Criminal Defense Lawyers

San Diego Divorce Consultation Services

Our Compassionate Approach to Divorce in San Diego

Congratulations! You’re Getting Divorced!

Whoa, whoa, whoa – we know what you’re thinking. “Congratulations? For a divorce? Are you crazy?” But hear us out for a second. Sure, divorce can be one of the most difficult, emotionally-draining experiences a person can go through. It’s the end of a relationship; a parting of ways; a splitting up of two lives that were once intertwined.And yet…it’s also a new beginning. A chance to start fresh, to rediscover who you are as an individual. To find happiness and fulfillment on your own terms. So yes, as strange as it may sound, congratulations are in order! You’ve made the brave decision to embark on a new chapter.Of course, we know divorce isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You’re probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now – sadness, anger, fear, relief, and everything in between. That’s totally normal and valid. Divorce is tough, no doubt about it. But that’s where we at Spodek Law Group come in.

The Nightmare Divorce Stories

You may have heard the horror stories – divorces that drag on for years, with bitter battles over every little thing. Exorbitant legal fees that drain your life savings. Nasty custody disputes that traumatize the kids. Dividing up assets and debts in the most complicated, headache-inducing ways possible.We’re not gonna lie, those nightmare scenarios do happen sometimes. But they don’t have to be your reality. With the right divorce lawyers in your corner, the process can be much smoother, more amicable, and dare we say…even relatively painless (well, maybe not painless, but you get the idea).At Spodek Law Group, our San Diego divorce attorneys are masters at navigating the choppy waters of divorce. We’ve seen it all and we know how to steer your case towards the best possible outcome for you and your family. No unnecessary drama, no drawn-out court battles – just efficient, effective representation to get you through this transition and on to your fresh start.

The Nitty Gritty of Divorce in California

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty gritty details of how divorce actually works in California, shall we? First off, there’s no such thing as “fault” divorce here – it doesn’t matter who cheated on who or what went wrong in the marriage. California is a “no-fault” state, which means you just have to state that you have “irreconcilable differences” and that’s enough grounds for divorce.Now, the divorce process itself typically goes something like this:

1. One spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage and serves it to the other spouse.
2. There’s a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date the petition was served.
3. During that waiting period, you work out all the big issues with your spouse – division of assets/debts, child custody, child support, spousal support, etc. This is where having a stellar divorce lawyer is invaluable.
4. If you can’t agree on the terms, it goes to court and a judge decides for you (which is why you reeeeally want to avoid this if possible).
5. Once the waiting period is up and all issues are settled, the divorce is finalized and you’re officially single again!

Of course, that’s a very simplified version – every divorce case is unique with its own complexities. Maybe you have a high-asset divorce with complicated property division. Maybe there are domestic violence issues at play. Maybe you’re a military spouse or dealing with a high-conflict custody battle.Whatever curveballs your situation throws at you, our San Diego divorce attorneys have seen it before and know exactly how to handle it. We’ll walk you through every step, explain things in plain English (none of that legal mumbo-jumbo), and make sure your rights are fully protected.

The Dreaded “D” Word – Division of Assets

Ah yes, one of the most contentious aspects of any divorce – divvying up your collective marital assets and debts. Who gets the house? What happens to retirement accounts? How do you split up the bank accounts, investments, and personal property you’ve accumulated over the years?In California, a basic principle applies: anything acquired during the marriage is considered community property and must be divided equally between the spouses. Sounds simple enough, right? But as you can probably guess, it often gets way more complicated than that.There are exceptions for separate property (stuff you owned before the marriage), inheritance, gifts, etc. What if one spouse’s separate property increased in value during the marriage – does the other spouse get a cut? What if marital assets were commingled with separate property? What if a spouse tries to hide assets or undervalue them?These are just a few of the tangled webs our divorce lawyers have to skillfully untangle. We know all the tricks in the book that spouses (and their attorneys) use to try to cheat the system. We utilize forensic accountants, appraisers, and other experts to ensure every asset is properly valued and accounted for.We’ve handled multi-million dollar divorces with sprawling investment portfolios, business interests, real estate empires – you name it. But we also take just as much care with more modest asset divisions. To us, your financial future is paramount, no matter how large or small the marital estate.

Custody Chaos? Not on Our Watch

If you have kids, deciding on child custody and visitation is probably one of your biggest concerns with divorce. As parents, you want to do what’s best for your little ones and minimize the disruption to their lives as much as humanly possible.Unfortunately, custody battles can turn into a real mess when emotions run high and parents get caught up in their own hurt feelings. We’ve seen cases where one parent tries to turn the kids against the other parent out of spite. Or cases where parents make impulsive decisions that aren’t truly in the children’s best interests.Our job as your divorce lawyers? To be the voice of reason. To take the emotion out of it and objectively look at what custodial situation will be healthiest and most beneficial for your kids in the long run. Is joint legal custody appropriate or should one parent have sole decision-making power? What type of physical custody schedule makes the most sense – 50/50, every other week, etc.?We take a compassionate, child-centered approach, always keeping your kids’ wellbeing as the top priority. If needed, we’ll enlist child psychologists, counselors, and other experts to evaluate the family situation and provide professional recommendations.And if your ex is being unreasonable or trying to play dirty custody games? That’s where our tenacious litigation skills come into play. We’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure your parental rights are protected and your kids end up in the best possible environment.

Show Me the Money – Child Support & Alimony

Speaking of kids, the issue of child support is bound to come up in any divorce involving children. In California, both parents are legally obligated to financially provide for their kids’ needs like food, clothing, housing, education, and so on.But how much child support should be paid, and by which parent? It all comes down to a calculation based on factors like each parent’s income, how much time the kids spend with each parent, tax deductions, and other variables in your specific situation.Our divorce attorneys are masters at crunching those numbers and making sure you aren’t getting shortchanged on child support – whether you’re the parent receiving it or the one paying it. We’ve got a whole team of forensic accountants and financial gurus to scrutinize every dollar and make sure it’s a fair deal.Then there’s spousal support, commonly known as alimony. This is separate from child support and is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living after divorce, at least temporarily. Permanent alimony is rare these days, but we can advocate for you to receive it if your circumstances warrant it.Or maybe you’re the higher-earning spouse worried about getting stuck with alimony payments you can’t really afford. Not to worry, we know how to craft strong arguments for limiting or terminating spousal support obligations when appropriate.At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure you aren’t getting financially screwed over in your divorce settlement. We look at temporary and long-term financial needs and fight to get you your fair share – no more, no less.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

The Peaceful Path – Mediation & Collaborative Divorce

Look, we get it – the idea of hashing out your divorce in open court, airing all your dirty laundry for the world to see, is probably less than appealing. The good news is, there are alternative dispute resolution methods that can help you and your soon-to-be-ex settle things privately and relatively amicably.Mediation is one such option. You each hire your own divorce lawyer, but instead of going to court, you sit down with a neutral third-party mediator. The mediator facilitates discussion and negotiation between you and your spouse with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable settlement.It’s less adversarial than a courtroom battle, plus it’s often faster and cheaper than litigation. And because you’re the ones calling the shots instead of a judge, you have more control over the outcome. Our mediation attorneys are pros at keeping things moving productively and advocating for your best interests.Or you could go the collaborative divorce route, where both spouses and their lawyers commit upfront to negotiating a settlement without court intervention. If the collaborative process breaks down, the attorneys have to withdraw and you’d have to start over with new lawyers for litigation.The benefit of collaborative divorce is that everyone has a vested interest in making it work through open communication, full disclosure, and creative problem-solving. No one wants to blow tens of thousands of dollars just to end up in court anyway.For many divorcing couples, mediation or collaboration is the ideal way to minimize conflict and come to a fair resolution. As your divorce lawyers, we can advise you on whether an alternative dispute method makes sense for your case.

Military Divorces – A Unique Challenge

If you or your spouse is an active-duty or retired military servicemember, your divorce comes with a whole extra layer of complexity. There are special laws and regulations surrounding issues like division of military retirement pay, healthcare benefits, housing allowances, survivor benefits, and more.Navigating a military divorce requires an in-depth understanding of federal laws like the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). These laws determine what percentage of retirement pay the non-military spouse is entitled to, whether the former spouse can continue receiving military healthcare and commissary privileges, and other important factors.As your divorce lawyers, we stay up-to-date on all the latest rules and policies affecting military families. We know how to properly calculate disposable retired pay, draft qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs), and ensure you receive every single benefit you’re entitled to as a military spouse.We’ve represented everyone from enlisted personnel to high-ranking officers in all branches of the armed forces. Whether you’re getting divorced in San Diego or dealing with a military divorce across multiple states, we have the specialized knowledge to protect your rights.

Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

At the end of the day, our mission as San Diego divorce attorneys is to make this major life transition as smooth and low-stress as possible for you. We know divorce is hard enough as it is without having to deal with unnecessary legal headaches on top of the emotional turmoil.That’s why we take a compassionate yet aggressive approach – protecting your interests fiercely in the negotiation room or courtroom, while also providing a supportive shoulder to lean on. We’re not just your lawyers, we’re your advisors and confidants through this entire process.So if you’re staring down the barrel of divorce in San Diego, don’t go it alone. Let Spodek Law Group be your steady guide from start to finish. We’ll handle everything from division of assets to child custody to spousal support, always keeping your best interests as the top priority.Divorce may mark the end of one chapter, but it’s also an exciting new beginning filled with possibilities. With our divorce lawyers by your side, you can embrace this fresh start with confidence, knowing your future is in good hands.