San Diego Divorce Attorney
At Doppelt and Forney San Diego Divorce Lawyers, we provide experienced representation for individuals and families across San Diego County.
Divorce is not just a legal process, it is a major life transition. Our goal is to guide you through it with clarity, strategy, and strong advocacy.
San Diego is a large metropolitan city: The family law court house which services San Diego is the Central Courthouse located at 1100 Union Street in downtown:
There is a division of Family Court Services located in the same courthouse and this division meets with parents who disagree on their parenting plan prior to a court hearing on legal and physical custody [unless emergency].
Comprehensive Family Law Services
We handle all aspects of family law, including:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Property division
- High conflict and complex cases
Experienced Representation in San Diego Courts
Our firm attorneys appear hundreds of times per year in San Diego family courts and understand how local procedures and judges can impact your case. We proudly represent clients throughout San Diego County, including surrounding communities such as Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Escondido. Each case is unique, and understanding how local courts operate can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Free consultation up to 30 minutes in office or virtual or over phone
- Focus exclusively on family law
- Strong negotiation and litigation skills
- Client focused approach
FAQ
Where are divorce cases filed in San Diego County?
Divorce cases are filed in the San Diego County Family Court system, with locations including San Diego, Vista, El Cajon, and Chula Vista. In order to file for divorce in San Diego County, one of the parties have resided in CA for at least six months and in San Diego county at least 3 months prior to the filing. The judicial council form for the petition follows and is a mandatory initial form for filing/service and there are some exceptions as you will see in #2.
How is property divided in a San Diego divorce?
California is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally divided equally. However, as with many areas of the law, there are exceptions. For example: student loans. Any acquired during marriage may not be divided 50% but may if over 10 years and the community has benefitted.
Do I have to go to court for a divorce in San Diego?
Not always. Many cases are resolved through agreements between the parties, but court involvement may be necessary for contested issues. In addition, the Court has allowed virtual appearances in many cases via Microsoft Teams. This is a time and cost effective strategy. However there are hearings you may need to personally appear for and your attorney can advise you on this.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are looking for a San Diego divorce attorney, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
View our full Areas Served page to see all locations we represent across San Diego County.