Divorce Attorney and Mediators in the Los Angeles Area

The Calabasas and Westlake Village divorce attorneys at Zonder Family Law Group (“ZFLG”) can guide you throughout the divorce legal process. For nearly 30 years, Lisa Zonder of ZFLG has provided her clients with unparalleled legal expertise in family law. ZFLG specializes in creating tailor-made, out-of-court settlements to protect your family, finances, and peace of mind. ZFLG is an industry leader in out-of-court processes, including divorce mediation, collaborative divorce, and other alternative dispute resolution options. For clients whose cases require litigation, our skilled attorneys will represent you and your best interests during negotiations.

Our team of ZFLG divorce lawyer strives to make a meaningful difference in our clients’ lives. Our team offers neutral, third-party mediation for clients wishing to remain out of court. For those clients with existing mediators, our team supports you as a consulting attorney to ensure that your settlement offers are solid and that you have the financial information you need to enter into an agreement.

Mother spending time with her son after a divorce

Many couples erroneously believe mediation is inferior since it can feel like a shortcut, as mediation often saves time and money when compared to litigation. ZFLG team members, led by Lisa Zonder, have successfully resolved many high-net-worth and financially complex mediations using a straightforward mediation process.

For clients who have come to an agreement on most of the issues of their case, they may not require a mediator to facilitate the settlement terms. Perhaps they simply need forms filled out. ZFLG offers “á la carte” legal services, also known as “Limited Scope” or “Unbundled” services. For example, if you and your spouse have already decided how to divide your assets but are having trouble agreeing upon spousal support, the attorneys at ZFLG can help you negotiate a resolution on that issue. Many clients find Limited Scope divorce to be an excellent method to retain control over portions of their case and economize on legal fees. Why waste time and money on issues that don’t warrant it?

We empathize with the challenges encountered when searching for the right divorce lawyer or mediator in Los Angeles and Ventura County. We understand that selecting the right professional at this stage is crucial. You shouldn’t have to go through the uncertainties of your divorce alone! The expert attorneys at Zonder Family Law Group are here to help you advance to a better future.

Zonder Family Law Group’s Divorce Attorney Services

Our exceptional family law attorneys in California provide specially crafted solutions for every circumstance, created to keep you and your family out of court and safeguard your privacy. Whether you are concerned about your children, your finances, or any other issue that may emerge during a divorce, we will work to resolve it amicably and efficiently.

High-net-worth and financially complex divorces are often well-served by utilizing mediation sessions which include outside professionals, known as “enhanced mediation.” ZFLG will partner with the right professionals, especially those in the financial services industry, to provide a holistic approach to your divorce mediation.

The attorneys at ZFLG excel in family law mediation (both in-person and online), prenuptial agreements, high-asset divorce mediation, Collaborative Divorce, and legal separation.

It is all too easy to start a legal dispute that ends up costing you a fortune. Our innovative and solutions-focused divorce attorneys apply sophisticated strategies to assist you in achieving time-efficient and successful settlements that fit your goals. Our objective is to resolve your family law matter in a way that protects your finances, upholds family unity, and sets you on the path to success after divorce.

Overview of the Legal Process of Divorce

At Zonder Family Law Group, we assist with litigation and mediation in family law matters. Our experienced attorneys can help you through the divorce process and the challenges you might face.

In California, the divorce process can be lengthy and confusing. Our attorneys are here to provide legal guidance and to help you make decisions that will serve the long-term interests of both you and your family.

There are many steps to take when going through the divorce process, so if you are contemplating a divorce, it’s best to contact one of our family law attorneys as soon as possible.

Beginning the Divorce Process

In California, filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the first step in the divorce process. Once this form is filed by the spouse initiating the divorce, the other spouse will receive a copy of the petition and have 30 days to respond.

There are many options regarding how best to go about your divorce, whether through litigation, mediation, or a Collaborative Divorce.

Our attorneys can help guide you through the family divorce process that best fits your situation.

Common Issues that Arise During Divorce Proceedings

Simply filing for divorce can feel overwhelming. Challenges can still arise even if you are prepared to begin the divorce process. Choosing a knowledgeable and experienced divorce attorney to assist you through the complexities of dividing assets, considering support payments, and the many other issues that come up during a divorce is important.

Some of the most common issues couples face during a divorce often include marital property disagreements, child custody arguments, and financial divisions.

Why You Should Choose ZFLG for Your Divorce

For nearly thirty years, Lisa Zonder of ZFLG has served as a trusted legal advisor to hundreds of families who have gone through the divorce process. Our attorneys have experienced divorce first-hand, and we know how difficult restructuring a family can be. We believe in treating all our clients with the utmost care and respect while working hard to ensure their and their families’ best interests are provided for.

See What Our Clients Say About the Zonder Legal Team

Rick L (attorney)

Lisa and her staff … zealously advocate her client’s position “I have worked with Lisa Zonder’s office on a number of matters over the years and have found both Lisa and her staff to not only thoroughly and zealously advocate her client’s position, but to do so in a manner which is both professional and consistent with the highest ideals of the legal profession …”

-T

I intend to use you for any needs I may have in the legal arena. “Lisa, “I want to extend a big THANK YOU for your efforts in what I see as a real win for me and my family. Your professional manner and attention to my needs are truly appreciated. “I want you to know that if anyone I know ever asks for a recommendation for assistance with a family law matter, I would recommend you and your firm without hesitation. “Just wanted to let you know G… and I appreciate your talents and efforts! “Thanks – hopefully I won’t be needing your services in the near future…but when the time comes, I intend to use you for any needs I may have in the legal arena. “Warmest regards to you and your staff.”

-R

Your consistent and honest legal advice has been invaluable to me. “Thank you Lisa for your support. This has been a difficult period but I am confident that for the sake of my family and myself this is the best outcome. Your consistent and honest legal advice has been invaluable to me.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about divorce and working with a divorce attorney:

How long does it take to get my divorce finalized? What is the divorce process in California like?

The process of divorce in California typically depends on which divorce process you use. The process of a mediated divorce is very different from that of a litigated (courtroom) divorce. Your divorce attorney should explore your options and help you decide which would work best for your situation.

Likewise, the length of time it takes to complete a divorce case will vary depending on the circumstances and process used. Mediations are often shorter in duration than litigated divorces. In any case, California requires a six-month waiting period (after the responding spouse receives the Petition for Divorce) before a divorce decree will be granted (six months and one day after the Petition was served is the earliest date the judge can terminate marital status).

In every California divorce case, there are mandatory forms that must be completed in every case. These include but are not limited to petitions and responses, financial disclosures, and the settlement agreement or divorce judgment.

What are the grounds for divorce in California?

California is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that the spouse filing for divorce does not have to prove the other spouse did anything to cause the divorce. California courts only recognize two grounds for divorce – irreconcilable differences and permanent incapacity.

How is property divided during a divorce in California?

California is a community property state which means that absent an agreement otherwise, courts will split any community property evenly between the spouses upon divorce. Generally speaking, community property is defined as any property (and debts) acquired during a marriage up until the date of separation, with the exception of inheritances and gifts unless they are “commingled” with community assets (such as paying the down payment of a house with an inheritance). Couples who draft pre- or post-nuptial agreements may designate some property as separate, which would legally be classified as a community if not for the agreement.

Community property rules in California are default rules which a court will adhere to if the couple cannot come to an out-of-court settlement. If you and your spouse decide to divide the marital assets and debts in a manner other than 50/50, that is your right so long as the judge who signs your settlement agreement does not believe it is grossly inequitable.

How is child custody determined in California?

This question seeks to provide information on how child custody is determined, including the factors that are considered, such as the child’s best interests and the different types of custody arrangements that may be available.

In California, decisions regarding child custody are based on the child’s best interests. Two types of custody need to be determined – physical and legal. Legal custody is the power to make decisions about the child’s health, welfare, and education. Unless there are serious reasons to grant one parent sole legal custody (such as abuse, incapacity, etc.), most divorcing couples will share joint legal custody over their minor children.

Physical custody refers to where the child(ren) will live after the divorce. If the child(ren) will live primarily (or exclusively) with one parent, that parent will be deemed to have primary physical custody. The other parent will typically have visitation rights. If the child(ren) will live equally (or close to equally) with both parents, that is typically considered to be joint physical custody.

What are the benefits of hiring a California divorce attorney?

California divorce laws can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced family law attorney. Having a skilled professional guide you through the legal process and advocate for your best interests in negotiations can prevent you from making serious mistakes that may have long-term consequences.

An experienced divorce attorney will explain the various options and strategies that may benefit your situation. The right lawyer and/or mediator will endeavor to help your case move forward as smoothly and time-efficiently as possible.