Divorce Attorney In San Diego, CA
Divorce isn’t simple. It’s not just the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is a reevaluation of your future and a forceful structure in the protection of the things that matter most: your children, your money, and your dignity. With the help of a San Diego divorce lawyer, however, you can approach the difficulties of a divorce with confidence.
The senior attorneys at Neumann Family Law, A.P.C., have over 25 years of litigation experience. We don’t just intervene when divorce is necessary. We intervene when it matters.
With years of experience, our San Diego divorce lawyers offer insights and strategies. Whether you’re dealing with a cooperative separation or preparing for high-conflict litigation, our attorneys offer the kind of experience and legal acumen that only comes from decades in the trenches of California family law.
Strategic Counsel for High-Asset Divorce
If you’re facing a high net worth divorce, you cannot afford missteps. At Neumann Family Law, A.P.C., there is no substitute for knowledge and experience in the handling of high-net-worth, complex divorce litigation.
Firm founder Sara Neumann, CFLS* and 2021-2025 Super Lawyers honoree, has 27 years of divorce litigation experience. Edward Castro, CFLS* and 2022-2025 Super Lawyers honoree, has 31 years of experience. The firm handles complicated trials, lasting over five days, involving complex business/asset valuations, tracing issues, support, and custody.
Throughout California, there are nearly 1.7 million private businesses. Whether located throughout the state or in California, business owners who are facing a divorce need to consider the many implications on joint assets, including the business. Protecting the time and energy invested in building that business with or without your spouse can leave many unanswered questions. However, with the right attorney, you can easily find the answers you need.
Our San Diego divorce attorneys routinely represent professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and their spouses. These individuals may have significant assets such as closely held businesses, real estate portfolios, restricted stock units, retirement accounts, and overseas holdings. Our team understands the intersection of family law and financial nuance. We work with CPAs, forensic accountants, and valuation experts to ensure a precise and fair division of assets.
From protecting separate property to uncovering hidden income, we carefully trace every financial detail. If your divorce involves intellectual property rights, trust interests, or multiple streams of income, our San Diego family lawyers are prepared to advocate with intelligence and intensity.
Family Law Isn’t Just What We Do—It’s All We Do
By solely focusing on divorce and family law, we have a unique advantage. We don’t dabble. Our practice is designed, specifically, around the ins and outs of family law in California, including UCCJEA move-away litigation and sophisticated premarital agreements negotiations. Since every divorce is different, we always customize our approach to be strategic and effective.
Our firm has a certified family loss specialist on staff. Our elite status and over 75 years of combined experience ensure our clients receive representation that is sharp and compassionate.
San Diego Divorce Statistics
The dynamics of any divorce are influenced by local and state statistics. For residents in San Diego, property division is influenced by the high home values in the area. The average house is worth $968,817 as of early 2026, and if a marital estate includes a business or significant ownership stakes in a company, that can shape how community property is divided.
When couples split, one spouse may have to rent a property along El Prado, 5th Avenue, University Avenue in North Park, or elsewhere, where the average rent is $2,995 a month. California’s overall divorce rate of 5.88 per 1,000 residents is reflected at the local level, where a steady stream of couples from La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and elsewhere.
For many families, divorce is least likely to happen during the Fall and Winter, likely because of the many holidays during that time. August and April trend with the highest rates of divorce as identified in court records from 2018 through 2024, with the exception of 2020. However, California overall tends to rank low on national divorce rates.
What to Expect During Your Divorce?
The divorce process begins when one spouse files the paperwork needed to dissolve a marriage. After the other party is notified about the divorce filing, both spouses begin gathering documents to disclose their finances and prepare for addressing matters like child support, spousal support, and property division.
After financial disclosures are made, both sides can negotiate the terms of the final divorce agreement. It is not uncommon for disputes to arise during that process. When needed, the courts can step in to review the evidence, listen to both parties’ arguments, and make rulings based on the “best interests” of the child or community property division guidelines.
Understanding California’s Residency Requirements
Divorce cases in San Diego are handled through the San Diego Superior Court system, and the nearest courthouse is located at 1100 Union Street in San Diego. Before the courts will accept a petition for divorce, residency requirements must be met.
To file for divorce in California, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in your current California county for at least three months. A divorce may be filed in the county where these conditions are met. For legal separation, the rules are different, as only one spouse must live in California.
Why Clients Choose Neumann Family Law, A.P.C.
Clients come to our divorce law firm because they need the strongest possible support when it matters. They stay with us because we provide results. We have earned a reputation not only for our strategic legal work but for the way we treat our clients with honesty, urgency, and respect. Our San Diego high-profile divorce lawyers are known for being:
- Direct and action-oriented: We don’t waste your time with legal jargon or false hope. We tell you where you stand and what you need to do next.
- Emotionally intelligent: We understand the personal turmoil that accompanies divorce. We provide legal advice that is both rational and empathetic.
- Detail-driven: Complex property division, high-conflict custody battles, and long-term spousal support claims require a diligent approach. We deliver that.
We are passionate about protecting children, preserving property, and empowering clients to take control of their future.
Handling Child Custody Disputes with Clarity and Strength
Nothing during a divorce tends to be more emotionally charged than custody. Our team of San Diego family law attorneys knows how deeply our clients care about ensuring a strong, consistent bond with their kids. We deal with custody, visitation, and other family law disputes sensitively and assertively to meet each case’s unique needs.
If you have a relocation dispute under the UCCJEA, need a detailed parenting plan, or are litigating for sole custody due to credible safety concerns, we will fight for your parental rights. We are recognized for being prepared for court and clearly expressing our clients’ positions in family law cases.
Mediation When Possible. Litigation When Necessary.
Our experienced attorney for family law in San Diego County understands that not every family law matter must end in a courtroom. Mediation can often offer a more peaceful, discreet, and cheaper resolution in many cases. The firm’s founder, Sara Neumann, also acts as a mediator for other lawyers, offering her a unique understanding of how to get parties to settle without a trial.
However, if the stakes are high and the other party is unwilling to compromise, we do not hesitate to take the case to trial. Our divorce attorneys in San Diego are articulate, assertive, and aggressive courtroom warriors and knowledgeable legal professionals for your case. When we need to litigate, we thoroughly prepare and fight to win favorable results for our clients.
Firm founder Sara Neumann, CFLS and 2021-2025 Super Lawyers honoree, has 27 years of divorce litigation experience. Edward Castro, CFLS* and 2022-2025 Super Lawyers honoree, has 31 years of experience. The firm handles complicated trials, lasting over five days, involving complex business/asset valuations, tracing issues, support, and custody.*
Hire a Divorce Lawyer
If you are going through a divorce in San Diego, your top priority should be to hire a divorce lawyer who understands California’s divorce laws. The outcome of divorce cases is often shaped by the experience of either party’s legal representation.
When you work with a San Diego divorce attorney, you gain the support of a family law attorney who understands the local court system, the process, and how to protect the interests of their clients at every step. Your attorney can explain your rights and options, so you are well-informed throughout the process.
Lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who can file motions and present evidence to support their clients’ goals. Whether your priority is protecting your property or custody rights, having strong legal representation can play a crucial role in safeguarding your interests throughout the process. They will help you navigate all forms of alternative dispute resolutions and represent you in any courtroom litigation that may occur.
When you are trying to take the next step after a divorce, it is important to have legal help on your side that helps you move forward.
FAQs About San Diego, CA Divorce Laws
How Do I Begin the Divorce Process in San Diego?
To start a divorce in San Diego, you must file a Petition for Dissolution with the San Diego Superior Court. Your lawyer will make sure the petition is properly prepared and served on the other party as per civil procedure and that all initial disclosure and filing requirements are met. A knowledgeable San Diego divorce lawyer will also assist you with residency matters and the papers you need to prepare before filing.
What Are the Residency and Jurisdiction Requirements for Filing in San Diego?
A California court’s ability to hear your case depends on state and local residency rules. Usually, at least one spouse must meet residence and local county residency rules before filing. A divorce attorney in San Diego will look at your situation, including whether you moved recently or if your spouse is out of state. They will advise on where to file your case in order to minimize jurisdictional disputes.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in San Diego?
San Diego requires a minimum waiting period before a final judgment is entered, but the overall timeline depends on case complexity. Uncontested matters can be resolved more quickly, while disputes over child custody, spousal support, or high-value assets extend the process. Your lawyer will provide a realistic timeline based on the likely issues in your case and whether alternative dispute resolution methods will be used.
How Are Assets and Debts Divided in a San Diego divorce?
San Diego generally follows community property principles, which means property and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to equitable division. Determining whether it is community versus separate property can be fact-intensive and require documentation, valuation, and sometimes forensic accounting. A San Diego divorce lawyer will identify protected assets, negotiate settlements, or present evidence to the court to secure a favorable property division.
What Are the Fees for a San Diego Divorce Lawyer?
The fees you could pay for a San Diego divorce lawyer will depend on the circumstances of your case. With the factors including the experience of the attorney, their specific fee structure, the complexity of the case, and even whether the case is litigated in court, it is recommended to speak with a lawyer during your initial consultation to identify the costs you could incur. Share all the details of your case with your lawyer for an accurate estimate.
Contact Our San Diego Divorce Lawyer Today
A divorce can change everything in your life. Don’t let it identify you for life. Our award-winning attorneys at Neumann Family Law, A.P.C., have a combined experience of more than 75 years. You can consult our family law firm in San Diego for options that can help you make the divorce process less complicated, less stressful, and more empowering. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation appointment.
*CFLS: Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
San Diego Divorce Law Firm Reviews
Jennifer is truly a warrior angel on earth. This woman will fight your case with all her might as if it was her own life she’s fighting for. She is passionate, feisty and exceptional at her job. This is more than a career, it is her life mission and purpose. She is a sweetheart and a wonderful person that truly cares. You can count on her at the most difficult time of your life! She is a successful lawyer/attorney and I foresee a bright future full of victories for her just like she had for our family today! God bless this lady!
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Sara Neumann, Elizabeth Harrington and the entire team at Neumann Family Law are extraordinary. Their commitment to meticulous case preparation is only matched by an impressive display of tenacity and determination. Moreover, Sara’s unwavering courtroom confidence and case law knowledge were invaluable throughout the process. Thank you for everything Sara……!!!
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Mercedes E. Castro, Esq. is exceptional! I have never met such a highly trained and effective divorce attorney. I found her to be bright, engaging, dedicated, and clever. She always had my best interest in mind. Mercedes was the ace up my sleeve.
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San Diego, CA Divorce Law Resources
- Four Critical Facts About Vested vs Unvested Stocks and Your Divorce
- A Hidden Weapon in High-Asset Divorce Litigation
- 3 Tips For Men Facing a California Divorce
- California Divorce for Doctors 101: Everything You Need to Know
- Demystifying Your Divorce: Dividing Stock Rights
