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La Mesa Divorce Attorney

Considering Filing for Divorce in San Diego?

While most people marry with high hopes for the future and the thought of divorce far from their minds, the reality is that half of all marriages end in divorce.

Here Is How I Can Help You:

  • I treat my clients like family.
  • I provide quality counsel to help you through difficult times.
  • I have over been a licensed divorce attorney in La Mesa for over 30 years.
  • I am a trained mediator, giving me a unique perspective to family law matters.

Once you and your partner have decided that divorce is the best option, you must now determine how to complete the process, and more importantly, who you will hire to guide you through it.

With well over two decades of experience, I believe in providing compassionate counsel that explores all of your legal options. 

I handle a wide variety of divorce cases that include:

Settling everything out of court, if possible, may be the best solution, especially in marriages where there are children involved.

Your Best Interests Always Come First

Through mediation and arbitration, partners can negotiate the distribution of assets and, if they have children, can discuss custody and visitation rights. When an agreement cannot be reached between both parties, the divorce is then taken to court.

My commitment to you:

  • I will always provide my counsel to help families decide the best options for their future.
  • I will encourage communication and collaboration to help resolve issues and come to an agreement, if possible.
  • I will always look for a middle ground that works in the best interests of all parties, working directly with my clients to do everything in my power to help them, both in and out of the courtroom.

Grounds for Divorce in California

California is exclusively a “no-fault” divorce state.

No-fault divorce – This is when a couple doesn’t have to cite a specific fault as the reason for divorce. Instead, one or both spouses can claim that there are “irreconcilable differences” and that the marriage is beyond repair.

Some states offer both fault (such as adultery, abuse, abandonment, etc.) and no-fault divorce options, but California doesn’t even consider faults of the spouses when deciding matters related to the divorce.

The only other ground that a resident in California can use to file for divorce is “incurable insanity”. However, this option is not used often as it requires a high burden of proof and no-fault divorce is a much easier process.

The Divorce Process in California

In both amicable and contested matters, the divorce process will proceed as follows:

  • The petitioner will need to figure out how they would like to end the marriage (divorce, legal separation, or annulment)
  • The petitioner may choose to discuss an agreement with his or her partner
  • Paperwork must then be filed by the petitioner at the courthouse
  • The court forms are then handed over to the partner by someone who is not involved in the case
  • The partner, called "the respondent," then decides whether or not to file a response
  • If the partner does not file a response, the judge can make the decision to end the marriage
  • If the partner files a response with the courthouse, then a copy is delivered to the petitioner by someone who is not involved in the case
  • Both parties will then exchange financial documents showing their debts and property
  • If an agreement cannot be reached between both parties, they will need to go to court

Divorce Counsel in San Diego, La Mesa, El Cajon & Lemon Grove

While settling out of court is the preferred method, it may not always be possible or advisable. Such is the case with marriages where there has been physical and emotional abuse. Additionally, if your partner has hired an attorney of their own and is being vindictive, it is highly advised that you seek legal counsel.

No matter the circumstances, I am prepared to use my experience as a divorce lawyer in La Mesa to protect your rights and interests at this crucial turning point in your life.

Please call a La Mesa divorce lawyer from The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider at (619) 304-8499 for more information about my divorce services.

Related Reading

Former Clients Share Their Stories

Experienced in Handling a Wide Array of Cases
    "Fast communication!"
    Fast communication!
    - Rita M.
    "I really appreciated Andrea"
    I really appreciated Andrea referring me to someone for my situation. I was looking for legal advice and that’s exactly what she helped me get.
    - Ashley D.
    "very helpful"
    Amazing instant response very helpful.
    - Trae W.
    "Amazing!"

    Amazing! Even though she wasn’t able to take my case (which is understandable) she was very helpful by referring me to someone who could assist me. She still took her time out to make sure I was in good hands and to get the help that is needed. Very satisfied.

    - DeAsia L.
    "Thank you Andrea!"
    I'm in search for a divorce attorney that will not drag out a case unnecessarily and that will strive for out-of-court settlements, so when I came across Andrea Schneider's website and read how she approaches each case, I was very impressed. So I contacted Andrea instantly and left her a message after hours. To my surprise, she replied to me that same evening. Unfortunately, Andrea isn't taking any new divorce cases at this time but she definitely didn't hesitate in referring me to two other attorneys. Andrea is a very professional, organized, and caring attorney! Thank you Andrea!
    - Selena C.
    "Very supportive"
    Very supportive, and extremely caring for their clients and customers, all interactions were more than positive.
    - Enrique P.
    "Thanks so much, Ms. Schneider"
    Just this week I reached out to Ms. Schneider about my situation. She was extremely helpful although she was unable to take on my case due to her current workload. Nonetheless, she was gracious enough to take the time to contact another attorney on my behalf and within a couple hours, she provided me with their contact information. I was then able to schedule my consultation. Thanks so much, Ms. Schneider.
    - Frank P.
    "Thanks so much, Ms. Schneider"
    Just this week I reached out to Ms. Schneider about my situation. She was extremely helpful although she was unable to take on my case due to her current workload. Nonetheless, she was gracious enough to take the time to contact another attorney on my behalf and within a couple hours, she provided me with their contact information. I was then able to schedule my consultation. Thanks so much, Ms. Schneider.
    - Frank P.

Professional Help When You Need It Most

Why Choose The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider?
  • A Collaborative Approach
    I will strategize and develop a game plan that will help you achieve your goals, all while staying within your budget.
  • Protecting Your Interests

    I have your best interest at heart and in mind. I will patiently listen to what you want, need and value.

  • Thoughtful & Caring
    I truly care about my clients and am here to help them with any legal matter they are facing.
  • Family Comes First
    As a mother of two, I understand it is important to do what's best for you and your family. You can trust I will do just that for you.
  • Direct Attorney Access

    When you call my office, you get me! You will not be handed off. I live and breathe your case. I will be with you every step of the way.

  • Personalized Attention
    I treat my clients like family, not case numbers. My clients get the personal attention that their case deserves.

Focused On Your Needs

Let's Get Started Together

With me on your side, I make sure that your needs, goals, and best interests are heard by everyone involved with your case. Put my experienced legal abilities to work for you.

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