Divorce Lawyer San Diego

Divorce is one of the most significant life transitions a person can face. It’s not just the end of a marriage—it’s the start of a new chapter that affects your home, finances, children, and emotional well-being. If you’re going through a separation in San Diego, having the right divorce lawyer can make all the difference. At Enright Family Law, we guide clients through every stage of divorce with clarity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the modern family.

Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, whether you have children or complex financial matters, our goal is to protect your rights while helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind. With offices in San Diego and Bellevue, we are happy to help you with your family law case.

Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer in San Diego

California divorce law is complex. While some divorces can be resolved cooperatively, even the most straightforward cases involve legal paperwork, property rights, and deadlines. Having a skilled San Diego divorce attorney ensures that your interests are protected—and that costly mistakes are avoided.

A divorce lawyer can help with:

• Filing all legal documents correctly and on time
• Negotiating fair agreements on custody, property, and support
• Representing you in mediation or court
• Navigating emotionally charged issues with professionalism
• Ensuring your parenting rights are respected
• Creating long-term solutions that reflect your goals

At Enright Family Law, we offer both strategic legal advocacy and emotional intelligence, so you feel supported—not just represented.

California Divorce Basics

In California, divorce is formally referred to as a dissolution of marriage. The state follows no-fault divorce laws, which means you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage. The most common reason cited is “irreconcilable differences.”

Residency Requirement:

• At least one spouse must have lived in California for 6 months
• You must reside in San Diego County for 3 months before filing locally

Once you file for divorce, California imposes a mandatory 6-month waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.

Types of Divorce in San Diego

1. Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all key issues:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child and spousal support
• Division of property and debts

This type of divorce is faster, more affordable, and less emotionally taxing. It still benefits from legal guidance to ensure your agreement is enforceable and fair.

2. Contested Divorce

If you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues, your case becomes contested. This may involve court hearings, discovery, expert testimony, and ultimately a trial.

Contested divorces are more complex, and having an experienced divorce lawyer is crucial for:

• Presenting evidence
• Negotiating settlements
• Protecting your parenting rights
• Ensuring an equitable division of assets

At Enright Family Law, we work toward peaceful resolutions—but we’re fully prepared to advocate aggressively when needed.

Key Divorce Issues We Handle

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

If children are involved, the court requires a detailed parenting plan that addresses:

• Physical custody (where the child lives)
• Legal custody (who makes major decisions)
• Visitation schedules
• Holiday and vacation arrangements

Courts base these decisions on the best interest of the child, not on who files first or who has higher income. We help create child-centered parenting solutions that promote stability and healthy relationships.

Child Support

California calculates child support using a state formula that considers:

• Each parent’s income
• Custody time split
• Health care and child care expenses

We’ll ensure all financial details are accurately presented so that your child receives the appropriate support—and your rights are protected.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support may be temporary (during the divorce process) or long-term, depending on the length of the marriage and financial circumstances. Courts evaluate:

• Duration of the marriage
• Each spouse’s earning capacity
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Age and health of both spouses

We help negotiate fair spousal support or present your case to the court when needed.

Property and Debt Division

California is a community property state, meaning most property and debts acquired during the marriage must be divided equally. However, some assets may be considered separate property (e.g., gifts, inheritances, or property owned before the marriage).

We handle complex property cases involving:

• Real estate
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Business ownership or professional practices
• Stock options and investment portfolios
• Debts and credit obligations

Our job is to ensure transparency, fairness, and protection of your financial future.

Modern Families Require Modern Solutions

At Enright Family Law, we’re proud to serve modern families of all shapes and sizes. That includes:

• LGBTQ+ couples navigating separation or parenting
• Blended families managing step-parent relationships
• Parents who were never married but share custody
• Professionals with high-net-worth estates
• Couples using alternative family-building methods like surrogacy or adoption

We believe family law should reflect the realities of today’s relationships, not just outdated models. Our approach is progressive, inclusive, and deeply personalized.

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Settlement

Divorce doesn’t always have to mean a court battle. We often help clients resolve issues through:

• Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator facilitates negotiation between you and your spouse
• Collaborative Divorce: Both parties work with attorneys committed to settling outside of court
• Settlement Conferences: Formal meetings to resolve disputed matters before trial

These methods can save time, reduce stress, and preserve relationships—especially when co-parenting will continue.

Why Choose Enright Family Law?

We offer a rare combination of legal skill, emotional intelligence, and modern family insight. Our San Diego-based firm is known for:

• Clear communication and transparency
• Personal attention to every case
• Proven courtroom and negotiation experience
• LGBTQ+-affirming and inclusive legal practices
• Flexible options for consultations, including virtual meetings

We understand that divorce is not just a legal problem—it’s a personal journey. That’s why we walk beside you every step of the way.

How We Can Help

At Enright Family Law, we provide comprehensive legal support for individuals and families navigating divorce in San Diego. Whether your case is uncontested, high-conflict, or somewhere in between, we help you:

• Understand your rights and obligations
• Protect your children and your assets
• Develop a strategy that aligns with your goals
• Resolve disputes efficiently—or fight for what matters most
• Rebuild your life with clarity, security, and dignity

Contact Enright Family Law today to schedule a consultation and get the legal guidance you deserve. Your next chapter starts with the right partner—and we’re here to help you turn the page.