San Francisco Contested Divorce Lawyer

The person you’re divorcing isn’t the person you married, and there’s a good chance that they’re dragging their heels in the divorce. Our San Francisco, CA contested divorce lawyer supports your rights during the divorce, ensuring that you get your fair share of marital property and, if appropriate, fair spousal support. Attorney Bernie has been helping people in tough divorces successfully resolve all the points of contention and develop a divorce decree that provides them with the means to happily move forward with their lives. Don’t delay. Call our offices today for a consultation.

Contested Divorce Lawyer San Francisco, CA

Once you or your spouse files for divorce, several legal entanglements must be sorted out to end the union. Division of marital property and debts (California follows the equal division rule, in which each spouse should receive half), arranging a child custody schedule for shared children, addressing any alimony requests, and other key issues. It’s not unusual for the spouses to have two very different ideas of how these issues should be resolved. In these situations, even if both of you agree that you should divorce, the divorce itself is considered contested.

Our San Francisco contested divorce lawyer fights for your preferred settlement, including a child custody and support arrangement that fits your schedule, wants, and child’s best interests, your proper allotment of marital property, and any spousal support you may be entitled to. We get to know you and what is most important to you in the divorce settlement, such as full ownership of your business, primary child custody, or retaining the family home. Then, we develop a strategy to achieve it.

We advise you during mediation sessions, as you work toward a compromise with your spouse. If you are unable to come to an agreement, we will build a strong case for your position and present it to the court on your behalf. At each turn, we provide you with the advice you need to make important decisions that can impact your post-divorce life. We’re by your side at each step, and each move we make is designed to advance your interests.

Our Legal Experience Matters For The Results Of Your Divorce

A contested divorce can drag on, wasting your time and money. You need a firm negotiator on your side to help expedite the process, while making sure that your rights are protected. That’s us. Attorney Bernie is tough, won’t back down, and is determined to make sure that you get your wishes in the divorce decree.

• Recipient of the AVVO Client Choice Award and named as an AVVO Top Contributor
• Firm founder Bernie J. Kempen is a Family Law Specialist, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
• Our firm holds a perfect 0.0 rating on AVVO
• Attorney Bernie is a Past President of the Castro Valley Rotary and Director of the Castro Valley Arts Foundation

Are you planning to get divorced, but your spouse is not cooperating? Our San Francisco contested divorce lawyer can help. Call us today for a personalized consultation.

Types Of Contested Divorce Cases We Handle

When spouses cannot agree on key divorce issues, working with our San Francisco, CA contested divorce lawyer can make a meaningful difference in how the case moves forward. At Attorney Bernie, we represent clients in contested divorce matters where disputes require formal legal action, structured advocacy, and court involvement. We serve clients throughout Alameda County, Castro Valley, San Francisco, and Modesto who are in need of a divorce attorney. With our full range of family law services available, we’re able to provide support in a variety of ways. We’ve made it our goal to guide our clients through their divorce with compassion and care. Below are the primary types of contested divorce cases we handle and how our team supports clients through each stage.

Property Division

Disputes over marital property often arise when spouses disagree on how assets and debts should be divided. Our divorce litigation lawyers help clients present financial records, address valuation disagreements, and pursue outcomes that reflect fairness under California law.

Child Custody Disputes

Custody disagreements can place emotional strain on families and prolong divorce proceedings. We represent parents in cases involving parenting time, legal custody, and decision-making authority while keeping the child’s best interests central to every discussion.

Child Support Disagreements

Child support conflicts may involve disputes about income, expenses, or support duration. Our marital dispute attorneys assist clients by reviewing financial documentation and advocating for support arrangements that reflect accurate financial circumstances.

Spousal Support Issues

When spouses disagree about spousal support amounts or duration, litigation may be necessary. We help present evidence related to earning capacity, marital contributions, and financial needs to address support disputes fairly.

High-Asset Divorce Cases

High-asset divorces often involve disagreements over real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, or investments. We work with financial professionals and legal resources to address asset division concerns through formal legal channels.

Business Ownership

Divorce cases involving shared or individually owned businesses can lead to disagreements over valuation and future control. Our high-conflict divorce lawyers assist clients by addressing ownership interests and advocating for practical resolutions through court proceedings when necessary.

Allegations Of Misconduct

Some contested divorces involve allegations such as financial misconduct or violations of court orders. Our attorneys help clients present evidence, respond to claims, and protect their position during hearings and motions.

Divorce That Proceeds To Trial

When settlement efforts do not resolve disputes, divorce cases may proceed to trial. Our divorce trial lawyers prepare testimony, organize documentation, and represent clients in court to seek clear outcomes on unresolved issues.

Throughout every contested divorce case, our team approaches representation with care, preparation, and consistent communication. Working with our San Francisco contested divorce attorneys allows clients to move forward with clarity while addressing disagreements through structured legal processes. At Attorney Bernie, we understand that contested divorces involve deeply personal concerns, and we focus on providing steady guidance throughout each phase of the case. If you are facing unresolved divorce issues and need legal assistance, our firm is ready to help. Contact us today to speak with our San Francisco contested divorce lawyers about your situation. We are prepared to review your case, explain your options, and advocate for your interests as your contested divorce moves forward.

Common Examples Of Contested Divorce

Our San Francisco, CA contested divorce lawyer can help clients with some of the most challenging aspects of ending a marriage. At Attorney Bernie, we work closely with individuals to address disputes that cannot be resolved amicably, protecting their interests throughout the process. Contested divorces often involve disagreements that require legal advocacy, careful strategy, and sometimes courtroom intervention. Below are common examples where our clients turn to our divorce litigation attorneys for guidance.

Disputes Over Child Custody And Visitation

Child custody disagreements are among the most emotionally charged aspects of a contested divorce. When parents cannot agree on where a child should live or how visitation schedules are arranged, we can advocate for an arrangement that prioritizes the child’s well-being. Our team works with families to present evidence, attend mediation sessions, and, if necessary, represent them in court to resolve custody disputes fairly.

Property Division Conflicts

Dividing marital property can become a source of major contention, especially when significant assets, multiple properties, or complicated financial portfolios are involved. Our divorce dispute attorneys help clients identify all assets, evaluate their worth, and negotiate equitable distribution. When informal negotiations fail, we can present these matters effectively in front of a judge to secure a fair division.

Alimony Or Spousal Support Disagreements

Spousal support, sometimes referred to as alimony, is another frequent point of contention in contested divorces. One spouse may seek higher payments, while the other may argue that the request is unreasonable. Our family law trial lawyers help analyze financial situations, review prior agreements, and argue for an amount that reflects our client’s needs and entitlements.

Disputes Over Business Ownership

In marriages where one or both spouses own a business, valuation and division can be complicated. We can coordinate with financial professionals to assess the business’s value accurately. We then work to negotiate a fair settlement or present the matter in court if an agreement cannot be reached. Business-related disputes often require careful documentation, and our experience helps protect our clients’ financial futures.

Financial Or Debt Issues

Some contested divorces involve disputes over significant debts or financial obligations. Whether one spouse alleges hidden assets or questions the other’s financial reporting, our high-conflict divorce lawyers is essential. Our team investigates the details, collaborates with forensic accountants, and represents our clients’ interests during negotiations or trial.

Custody And Support Modifications

Even after initial agreements, circumstances can change, leading to disputes over child support or visitation modifications. Our San Francisco contested divorce attorneys can guide clients through the legal procedures needed to modify orders while protecting their parental and financial rights.

How We Help In Contested Divorce Cases

Contested divorces are often stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging. We can provide guidance, advocacy, and representation, whether disputes involve children, property, finances, or business interests. At Attorney Bernie, our team works closely with clients to clarify legal options, gather evidence, and present a strong case when negotiations fail. If you are facing a contested divorce, our San Francisco contested divorce lawyers can help you protect your interests. Our board-certified team knows how to handle these cases with care. That’s why we’ve been rated as AVVO’s Top Attorney. Our clients see how we handle challenging divorce cases and know that we truly care about them and their future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can assist you in resolving your divorce matters efficiently and fairly.

What To Do Immediately After A Contested Divorce

If you are working with our San Francisco, CA contested divorce lawyer, you already know how emotionally and legally draining a contested divorce can be. After the final judgment, it’s important to take specific steps to protect yourself, your finances, and your family’s well-being. At Attorney Bernie, we guide clients through these steps, helping them transition smoothly after high-conflict proceedings.

Review Your Divorce Decree Thoroughly

Once your divorce is finalized, carefully read through the decree. This document outlines custody arrangements, financial obligations, property division, and any spousal support. Consulting with our contested divorce attorneys can help clarify ambiguous sections and confirm that all agreements match what was decided in court.

Update Your Financial Accounts And Documents

After a contested divorce, updating financial records is essential. Close joint accounts, change beneficiaries on life insurance or retirement accounts, and make necessary adjustments to tax filings. Working with our divorce litigation lawyers can help make sure that all financial changes are properly documented to avoid future disputes.

Secure Your Personal Property And Home

If property division was part of the dispute, make sure you take possession of your allocated assets as outlined in the decree. This may include vehicles, real estate, or personal belongings. Our high-conflict divorce lawyers can advise on handling situations where the other party refuses to comply with property agreements.

Implement Custody And Parenting Arrangements

For families with children, following the court-ordered custody plan is vital. Keep detailed records of visitation schedules, communication, and any concerns about the child’s well-being. Our divorce dispute attorneys can help address issues that arise if the other parent is not adhering to the agreement.

Update Legal And Personal Records

Post-divorce, it’s wise to update important legal documents, including your will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. Changing your name on identification, voter registration, and other official documents may also be necessary. Consulting our family court divorce lawyers makes sure these updates are handled correctly and consistently with court orders.

Seek Emotional And Mental Health Support

Contested divorces often take a significant emotional toll. Therapy or support groups can help manage stress and provide guidance for moving forward. Our team understands the pressures of a high-conflict divorce and can connect clients with resources to support mental and emotional recovery.

Plan For Future Legal Or Financial Needs

Even after the divorce is finalized, there may be ongoing legal or financial considerations, such as modifications to support or custody agreements. Staying proactive with our San Francisco contested divorce attorneys allows you to handle future disputes efficiently and maintain compliance with the court.

We’re Here To Help Before, During, And After A Divorce

Keeping in touch with your lawyer after the divorce is important, especially if enforcement or additional legal actions are necessary. Our experienced team at Attorney Bernie is available to guide you, address disputes, and make sure that your post-divorce transition is smooth. We offer a full range of family law services, so don’t wait to reach out. Contact us today so our San Francisco contested divorce lawyers can help you take the right next steps and protect your interests. We respond to inquiries within 24 hours, so you can get the help you need when you need it. Let us help you move forward after a divorce.