Getting divorced in Anaheim?
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 Orange County and across California for over 40 years.
- 40+ years in California family court
- Property division, support, and custody
- Serving Anaheim and all of Orange 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 Anaheim divorces are filed
Anaheim residents file for divorce, legal separation, and support in Orange County Superior Court, and the case is heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center (Family Law). 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.
Orange, CA 92868
Family law departments: Monday–Friday
Orange County hears nearly all family law and restraining order cases at Lamoreaux in the city of Orange. Paid parking in the adjacent structure.
Full court guide: parking, what to bring, how the day runs →
Serving Anaheim and nearby communities in Orange County
Our main office is in Arcadia, and we appear in Orange County courts for spouses and parents throughout the county, including:
- Santa Ana
- Irvine
- Huntington Beach
- Garden Grove
- Fullerton
- Orange
- Costa Mesa
- Mission Viejo
- Westminster
- Newport Beach
- Buena Park
- Lake Forest
- Tustin
- Yorba Linda
- San Clemente
Questions Anaheim 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 Orange 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.
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 spouses and 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. More about Vincent →
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.
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