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Divorce Lawyers in Riverside, CA

When preparing to begin the divorce process, you're likely experiencing a mix of determination and uncertainty. Dissolving a marriage requires navigating complex legal procedures, financial restructuring, and profound personal change, all of which will influence your future security and family relationships.

At Lass Law, we provide the focused guidance and proven advocacy you need during this pivotal transition.

For more than two decades, our practice has been devoted to California divorce and family law. We guide Riverside clients through every phase of marital dissolution, helping them achieve resolutions that prioritize efficiency, fairness, and long-term well-being. 

Under the leadership of Amy Lass, a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, a distinction earned by fewer than three percent of California attorneys, our firm can deliver the sophisticated legal expertise your case demands.

To speak with a Riverside divorce attorney at Lass Law, reach us online or call (760) 474-3861. We accommodate both in-person and secure virtual consultations.

Our Experienced Legal Team

Our success is driven by the dedication and talent of our exceptional legal team. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table to meet your needs.

Strategic Support Through Your Riverside Divorce

Choosing to pursue divorce is just the beginning. What follows requires careful navigation of legal obligations and strategic choices that will impact your family and finances.

At Lass Law, we partner with you to:

  • Identify your priorities. We help you articulate what's most important, whether that's preserving your parenting relationship, securing financial stability, or protecting specific assets.
  • Manage mandatory financial documentation. California requires comprehensive financial disclosure from both parties at the outset of dissolution proceedings. We prepare and scrutinize these documents to prevent disadvantageous surprises and establish a foundation for equitable outcomes.
  • Chart the optimal course forward. We evaluate whether your circumstances call for collaborative negotiation, structured mediation, or assertive courtroom advocacy.
  • Provide a grounded perspective. We present your options clearly, informed by our understanding of how Riverside County family court judges typically approach the specific issues in your case.

California's Dissolution Process Explained

In California, divorce is called "dissolution of marriage." To initiate proceedings, one spouse must satisfy residency requirements: six months within California and three months within the filing county.

The dissolution process generally includes:

  • Filing and service of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, or using a joint petition if you qualify under California's updated procedures.
  • Exchanging financial disclosures and working toward resolution of parenting arrangements, support obligations, and asset distribution.
  • Achieving settlement through direct negotiations or mediation, or advancing through contested court proceedings if agreement proves impossible.
  • Obtaining final judgment by submitting approved paperwork to the court. California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date of service before dissolution can be finalized, regardless of how quickly other issues are resolved.

Riverside County proceedings often include mandatory settlement conferences and trial-readiness sessions designed to facilitate agreement before a formal trial.

California's 2026 Joint Petition Option

As of January 1, 2026, California law provides enhanced options for spouses who have reached a complete agreement on all substantive matters, including parenting plans, financial support, and property allocation, through a joint petition process.

Couples may now submit a unified petition for dissolution that serves both parties simultaneously, bypassing the conventional requirement that one spouse formally serve the other. This reform extends cooperative, expedited dissolution procedures to more couples who can negotiate comprehensive agreements before filing.

This approach can minimize adversarial dynamics, reduce procedural costs, and accelerate resolution timelines. However, it remains inappropriate for situations involving unresolved disputes, the need for temporary court orders, or significant disagreements at the filing stage.

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