Hopper Hopper & Strebe: Divorce Attorney in Sacramento

To file for divorce in Sacramento, you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in Sacramento County for at least three months. The process begins by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Sacramento County Superior Court and formally serving your spouse. Our Sacramento divorce attorneys can guide you through each step and ensure all filings are handled correctly.

California law requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. While some uncontested divorces conclude shortly after this period, contested divorces involving custody, property division, or support disputes often take longer, depending on complexity and court schedules.

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all key issues, including property division, child custody, and support. A contested divorce involves disagreements that require negotiation, mediation, or court intervention. Our Sacramento divorce lawyers handle both contested and uncontested types, tailoring legal strategies to protect your rights and long-term interests.

California is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. However, determining what qualifies as community versus separate property can be complex. A knowledgeable Sacramento high-asset divorce attorney can help ensure assets are properly identified, valued, and fairly divided.

Sacramento courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody. Judges consider factors such as parental involvement, stability, and the child’s health and safety. Our divorce attorneys work to protect your parental rights while advocating for custody arrangements that support your child’s well-being.

Yes. Child custody, child support, and spousal support orders may be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or relocation. Our Sacramento divorce law firm assists clients with post-judgment modifications when life circumstances evolve.

Separation vs. divorce: divorce legally ends the marriage, while legal separation allows spouses to live separately without dissolving the marriage. In a legal separation, the court may still decide matters such as property division, child custody, and financial obligations while the marriage remains legally intact.

While it’s possible to represent yourself, divorce involves strict legal procedures, financial disclosures, and long-term consequences. Many individuals choose to work with experienced divorce lawyers in Sacramento to avoid costly mistakes, protect their rights, and reduce stress during the process.

The cost of a divorce varies based on whether the case is contested, the complexity of assets, and custody issues. Some family law matters may be resolved efficiently, while others require extensive negotiation or litigation. During your free consultation, we discuss your situation and provide clarity on what to expect.

Helpful documents include financial records, tax returns, property information, and any existing court papers. However, even if you don’t have everything prepared, our Sacramento divorce attorneys can still assess your situation and explain your legal options during the consultation.