What Is the Hardest Part of the Divorce Process?

Divorce is never easy. Whether you and your former spouse agree on everything or are headed to court, there are always difficult issues that need to be addressed. When approaching divorce, you may wonder, “What is the hardest part of the divorce process?”

Our Background

The legal team at Paula D. Kleinman, A Professional Law Corporation, knows that divorce can have many complications. Our founding attorney, Paula D. Kleinman, has spent decades assisting the people of San Diego County with their divorce cases. Paula takes a close, hands-on approach to helping our clients with their divorce. Whether the issues in your divorce are minor differences of opinion or large, passionate points, we can help.

Common Challenges in a Divorce

In 2023, the divorce rate was 5.88 per 1,000 women in California, so many people have faced the difficult aspects of a divorce. Divorce is personal, making the challenges involved vary on a case-by-case basis. There is no universal hardest part of divorce. One separation may have difficulty with custody, whereas another escalates to litigation over property division. The following are a few key points that can be the most challenging parts of a divorce:

• Emotional impact. The emotional effect cannot be understated when discussing challenging aspects of divorce. Regret over the past, confusion in the present, and uncertainty of the future can all be major concerns for people separating from a partner.
• Child custody and co-parenting. The effect on children can often be the hardest part for parents getting a divorce. Not only can the custody of the children enter into heated negotiation, but the worry over the impact on the children is typically present.
• Communication. A common frustration amongst divorcees is a lack of communication, with many couples reporting difficulty communicating during separation. With tensions high, it can be easy for one party to see the other as an enemy, leading to a breakdown in discussion.
• Financial concerns. During marriage, spouses can financially support each other and enjoy a joint income. One spouse may have chosen to be a stay-at-home parent and may not have the ability to maintain the same quality of life after divorce. For some, the hardest part of divorce is sudden financial concerns. There were over 75,000 child support filings in the state in 2023, also a potential contentious financial issue during divorce.
• Property division. In some divorces, the largest problem is how shared assets are divided. California is a community property law state, meaning all jointly owned property must be evenly divided. This can affect key aspects of life, such as housing or cars, which can make life feel unstable.
• Moving forward. For some divorcees, the hardest part of divorce is figuring out what comes next. After spending years or decades with someone, the legal and financial aspects may not be as much of a concern as rediscovering how to live without their spouse.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer – Paula D. Kleinman, A Professional Law Corporation

Divorce often is challenging, especially so when an individual doesn’t seek support and attempts to go through it alone. It is wise to hire a divorce lawyer who can help you through every step of the process, from initial filing to final signature. Your Carlsbad divorce attorney can handle the crucial details, allowing you the needed time to process and plan for a future beyond divorce.

One key role a divorce lawyer can play in divorce proceedings is as a mediator. Mediation provides a neutral third party that can help negotiate contentious issues such as property division, spousal support, and child custody, as well as encourage clear and calm communication. As a mediator, your attorney can keep most of the discussions out of the courtroom.

If your case does proceed to court, your divorce attorney can advocate for you at the North County Superior Court in Vista or elsewhere. Having a compassionate and effective legal representative next to you can make the difficult steps in a divorce much smoother and less stressful.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does a Divorce Take in San Diego County?

A: The timeline of a divorce in San Diego County can vary depending on the different factors involved. Some divorces can take months, while others take years. Whether litigation is required, whether you have children, and whether you have a lot of shared assets to divide can all affect the length of time it takes to finalize your divorce. Speak with your divorce lawyer to receive an estimation for how long your divorce case may take.

Q: What Are the Three C’s of Divorce in California?

A: The three C’s of divorce differ depending on who you ask, due to it being a casual, loose term. In general, the three C’s are communication, compromise, and cooperation. Communicating clearly with your spouse, compromising when possible, and cooperating with them can all be integral for a smooth divorce proceeding. In essence, the three C’s are about remaining calm and cooperative with your ex so you can find a resolution that works for all parties involved.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in San Diego County?

A: How much your divorce lawyer costs relies on the specific details of your case. Factors such as the amount of assets that need division, the complexity of the case, and the work hours required can all affect cost. A contested divorce will generally cost more than an uncontested case, and a divorce with many high-value assets may be more expensive than one without. Speak with your divorce attorney to get an estimate for the price of your legal representation.

Speak With an Experienced & Committed Divorce Attorney Today

Paula D. Kleinman, A Professional Law Corporation, is prepared to aid in any potential divorce case issues, no matter how complicated. Paula is dedicated to obtaining optimal results for her clients and has the knowledge and experience required to be successful in resolving complex issues between divorcing couples. She will be personally involved in every aspect of your divorce, guiding you with efficient advocacy.

Contact us today for an initial consultation so we can learn your story and start providing potential solutions. You may also visit our Vista office, located at 380 South Melrose Drive in Vista.