Song | Family Law

 Call 714-706-3500 For A Free Consultation

Song | Family Law

Call Now For A Free Consultation: 714-706-3500

Song | Family Law

High-Quality Family Law Services At An Affordable Rate

Getting A Divorce In Orange County

Deciding to get divorced is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. Choosing an experienced and knowledgeable divorce lawyer who can help you understand the process and advocate for your rights can help make your divorce a little easier.

My name is Hogan Song and I am a board-certified family law specialist. I founded Song Family Law, APLC, to provide my Orange County clients with a high-level legal experience that prioritizes your privacy and goals. To make sure I can offer you my full attention, I am selective in the cases I represent. As your divorce attorney, I will help you focus on your future rather than dwelling on the past.

Understanding California’s Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in California, you must have lived in California for the last six months. To file for a divorce in Orange County, you must have lived in the county for the last three months.

In California, Do You Have To Prove Fault To Get A Divorce?

California operates as a no-fault state for divorce. This means you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong to end the marriage. You only need to state that the marriage has broken down because of irreconcilable differences. The court will not listen to evidence of misconduct or fault when deciding whether to grant the divorce. This approach aims to reduce conflict and simplify the legal process for families.

How Long Does It Take To Get Divorced In California?

California has a six-month waiting period for a divorce. The waiting period begins once the court serves the divorce papers to the other spouse. This means that the shortest amount of time you can be divorced in California is six months and one day. Even if you reach an agreement on the first day, the state will not recognize your divorce until this time passes. However, complex cases involving significant assets or heated custody battles often take much longer.

The timeline for your specific case depends on several factors, including:

  • The level of cooperation between you and your spouse
  • The complexity of your financial portfolio and property holdings
  • The current schedule and backlog of the local courts
  • The time required to gather and review financial disclosures in your case

As your divorce lawyer, I work efficiently to move your case forward while maintaining the luxury service you expect. I offer flexible solutions to help you meet these legal requirements without unnecessary delays. My goal is to help you go through this transition time with confidence.

What Has To Be Decided In A Divorce To Reach A Settlement?

A divorce settlement is a comprehensive agreement that resolves all of the issues between you and your spouse. Reaching a settlement requires addressing several complex categories of your life. Every family is different, so I tailor my approach to your specific needs and values. It is important to make sure that the court’s final judgment is clear, as this will help you to avoid future legal disputes.
A standard settlement in Orange County typically includes decisions regarding:

My background as a published appellate attorney allows me to draft these agreements with precision. This care protects you from the common pitfalls that lead to future litigation.

How Can Mediation Help In Your Divorce?

Mediation offers a private and flexible way to resolve your divorce outside of a courtroom. In this process, a neutral third party helps you and your spouse reach a mutual agreement. This method often saves time and reduces the emotional toll on your family. Because you control the outcome, you can create more creative solutions than a judge might order.

Many clients choose mediation because it provides specific benefits, such as:

  • Privacy: Your personal discussions stay out of the public court record.
  • Cost Savings: With mediation, you can avoid the high expenses associated with a long trial.
  • Control: By working together with a neutral facilitator, you get to decide your future rather than leaving it to a stranger.
  • Speed: You can schedule sessions on your own timeline.

I provide guidance and representation throughout the mediation process so you can handle these negotiations successfully. My firm combines wholesale pricing with exceptional service to make these high-quality legal paths accessible. Whether we use mediation or traditional litigation, I stay focused on delivering results that align with your interests.

Can You File For A Divorce In Orange County Without A Lawyer?

To file for a dissolution in Orange County without a lawyer, you will need the following forms:

  • The Petition (form FL-100)
  • The Summons (form FL-110)
  • The Family Law Declaration Regarding Related Cases (form L1120)
  • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (form FL-105
  • A blank UCCJEA (form FL-105)
  • A blank Response (form FL-120)

To file for divorce without an Orange County divorce attorney, you will need to take this packet and make two copies of the completed forms to the Lamoreaux Justice Center located at 341 The City Drive South, Orange, California 92868. Lamoreaux is across the street from The Outlets at Orange, formerly known as The Block at Orange. More specifically, it’s across from the Krispy Kreme. You can park in the main structure. There is a security checkpoint with metal detectors.

Take the original filled-out forms, the two copies and the blank forms to the Family Law Clerk’s Office. You will need to pay the filing fee. The court takes cash, checks, credit cards or money orders. You can also mail them, but you will need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with enough postage so the two sets of copies can be mailed back to you, and don’t forget to add a check made payable to the Clerk of the Court.

The Family Law Clerk’s Office will stamp your completed forms and assign you a case number. The original goes into the court’s file and you get the two copies. You now have two file-stamped copies of your divorce packet and the blank forms. One copy is for you and the other copy will need to be served to your spouse or partner.

Why Should You Work With A Divorce Lawyer?

Just because you can file for a divorce in Orange County without a lawyer, does not mean that you should. The legal system in Orange County is demanding. A divorce involves complex financial and emotional decisions that affect your future for years. It requires a strategic approach to asset division and support.

I provide my clients with:

  • Tailored strategies to align my representation with your specific values and goals
  • Precise drafting to ensure your settlement is clear to prevent future court dates
  • Asset protection to help you categorize your property and secure your financial interests
  • Accessibility to remain highly responsive to your needs and questions

A divorce involves more than just filling out forms. I am selective in the cases I take so that I can provide a luxury-level experience at a competitive price. You deserve an advocate who focuses on your success and maintains high standards of service. My goal is to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your family.

Contact An Orange County Divorce Lawyer

At Song Family Law, APLC, I provide the steady guidance you need to avoid costly mistakes. My background as a published appellate attorney allows me to identify potential issues that others might miss.

To schedule an appointment, you can contact my offices in Orange or Mission Viejo by calling 714-706-3500. You can also reach out to me by sending a message through my website. I serve clients throughout Orange County and all inquiries are strictly confidential.