Divorce

Miller & Ayala, LLP represents individuals in divorce and separation matters in Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley, and the Central Valley. 

A Fresno Divorce is also known as dissolution of marriage.  Dissolution proceedings involve the resolution of numerous issues that relate to the end of a marriage.  For example, marital property must be divided, and spousal support may be considered and arranged.  If the divorcing couple has children together, dissolution proceedings will necessarily include determinations with respect to child custody, child support, and visitation.  If the divorcing couple is able to reach an agreement on any of the issues of their divorce, those issues will not need to be litigated in court. 

A Fresno divorce attorney from Miller & Ayala has considerable experience handling all aspects of divorce cases.  We represent clients in all of the following types of cases:

• Divorce and Separation
• Property Division
• Child Custody
• Child Visitation
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Restraining Orders
• Mediation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Property Division

Generally, community property is divided equally between spouses at divorce, while separate property belongs to one spouse and is not divided.  In general, separate property is any property acquired by one spouse prior to the marriage, or any property acquired by one spouse during the marriage if it was by acquired by gift, bequest, or inheritance.  Community property is all other property acquired by either spouse during the marriage.  Classifying property as either community or separate property can be complex and often requires reviewing old financial documents and applying intricate legal analysis.

Child Custody, Support, and Visitation

In California, the court will make child custody and visitation determinations by looking at what it believes would be in the best interest of the child.  An experienced Fresno divorce law firm can explain the factors the court considers in determining the "best interest of the child" standard.  A parent who does not have physical custody of the child is referred to as a "non-custodial parent."  Generally, a non-custodial parent will be awarded visitation and will be required to pay some amount of child support.  A child custody lawyer can help explain how these decisions are made, advocate for a parent's best interests in negotiations and court, and help achieve a satisfactory custody and support arrangement.

Spousal Support

Also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, spousal support is sometimes ordered for a period of time after divorce.  Generally, the court is more likely to order spousal support when the marriage has lasted for ten or more years and one spouse has not worked in recent years.  However, the court has a policy of encouraging both spouses to become self-sufficient within a reasonable time after divorce.  A family law attorney experienced in spousal support matters can explain all the factors involved in the court's decision to award or deny spousal support.  A lawyer from Miller & Ayala offers Fresno divorce help by advocating a spouse's best interests and help achieve a satisfactory arrangement with respect to financial support.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In recent years, mediation and other forms of ADR, such as informal negotiations, have become very popular as an alternative to contentious divorce litigation.  A Fresno divorce mediation and ADR are cost-effective and allow the divorcing parties to resolve the issues of their divorce quickly and collaboratively.  Mediations are held with a trained mediator and can be conducted with or without the presence of lawyers.  In California, many courts require divorcing spouses to at least attempt to reach agreement in mediation prior to going into court.

At Miller & Ayala, LLP we have extensive experience with filing divorce in Fresno and representing clients in family law mediations, negotiations, and litigation. 

To speak to an attorney about Fresno divorce law or a divorce separation in Fresno call us at 888-406-1472 or use our email form and contact us today!