Divorce Lawyers in Murrieta, CA

How We Help You Navigate a Murrieta Divorce

Deciding to pursue a divorce is only the first step. What follows is a sequence of legal requirements and strategic decisions. 

At Lass Law, we work alongside you to:

• Clarify your goals. We help you define what matters most, whether that is parental time with your children, financial independence, or protection of your property.
• Organize required disclosures. California needs both spouses to provide complete financial transparency early in the process. We prepare and review disclosures to minimize surprises and position you for fair outcomes.
• Develop an actionable plan. We assess whether your case is best handled through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, trial.
• Support your decisions. We frame your options in a way that is understandable and grounded in how Riverside County family law judges are likely to view key issues.

Understanding the California Divorce Process

In California, divorce is known as a “dissolution of marriage.” To begin, one spouse must meet residency requirements: six months in the state and three months in the county where the case is filed. 

The process typically involves:

• Filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and serving your spouse, unless you qualify for a joint filing under a new streamlined law.
• Completing mandatory financial disclosures and negotiating the resolution of custody, support, and property division.
• Reaching an agreement through negotiations or mediation, or proceeding through contested hearings.
• Finalizing the divorce by submitting judgment paperwork to the court. A mandatory six-month waiting period applies before the divorce can be finalized, even if all issues are resolved earlier.

In Riverside County, parties may participate in mandatory settlement and trial-readiness conferences to reach an agreement before trial.

New 2026 Streamlined Uncontested Divorce Option

Effective January 1, 2026, California law expanded options for spouses who can agree on all key issues, such as custody, support, and property division, to use a joint petition for dissolution. 

Couples may now file a single, joint divorce petition that is deemed served on both parties, eliminating the traditional requirement that one spouse serve the other. This change broadens access to a cooperative, streamlined dissolution process for couples who otherwise meet the criteria and reach complete agreement before filing.

This pathway can reduce conflict, lower filing costs, and shorten timeline inefficiencies associated with contested filings. However, it is not suitable for every case, especially if temporary orders, contested issues, or significant disputes remain unresolved at the time of filing.

Divorce Issues We Address

At Lass Law, we help clients with all aspects of divorce, including:

• Division of marital property and debt – pursuing a fair handling of homes, retirement accounts, business interests, and other assets.
• Spousal support – analyzing income, needs, and legal standards to pursue appropriate support terms.
• Child custody and timesharing – advocating for parenting plans that balance children’s needs with your priorities.
• Child support – navigating state guidelines and tailored arrangements for your family’s circumstances.
• High-net-worth considerations – Coordinating with financial professionals when cases involve substantial assets, business valuations, or sophisticated financial structures.
• Same-sex divorce issues - Representing clients in same-sex dissolutions involving property division, custody, and support issues, including matters impacted by the timing of marriage recognition under California law.
• Military divorce – Handling divorces involving active-duty service members or spouses, including jurisdictional issues, military pensions, benefits, and compliance with federal protections such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
• Domestic violence and restraining orders – Protecting clients and children when safety concerns arise during or in connection with a divorce.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

While many divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation, some require aggressive representation in court. At Lass Law, we have extensive trial experience in Riverside County family courtrooms.

If your spouse or their counsel refuses to negotiate reasonably, we will prepare and present your case confidently before a judge. Our courtroom readiness means you never have to settle for less than your rights and interests.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

We understand that facing divorce can feel overwhelming. At Lass Law, you receive not just legal representation but clear guidance, realistic expectations, and strategic planning that respects both your immediate needs and your long-term future. If you are ready to take the next step, we are prepared to help you move forward with the support you need at this critical time. 

Contact us online or at (760) 474-3861 today to schedule your consultation with a Murrieta divorce attorney.