Channe G Coles
Santa Barbara Divorce Attorney
When couples face difficulties in their relationships and make the tough decision to end their marriage, they often seek the expertise of a divorce attorney.
As an accomplished Family Law Lawyer, Channe G Coles is a Santa Barbara Divorce Attorney and is skilled in representing both husbands and wives in divorce and separation cases throughout the Santa Barbara region, including legal separation, alimony, child custody, property division, and other family law matters.
She offers invaluable guidance and representation to those navigating the emotional and complex process of divorce and believes in providing comprehensive support to clients, not only in terms of legal advice and assistance but also through the emotional support they need during these challenging times.
With her extensive knowledge of Santa Barbara divorce law and a wealth of experience handling family law cases, she is dedicated to helping her clients understand their rights, explore available options, and work towards achieving a fair and amicable resolution.
Your well-being and the best possible outcome for your future are our top priorities. Contact our office today for a legal consultation with our divorce lawyer in Santa Barbara.
Advantages of Hiring a Santa Barbara Divorce Attorney
Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional process. During these difficult times, having the support and guidance of a knowledgeable divorce attorney in Santa Barbara can make a world of difference. With our expertise in family law matters our Santa Barbara divorce attorney Channe G Coles will provide you with invaluable legal advice and assistance, helping you navigate the intricacies of the divorce process.
One of the key advantages of hiring an established divorce attorney is our in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations specific to Santa Barbara. We can help you comprehend your legal rights and options, ensuring that you make informed decisions throughout the proceedings. Whether it’s a division of property, child custody arrangements, or spousal support payments, as a Santa Barbara divorce lawyer with comprehensive litigation success, Channe can skillfully handle these complex family law matters on your behalf.
An excellent divorce attorney in Santa Barbara serves as a reliable advocate, protecting your rights and best interests. We work diligently to negotiate fair outcomes and, if necessary, represent you in court proceedings. Our experience and knowledge of the local legal system can significantly enhance your chances of achieving a favorable settlement.
When seeking a reliable divorce attorney, Santa Barbara clients are advised to ensure expert representation. By hiring the Law Office of Channe G Coles as your divorce attorney, you gain access to our extensive experience and network of resources, making the divorce process more streamlined and efficient. We take care of the paperwork, handle communications with your spouse’s attorney, and provide ongoing support and guidance, allowing you to focus on building a new future for yourself.
We are here to guide you through the divorce process with empathy and professionalism. Don’t face this challenging time alone – with the help of our compassionate and skilled divorce lawyer in Santa Barbara, we will advocate for your needs and protect your interests. We operate throughout California and, where Federal law is involved, throughout the United States. Note that contacting us via email, telephone or fax does not constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship.
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Contact Our Divorce Attorney Santa Barbara Office
Call today for a consultation with our experienced Santa Barbara Divorce Lawyer.
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Different ‘types’ of Divorce
There are various types of approaches to divorce that individuals can consider based on their specific circumstances and goals. Here are some commonly recognized types of divorce:
What is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce is where spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, like child custody, property division, or spousal support. The case typically goes to court, and a judge makes the final decisions.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
In contrast, an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses can agree on all aspects of the divorce, including division of assets, child custody and support, and alimony. Uncontested divorces generally involve less time, expense, and conflict.
What is a No-Fault Divorce?
Many jurisdictions, including Santa Barbara, now offer no-fault divorce, where neither spouse is required to prove fault or wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. It typically involves citing irreconcilable differences or the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the grounds for divorce.
What is a Fault-Based Divorce?
In a fault-based divorce, one spouse alleges that the other spouse is at fault for the failure of the marriage. Common grounds for fault-based divorce may include adultery, abuse, abandonment, or substance abuse. Santa Barbara, under California law, does not allow fault-based divorces.
What is a Mediated Divorce?
Mediation involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who helps the couple negotiate and reach agreements on divorce-related matters. The mediator assists in facilitating communication and resolving disputes, but they do not make binding decisions.
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
In a collaborative divorce, each spouse retains their own attorney, and both parties and their lawyers commit to resolving the divorce outside of court. They work together in a series of meetings to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Filing for Divorce in Santa Barbara: A Step-by-Step Guide
In Santa Barbara, California, filing for divorce involves several steps and requirements. If you are thinking about divorce, it is imperative to understand the process and have the support of an experienced Santa Barbara divorce attorney:
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Residency Requirement: To file for divorce in Santa Barbara, at least one spouse must have lived in California for a minimum of six months, and in Santa Barbara County for three months.
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Petition Submission: The first step in divorce is for the spouse filing for divorce (petitioner) to submit a Petition (FL-100) to the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and includes any requests for child custody, spousal support, and property division.
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Serving the Respondent: Once the petition is filed, the petitioner must serve the other spouse (respondent) with the necessary divorce paperwork. This can be done by a process server or through certified mail.
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The 30-Day Response Period: After being served, the respondent has 30 days to respond to the divorce petition. Failure to respond within this timeframe may lead to a default judgment.
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Reaching a Settlement: If the spouses can reach an agreement on issues such as child custody, support, and property division, they can avoid going to court. An experienced Santa Barbara divorce lawyer can assist in negotiating a fair settlement.
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Unresolved Issues: If there are any unresolved issues, the parties may choose mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods to reach a compromise. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
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Finalization: Once all issues are resolved, the divorce case can be finalized. This involves the court reviewing and approving the settlement agreement, and after this, a judgment of divorce is issued.
Navigating the divorce process can be complex and emotionally challenging. When seeking a divorce attorney Santa Barbara clients are advised to ensure they have the guidance of a skilled Santa Barbara divorce attorney to protect your rights and help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Grounds for Divorce In Santa Barbara
When going through a divorce in Santa Barbara County, it is important to understand the grounds upon which you can file for divorce. A qualified Santa Barbara divorce lawyer will provide the most comprehensive advice, but essentially the divorce process in California is governed by two legal grounds:
Irreconcilable Differences
This refers to significant marital difficulties that have caused an irremediable breakdown of the marriage. It serves as the basis for divorce cases, regardless of whether they are contested or uncontested. California follows a “no-fault divorce” approach, which means the court does not consider the specific reasons behind the divorce when granting the divorce order.
Permanent Legal Incapacity to Make Decisions
This applies when one spouse is permanently unable to make decisions due to factors such as illness, psychological disorder, or a traumatic injury. The court determines permanent incapacity based on medical testimony.
In Santa Barbara, the focus of divorce proceedings is not on fault-based factors like adultery, abuse, or neglect. Instead, the court emphasizes important matters like property division and child custody. Fault is not considered in determining alimony or property division, as California state follows a financial-based approach.
What constitutes irreconcilable differences?
“Irreconcilable differences” is a broad term encompassing various circumstances that a judge deems as ending the marriage, ranging from disagreements to adultery or abuse. It serves as the catch-all grounds for divorce in California.
What constitutes “permanent legal incapacity to make decisions”?
Regarding “permanent legal incapacity to make decisions,” it may seem harsh to leave a gravely ill spouse, but California law ensures that the financial obligations towards the incapacitated spouse are not disregarded. Alimony calculations are based on the earning capacity of the spouses, and the ex-spouse would financially support an incapacitated spouse. Get advice from our Santa Barbara divorce lawyer today.
Alternatives to Divorce in Santa Barbara
Legal Separation
Legal separation and divorce are two legal processes that clients may consider when their marriage is facing difficult times. While both options involve separation from your spouse, there are key differences between the two.
Legal separation allows couples to live apart while remaining legally married. It provides a framework for spouses to address legal issues such as property division, child custody, and support. One of the main differences is that legal separation does not dissolve the marriage, meaning that spouses cannot remarry unless they convert the legal separation into a divorce.
In contrast, divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. It allows spouses to remarry and terminates all legal ties, including the right to inherit property from one another. Divorce requires the resolution of the same legal issues as legal separation, such as property division and child custody.
It is important to note that legal separation can be a required step in the divorce process. Although Santa Barbara does not require a legal or physical separation before divorce, it does require a six-month waiting period. This period allows spouses to evaluate their options and provide an opportunity for potential reconciliation.
Annulment
Aside from divorce, California law also recognizes annulment, which declares that a marriage never occurred. Grounds for annulment include incest, polygamy, marriages involving force or coercion, marriages with a spouse below the age of consent, marriages where one party lacked sound mind at the time, or marriages obtained through fraud.
When seeking a divorce attorney Santa Barbara clients are advised to consider these factors and how to approach the discussion of reasons for divorce carefully.
Our Santa Barbara Family Law Services
Divorce and Legal Separation
Divorce and Legal Separation are common matters in family law, but that doesn’t mean every case is the same. Channe will focus on the aspects unique to your position and your needs as she guides you through the complexities of your case.
Child Custody, Visitation, and Parentage
Channe Coles knows there’s nothing more important to you than the health and safety of your child. Channe will help you determine parentage and develop a parenting timeshare schedule that puts your child’s interests first.
Spousal Support
Alimony, now referred to as spousal support, is a common area of concern during a divorce. Channe Coles has extensive experience in obtaining spousal support orders, modifying orders, and even terminating support orders when appropriate.
Child Support
Child support is a growing area of concern for all parents as the cost of living rises. Child support matters can be surprisingly complex, especially for those who are self-employed. Don’t make the mistake of being unrepresented.
Attorney’s Fees
(You Have Options)
If you need legal representation but are worried you can’t afford it, you have options. We offer affordable rates, and can evaluate if you might qualify to ask the court for a need-based attorney’s fees order.
Domestic Violence
Whether you’re a victim of domestic violence, accused of domestic violence, or you want to protect your child from abuse, Channe Coles has extensive and vast experience to work through a multitude of domestic violence scenarios.
Property Division
Generally, assets and debts obtained during the marriage belong equally to the spouses. Dividing the community estate can be very complex, but Channe is well-versed in handling complex property division matters. Don’t risk losing your equal share.
Collaborative Divorce
If you and your spouse have agreed to separate and have already agreed on the division of property, support, and child custody and visitation, or are close to reaching a global settlement, then the divorce or separation process is simple with the Law Office of Channe G. Coles.
Premarital Agreements
Premarital agreements are increasingly important as more focus is put on investments. Premarital agreements may also be used as a guide for financial management during your marriage. Protect your marriage, investments, and yourself by ensuring financial security in the event of a divorce.
