Divorce Attorney in Sacramento

Legal Guidance for Divorce in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

Going through a divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, filled with uncertainty and emotional strain. At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, we understand that you need more than just legal representation; you need a supportive team to provide clear direction and stand by your side. We are committed to helping you navigate this process with integrity and compassion, focusing on positive solutions that protect your future.

Our firm is built on a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach. When you work with us, you do not just get a single attorney; you get our entire legal team's collective knowledge and dedication. We work together on our cases, bouncing ideas off one another to develop strong strategies. This means your case benefits from multiple perspectives, ensuring a thorough and well-considered plan of action.

We believe in building authentic, lasting relationships with our clients because we are more than a law firm; we are family. Our goal is to provide honest, straightforward information about the legal process, empowering you to make informed decisions. We will guide you with diligence and strong advocacy every step of the way.

To start working with a divorce attorney in Sacramento, call us at (916) 957-1302 or contact us online to schedule a virtual consultation.

Important Terms in a California Divorce

Navigating a divorce means learning new legal terminology. We believe in empowering you with knowledge, so you can better understand the process. 

Here are some key terms you will likely encounter:

• Dissolution of Marriage. This is the legal term for divorce in California.
• Community Property. Assets and debts acquired by a couple during their marriage are considered community property and are typically divided equally.
• Separate Property. Assets owned by a spouse before the marriage, or acquired during the marriage through gift or inheritance, are generally considered separate property.
• Spousal Support. Also known as alimony, this is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce.
• Parenting Plan. A detailed agreement outlining child custody and visitation schedules, including holidays, vacations, and decision-making responsibilities for the children.
• Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure. A legal document where each spouse must fully disclose their income, expenses, assets, and debts to the other party early in the divorce process.

Understanding the Divorce Process in California

The path to dissolving a marriage in California follows a structured legal process. A clear understanding of these steps can help reduce stress and provide a sense of control during an uncertain time. Our divorce lawyer at Kaslan & Pike, LLP is here to manage the legal requirements for you, allowing you to focus on moving forward. 

The process generally begins with meeting residency requirements; one spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in the county of filing, such as Sacramento County, for at least three months.

Here is an overview of the main stages in a typical California divorce:

• Meeting residency rules. One spouse must satisfy the statewide and county residency requirements before filing, which for Sacramento usually means living in the county for at least three months.
• Filing the petition. The divorce starts when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage that identifies basic information about the marriage and what they are requesting from the court.
• Serving the papers. The filed petition and related documents must be formally delivered to the other spouse, starting the response deadline and the minimum waiting period for the divorce to be finalized.
• Exchanging disclosures. Both spouses complete detailed financial disclosure forms that list income, expenses, assets, and debts so that issues like support and property division can be addressed fairly.
• Negotiating or litigating. Many people work toward a settlement through negotiation or mediation, while others require hearings or trial dates in Sacramento County Superior Court to resolve contested issues.
• Finalizing the judgment. Once agreements are reached or the judge makes decisions, the terms are written into a final judgment that is filed with the court and formally ends the marriage.

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Sacramento

One of the first big questions in a divorce is whether your case will be contested or uncontested. Understanding the difference can help you decide what approach is realistic and what kind of support you need. In Sacramento, both types of cases move through the same court system, but the time, stress, and cost involved can be very different. We help you assess where your case is likely to fall so you can move forward with clear expectations.

In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse reach an agreement on all major issues, such as property division, parenting time, child support, and spousal support. These cases still require careful drafting of paperwork and court approval, but they usually involve fewer court appearances and give you more control over the outcome. Our team can work with you behind the scenes or in negotiation sessions to make sure your agreement is complete, enforceable, and truly reflects what you intend.

A contested divorce arises when there is disagreement about one or more key issues, or when trust has broken down, and you need the court to resolve disputes. In Sacramento County Superior Court, this can mean temporary orders hearings, settlement conferences, and, in some cases, a trial before a judge. We work together as a team to prepare you for each step, organize evidence, and keep you informed so you are never guessing about what comes next. Our goal is to look for opportunities to resolve conflict efficiently while still being ready to advocate firmly when a fair compromise is not possible.