Getting divorced in Temecula?
Divorce in California is a process with fixed rules about property, support, and children. Knowing those rules before you file is the difference between a fair result and a costly one. Attorney Vincent W. Davis has handled divorces in California family courts for over 40 years.
- 40+ years in California family court
- Property division, support, and custody
- Serving Temecula and all of Riverside County
- Confidential consultation
Three things to do before you file
Gather the financial picture
Tax returns, pay stubs, account statements, deeds, and retirement statements. California requires full financial disclosure from both spouses, and having yours organized first puts you ahead.
Don't move money or assets
Once the petition is served, automatic restraining orders bar either spouse from transferring property or changing insurance. Moving money before filing can be undone and hurts your credibility.
Decide what matters most
The house, the retirement account, the parenting schedule, spousal support. Knowing your priorities lets us negotiate from strength and litigate only what has to be litigated.
Where Temecula divorces are filed
Temecula residents file for divorce, legal separation, and support in Riverside County Superior Court, and the case is heard at the Riverside Family Law Courthouse. Property, support, and custody are all decided there, or settled by agreement with the court's approval.
We know this courthouse's family law departments and how each judge approaches property, support, and custody, which lets us tell you what to expect before you file.
Riverside, CA 92501
Monday–Friday
Southwest county family law cases are heard at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta; Coachella Valley cases at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Your paperwork tells you which.
Serving Temecula and nearby communities in Riverside County
Our main office is in Arcadia, and we appear in Riverside County courts for families throughout the county, including:
- Riverside
- Moreno Valley
- Corona
- Murrieta
- Jurupa Valley
- Menifee
- Hemet
- Perris
- Indio
- Lake Elsinore
- Palm Springs
- Palm Desert
Questions Temecula clients ask about divorce
Do I need a reason to get divorced in California?
No. California is a no-fault state. The only ground you need is irreconcilable differences. Fault does not affect property division, although domestic violence can affect spousal support and custody.
How long does a divorce take?
At least six months from the date the petition is served, under Family Code Section 2339. An uncontested divorce can be finalized soon after that. Contested cases involving property, support, or custody disputes commonly take a year or more.
What are the residency requirements?
One spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Riverside County for three months before filing there. If you don't yet qualify, you can file for legal separation and amend to divorce later.
How is property divided?
California is a community property state. Property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. Property owned before marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, is separate. Tracing and characterizing assets is where most disputes happen.
Will I have to pay or receive spousal support?
It depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and the factors in Family Code Section 4320. Temporary support during the case is usually formula-based; long-term support is decided on those factors.
What happens to the house?
The community interest in the house is divided like any other asset. One spouse can buy out the other, the house can be sold, or in some cases a deferred sale is ordered so children can stay in the home. The right answer depends on equity, income, and the parenting plan.
How is child support calculated?
By a statewide guideline formula based on each parent's income and the percentage of time each parent has the children. The court can deviate in limited circumstances. Custody time and support are closely linked.
Can we do an uncontested divorce?
Yes, and it's the least expensive path. If you and your spouse agree on property, support, and custody, we draft a marital settlement agreement and judgment and you may never appear in court. Even in agreed cases, independent advice protects you from signing away rights.
Where do I file for divorce in Temecula?
Temecula residents file in Riverside County Superior Court. Family law cases are heard at the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, 4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501.
How much does a divorce cost?
The court filing fee is set by the state, and attorney fees depend on how much is contested. An agreed divorce costs a fraction of a litigated one. We give you a realistic range at the consultation and keep the case proportional to what's at stake.
What clients say
★★★★★"Because of him I have regained sole custody over both of my kids."
Client video testimonial
★★★★★"Mr. Davis is like a magic man in court. His almost 40 years experience really comes across with the judge."
Frances S., Yelp review
★★★★★"From day one, he and the team were professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to protecting my rights as a parent."
Stacia, Avvo review
About Attorney Vincent W. Davis
Vincent W. Davis has practiced family and juvenile dependency law in California for over 40 years and is admitted to the State Bar of California (No. 125399). The Law Offices of Vincent W. Davis & Associates is based at 440 E. Huntington Drive in Arcadia and represents parents in courts throughout the state. This page is part of the firm's statewide network of local resources; the full practice, attorney profiles, client reviews, and case results are on the main site at vincentwdavis.com.
Talk to a divorce lawyer before you file
The consultation is confidential. Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you what your options are.
(888) 888-6582 Request a consultationPrefer to book a time? Schedule a consultation.