Torrance Divorce Lawyer

Our lead attorney, Casey Olsen, is a Family Law Specialist with over 35 years of legal experience in all areas of divorce and family law. Serving both Los Angeles and Orange County, the team at Olsen & Olsen can help you navigate this process and achieve the best possible outcome.

What is Divorce?

Divorce is a legal process that formally dissolves a marriage, terminating the marital relationship between spouses. The legal implications of divorce cover various aspects, and they can vary based on jurisdiction. California is a no fault state, meaning that divorce can be initiated and completed without proving that one spouse did something wrong.

No one marries with the intention of divorce. Relationships can be fragile and many do not survive the stress of financial pressure, relationship changes, and unmet expectations.

At Olsen & Olsen Attorneys at Law in Torrance, we bring a wealth of experience to your case, offering personalized guidance to navigate the intricacies of divorce proceedings. Our lead attorney, Casey Olsen, has worked in Family Law for over 35 years and has gone through extensive training and testing to become a Certified Family Law Specialist.

How to file for Divorce in California

Initiating the divorce process involves filing a petition with the appropriate court. The petition must then be served to your spouse to formalize the divorce request. Olsen & Olsen can help advise you on which court you have jurisdiction to file your action at, and which court would be preferable for your case.

For individuals living in Los Angeles County any individual can file their action at the downtown Stanley Mosk Courthouse. However, individuals may also file in their or their spouses branch court, which for certain cases may be preferable for a more convenient location for the court hearings.

Los Angeles and Orange County Courts

Olsen & Olsen has experience litigating cases in all the Family Law Court's in Los Angeles and Orange County. This includes the following courts:

Compton Courthouse
Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (Long Beach)
Pasadena Courthouse
Pomona Courthouse South
Stanley Most Courthouse (Downtown Los Angeles)
Torrance Courthouse
Van Nuys Courthouse East
Whittier Courthouse

Conversely, you may have been served with a Petition from your spouse. The court that your case is assigned to depends on where your spouse filed the divorce action. In this case, you must file a response to the Petition. It is essential that you file a timely response to this Petition or you risk the court entering a default judgment in your case. Our firm is well-versed in every aspect of this process and will assist you with filing and deadlines.

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, spouses reach a mutual agreement on all relevant issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, visitation, and child support. They then present a joint petition to the court for approval. The actual status of married cannot be ended until six months after service of the Petition although a judgment can be entered earlier.

While uncontested divorces are preferable as they result in quicker resolutions and lower attorney fees, it is not always possible. Olsen & Olsen has experience in helping people in Los Angeles County navigate their divorces whether it be Uncontested or Contested.

What is a Contested Divorce?

In a contested divorce, spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more key issues, leading to a legal battle in court, if settlement is not possible. Common points of contention include property division, spousal support, child custody, visitation, and child support.

Olsen & Olsen has represented thousands of divorce clients in Los Angeles and Orange County, including high-asset divorces and complex cases needing litigation.

Divorce and Legal Separation

Divorce and legal separation are legal processes that allow couples to formally address the end of their marriage or domestic partnership, but they have different legal implications and outcomes. Here are the key distinctions between divorce and legal separation:

Divorce

Also known as a dissolution of marriage, divorce legally terminates the marital relationship. Once a divorce is finalized, the parties are no longer married, and they are free to remarry.

Marital assets and debts are divided, with each spouse entitled to a fair and equitable share of the community property. The court may order spousal support to be paid by one spouse to the other based on factors such as income, financial needs, and the duration of the marriage. Child custody and child support arrangements are also established.

Legal Separation

Legal separation does not terminate the marital status. The parties remain legally married, and they cannot remarry while separated. Similar to divorce, legal separation involves the division of marital assets and debts. However, the parties are still legally married, and the separation agreement outlines how they will manage their financial affairs. Spousal support, child custody, and child support can be established.

Legal separation allows for the possibility of reconciliation. If the spouses decide to reconcile, they can do so without going through the process of remarrying. Olsen & Olsen can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

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