San Francisco Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is hard, even when both spouses agree that it’s time to split. Protect yourself with savvy advice and fierce advocacy from Attorney Bernie. As your San Francisco, CA divorce lawyer, we advocate for your interests in the divorce, ensuring that you’re fairly treated, receive a proper share of marital property, and fight for a divorce settlement that gives you the means to build a bright future after the divorce is final. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Divorce Lawyer San Francisco, CA

California is a community property state, so each spouse typically receives half the marital assets. Divorce can quickly become complicated when asset ownership is disputed. One spouse may insist that funds in a bank account, a vehicle, or real estate are separate property, leaving you struggling to prove your right to a share. Or, your divorce may be contentious because both parties seek primary custody of the children. If you and your spouse cannot agree on divorce terms, it’s time to call our San Francisco divorce lawyer.

We approach your divorce with personalized attention and a commitment to your best interests. Our legal team often consults with forensic accountants to determine the full extent of marital property and to determine what is and is not divisible in the divorce. We want to make sure that you have the means to build a bright future after the split.

And we know that you want to spend as much time with your children as possible. California courts typically favor shared custody to give the child enough time with each parent to build a strong relationship. However, custody decisions are made in the child’s best interest, and sometimes, split custody may not be the answer. We can prepare a compelling argument in favor of your preferred custody arrangement and present it to the judge on your behalf.

When divorces get emotional and contentious, you need a solid legal ally in your corner, someone who knows how to fight to win, and who is a fierce negotiator. We advise you on mediation, whether you’re ordered to go through it or choose to do so to settle the divorce without a trial. If your spouse will not compromise, though, we’re fully ready to present strong arguments for your preferred divorce settlement to a judge. Trust our team to protect you and fight for you at each step.

Our Experience Matters When You’re Going Through A Divorce

Divorce settlements often come down to negotiations, and you’ll find no better negotiators than Attorney Bernie and his team. We fight for what you want most in the settlement and can represent you in negotiations and advise you in mediation to achieve it.

• Firm founder Bernie J. Kempen is a Family Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
• Our firm maintains a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO
• Bernie is the recipient of the AVVO Client Choice Award and recognized as an AVVO Top Contributor
• Attorney Bernie previously served as President of the Castro Valley Rotary and Director of the Castro Valley Arts Foundation

When your head is spinning after filing for divorce or getting served with papers, contact our San Francisco divorce lawyer today for a consultation.

Types Of Divorces We Handle

Divorce cases vary widely depending on the issues involved and the relationship between the spouses. Some couples agree on most terms, while others need the court to resolve major disagreements about property, finances, or parenting. Fortunately, your San Francisco, CA divorce lawyer can help you through your next steps. At Attorney Bernie, we provide a wide range of divorce and separation services. Read on to see the types of divorces we handle, and contact us today to get started.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses generally agree on the main terms of the separation. This often includes property division, support, and parenting arrangements, which allows the case to move through the court process more quickly.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree about one or more major issues. These cases may involve court hearings where a judge decides matters such as property division, custody, or financial support. You’ll need a divorce counselor to smooth out the process.

Divorce Involving Children

When a couple shares children, the divorce must address custody, parenting time, and financial support. These cases often focus on building a parenting plan that outlines how both parents will remain involved in the children’s lives.

Divorce Involving Property Division

Many divorces require the division of marital property such as bank accounts, vehicles, and household items. The court may review what assets belong to the marriage and determine how those items should be divided.

Divorce Involving Significant Assets

Some marriages include businesses, multiple properties, or large investment accounts. These divorces may require a detailed review of financial records before any property is divided, so make sure you have your San Francisco divorce lawyer on hand.

Divorce Involving Spousal Support

In certain cases, one spouse may request financial support after the marriage ends. These cases involve reviewing income levels, employment history, and financial needs when determining whether support should be awarded.

Divorce Involving Business Ownership

When one or both spouses own a business, divorce may affect ownership interests and income. These cases often involve reviewing financial statements and determining how the business will be handled after the marriage ends.

Divorce Involving Retirement Accounts

As your separation attorney can explain, retirement savings can represent a large portion of a couple’s assets. These cases may involve dividing pensions, 401(k) accounts, or other retirement plans according to court procedures.

Divorce Involving Significant Debt

Some couples enter divorce with large shared debts such as mortgages, credit cards, or personal loans. These cases address how responsibility for those financial obligations will be divided.

Divorce Involving Relocation Issues

In certain situations, one parent may want to move to a different city or state after the divorce. These cases often require the court to review how a move could affect custody and parenting time, so make sure you contact your relationship attorney before getting started.

Get In Touch With Us Today

Every divorce is different, and the right approach depends on the details of each situation. If you are considering divorce or have already started the process, we are ready to discuss your case and explain the legal options available. Contact Attorney Bernie today, and see what a San Francisco divorce lawyer from our team can do for you.