Going through a divorce in Beverly Hills, California? At Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers, we understand that the process can be complex, especially when high assets, children, or businesses are involved. Our legal team is here to answer your most pressing questions and guide you through each step of the divorce process with skill and discretion. Contact us today for a confidential consultation at (310) 271-6290.
With over 45 years of combined family law experience, our Beverly Hills divorce lawyers handle all aspects of divorce—including property division, spousal support, child custody, and prenuptial agreements.
If you’re facing divorce or have questions about your legal options. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and protect your interests during this pivotal time.
How Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers Can Help You with a Divorce Case in Beverly Hills, CA
At Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers, we proudly serve clients across Southern California, offering experienced and strategic representation in all areas of divorce and family law. Whether your case involves high assets, contested custody, or business valuation, our team is prepared to advocate fiercely for your best interests—both in and out of the courtroom.
When you choose us to handle your divorce in Beverly Hills, you receive a customized legal strategy grounded in California divorce law and tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.
Here’s what you can expect when working with our top-rated family law firm:
- Personalized Guidance: We begin by understanding your priorities and concerns to shape a settlement strategy that protects what matters most.
- Clear Legal Advice: We’ll explain each step of the California divorce process and how the law applies to your unique situation.
- Child-Centered Custody Planning: We help you create a parenting plan that reflects your child’s best interests while honoring your parental rights.
- Strategic Dispute Resolution: We pursue mediation and negotiation when possible to minimize conflict, costs, and time.
- Courtroom Advocacy: If trial becomes necessary, our skilled litigators will vigorously represent your case before a judge.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Beverly Hills divorce attorney.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?
California provides two grounds for the dissolution of marriage. You may obtain a divorce on the grounds of permanent legal incapacity to make decisions. However, most divorces in Beverly Hills are granted on no-fault grounds.
Spouses do not need to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. For instance, you do not need to prove your spouse abused you or cheated on you. Instead, you can claim that irreconcilable differences caused the irrevocable breakdown of your marriage.
If you want to file for divorce in Beverly Hills, you must be a resident of California for at least six months. You must have lived in Los Angeles County for at least three months.
California Custody Laws: Who Gets Primary Custody in a Beverly Hills Divorce?
Child custody is decided based on the best interests of the child.
Factors judges consider in custody cases include:
- The child’s welfare, safety, and health
- The extent and nature of the parents’ relationships with the child
- Allegations of domestic violence
- A parent’s ability and willingness to care for the child
- The existence of unsafe living conditions
- Whether a parent habitually uses illicit drugs
- Any history of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
The law presumes that joint physical and legal custody is in a child’s best interest. Joint custody allows both parents to participate in parenting responsibilities. It gives the child as much contact with both parents as possible.
Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions regarding their child’s care and welfare. Physical custody gives a parent the right to live with and care for their child. Courts may grant sole custody when a parent is proven unfit to care for the child.
What Should I Expect During a Divorce in Beverly Hills?
The divorce process timeline in Los Angeles County varies depending on the parties and their specific circumstances.
The typical steps in the divorce process include:
- Preparing and filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. The petitioning spouse files the divorce papers with the court and serves a copy on their spouse.
- The responding spouse has 30 days to respond to the divorce papers.
- Both spouses must disclose financial information about their separate and community property.
- The parties may negotiate a divorce settlement through their attorneys or in mediation. If they settle, the attorney requests a hearing to approve the settlement and grant the divorce.
- If the parties disagree on divorce terms, the action is contested. The parties conduct discovery to gather evidence, file pre-trial motions to resolve questions of law, and proceed to trial.
- The court issues a divorce decree after a trial that resolves all issues before it. **
Our experienced divorce attorneys help clients achieve a divorce settlement that is in their best interests. We use alternative dispute resolution (i.e., mediation and arbitration) whenever possible, but are fully prepared to take cases to trial to advocate for our clients.
What Are My Rights for Property Division?
Property division can be complicated, especially in high-net-worth divorces. California is a community property state. All assets and income acquired during the marriage are considered community assets, with very few exceptions, including those from inheritance and gifts. The spouses own an equal share of community property.
Separate property is not subject to division. Likewise, a pre- or post-nuptial agreement can dictate how the parties characterize and divide assets during a divorce, which may not result in equal division. The parties can negotiate an unequal property settlement, provided it is fair and equitable.
Can I Receive Spousal Support or Alimony in Beverly Hills, CA?
California law provides for spousal support, also known as alimony, under specific circumstances. The court must determine that a party requires financial assistance and that the other party has the means to provide it.
When determining spousal support, the law requires judges to consider numerous factors, such as, but not limited to:
- The needs of the spouses based on the standard of living during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- The health and age of the parties
- The marketable skills of the parties
- The contributions of a spouse to the other spouse’s education, training, and career
- Documented evidence of domestic violence
Courts may award temporary support until the divorce is finalized. Judges may also order permanent spousal support if the court deems it necessary and justified.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Los Angeles County?
California calculates child support based on standard child support guidelines. The court uses a mandatory formula to determine the base amount of child support. The formula includes the number of children to be supported, the parents’ gross income, the percentage of time the parents spend with the children, and health insurance premiums for the children.
A judge may deviate from the base amount based on other factors, including private school tuition, extracurricular activities, and travel expenses for visitation. Parents may also agree on the amount of child support, provided it covers the basic child support obligation.
How Does a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement Impact a Divorce in Beverly Hills?
A valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can simplify a divorce in Los Angeles County. The agreement terms may resolve most of the divorce issues, thereby avoiding a court battle. Having a pre- or post-marital agreement can also protect your privacy.
However, you may need to contest a prenuptial agreement or defend a postnuptial agreement. If so, you’ll need an experienced prenuptial-postnuptial attorney to protect your rights.
What Happens if a Spouse Hides Assets During a Divorce?
Do you believe your spouse is hiding assets to avoid community property division? If so, a Beverly Hills divorce lawyer can help. Using discovery tools during the divorce process, an attorney can gather information to locate hidden assets.
Your spouse would have to provide account records, financial statements, tax returns, loan applications, and other documents that could lead to the location of safety deposit boxes, concealed accounts, and hard assets. During a deposition, your spouse must provide sworn testimony. Your attorney may hire forensic accountants, investigators, and other experts to assist with the search for assets.
Contact a Beverly Hills Divorce Lawyer for a case evaluation
Divorces have emotional and financial implications for spouses. Hiring an experienced Beverly Hills divorce lawyer ensures you have someone to guide you through complex property division and child-related matters. Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers customizes a divorce strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation.