOur professionals have more than 200 years of combined family law experience.
First, get the counsel and guidance of a divorce attorney in San Diego. Then, you and your spouse must file a joint divorce petition including each spouse’s mailing address, whether either spouse wishes to return to his or her former name, and verifying that all conditions for summary dissolution have been met.
Your petition must include documentation showing:
- Income, expenses, and property
- Tax returns from the past 2 years
- A declaration of disclosure
- A property declaration or schedule of assets and debts
- Written information about businesses and investments either party will have after separation that existed when you were still living together
Then, you’ll need to complete a settlement agreement, including all relevant documentation (originals only) and pay a filing fee payable to the county superior court. If you meet all of the requirements, you will be granted a divorce six months after the date of your filing. There is no hearing.
Do It Yourself Divorce: Why Professional Guidance Matters
A do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce might seem like a cost-effective and straightforward solution for couples looking to part ways. The primary appeal of this approach is often financial, as it avoids attorney fees. It can also be faster in cases where both parties are in full agreement about property division, child custody, and other key issues. However, these advantages often come with significant risks and hidden complications.
Divorce is rarely as simple as completing forms and submitting them to the court. California’s legal system has specific requirements, including detailed paperwork and deadlines that must be met to avoid delays or even dismissal of your case. Additionally, DIY divorces frequently lack the thorough legal analysis needed to address long-term financial and custodial arrangements. Mistakes made during the process, such as failing to properly value assets or overlooking key legal rights, can have lasting consequences.
An experienced San Diego divorce attorney provides invaluable expertise, ensuring your interests are fully protected. A lawyer can help navigate complex issues such as spousal support, child custody, and the division of community property under California law. Professional guidance is particularly crucial when disputes arise or when one party has more knowledge of the couple’s finances.
While DIY divorces seem like a good idea for a divorce, having an attorney significantly reduces the risk of costly errors and the burden on your shoulders. Seeking legal assistance ensures that your divorce is handled thoroughly and that you emerge from the process with clarity and confidence about your future.
The most important decision you can make when getting a divorce is your legal representation. It is vital to hire the right lawyer to ensure that your rights and assets are protected every step of the way. Our team at Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC has the experience, knowledge, and skill to get you through your divorce as painlessly as possible. Turn to us!
Divorce is never easy, but they are especially difficult when high-conflict personalities are involved. Are you divorcing a narcissist or a high-conflict personality? Here are 5 tips for navigating a high conflict divorce:
- Tune Out the Negativity – Do not respond to any negative comments made by your soon-to-be ex. Do not argue or try to reason with them. A therapist can help you learn how to manage your emotions in these cases, but the best way to deal with a high-conflict personality is to avoid emotional responses and not to fight back.
- Limit the Contact – Avoid any unnecessary communication or contact with your spouse. If you have children, then communication is required for custody and visitation reasons; but the less you see or communicate with the other person, the less opportunity there is for conflict. Your legal team can handle much of the communication for you.
- Be Level-Headed – In high-conflict divorces, the key is to keep your emotions in check. Don't let your spouse get to you. Be professional and calm when working with your San Diego divorce attorney and when you have to interact with your spouse.
- Get a Restraining Order (if You Must) – If your spouse starts getting too aggressive to the point where you feel threatened or that you are in danger, you can always file a restraining order to keep them away from you.
- Hire a Good Lawyer – In any divorce, but especially in high-conflict divorces, it's important to have someone on your team who knows the divorce process in California, what your rights are, and how to fight for them.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"My heart is full of gratitude."
My heart is full of gratitude, and I slept more soundly last night than I have in a long time. You all helped make that happen.
- JC -
"You all did such an amazing job."So glad that’s done. You all did such an amazing job and Kevin absolutely nailed it in court. Thank you so much means the world.- CE
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"Thank you for your strength and support!"Dear Julie, You are wonderful and I feel fortunate to have you on my side! Thank you for your strength and support!- AH
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"Top notch service and an incredible experience."I would like to express my great experience with Kevin Polis and his team of amazing professionals on a job well done with my case.- AW
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"Thank you all so very much for your help."Thank you all so very much for your help. Words can’t even convey how much I appreciate all your help in gaining a fair shake, to be able to have time with my daughter and the stress that is no longer a part of what was my daily life over the concern- BT
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"I appreciate what your firm has done for me and doing an exceptional job winning my cases for me."
I appreciate what your firm has done for me and doing an exceptional job winning my cases for me.
- Anthony -
"I wanted to thank you (Kevin Polis) for the amazing WIN today in court!"
I wanted to thank you (Kevin Polis) for the amazing WIN today in court!
- Anthony -
"It is not an exaggeration to say this turned out to be a positive life-changing event that MSM spearheaded and resolved in what I consider record-setting time."It is not an exaggeration to say this turned out to be a positive life-changing event that MSM spearheaded and resolved in what I consider a record-setting time.- Christopher
Who Is the Best Divorce Lawyer?
The best divorce lawyer in San Diego for your particular situation will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, the complexity of your case, and the type of divorce you are seeking. It is important to research and interview multiple divorce lawyers to find one who is well-versed in the California divorce laws and has the experience to handle your unique case.
What Should You Discuss With a Divorce Lawyer?
When meeting with a divorce lawyer in San Diego, it is important to discuss the following topics and the specifics of your situation:
- Financial information (assets, debts, income, etc.)
- Details of your marriage
- The desired outcome of the divorce proceedings
- Any potential issues regarding child custody or support
- Various options available to you, such as mediation, collaborative divorce, or litigation
- Cost of the divorce process
- Any other relevant issues that may arise during the divorce process
How Much Does Divorce Cost in California?
The cost of a divorce in California depends on a variety of factors, but ultimately depends on the complexity of the divorce, how much time is required to handle the divorce properly, and whether the divorce is resolved with or without litigation.
An uncontested divorce, for example, will typically be less costly than a high-conflict divorce requiring litigation. Other things to consider include whether children are involved, whether business or professional practices are involved, and if there is a large amount of assets involved. It is important to discuss costs with your San Diego divorce attorney so that you know what to expect throughout the entire process.
Generally, the cost of a divorce in San Diego County ranges from $2,000 to $20,000. This includes court filing fees, attorney's fees, and other costs associated with the divorce process.