Divorce is more than the end of a marriage. It is a legal process that determines how your future will be shaped regarding finances, property, and family relationships. In San Diego, divorce follows California’s statewide rules, but local court procedures and practices can influence how your case unfolds.
At Andrew J. Botros, APC, we can guide you through this process with clarity and strategy. With four Board Certified Family Law Specialists on board and a team backed by 90+ years of combined experience, we help clients navigate divorce from start to finish.
Learn more about the divorce process and how it impacts your case in a confidential consultation with one of our San Diego attorneys at Andrew J. Botros, APC. Call (858) 422-1377 or contact us online. We offer phone, office, and convenient virtual appointments.
Filing the Divorce Petition
The divorce process begins when one spouse (the “petitioner”) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the San Diego Superior Court. This petition sets the legal process in motion and outlines requests regarding property division, spousal support, and, where applicable, custody and support of children.
How we help: Our attorneys see that your petition is prepared correctly, filed in the proper jurisdiction, and tailored to reflect your immediate and long-term priorities.
Service of Process
The petitioner must legally serve the divorce papers on the other spouse (the “respondent”). Service makes both parties aware of the proceedings and allows them to participate.
How we help: We coordinate service to comply with California law and avoid unnecessary delays. If your spouse is uncooperative, we advise on alternative service methods recognized by the court.
Response & Preliminary Disclosures
Once served, the respondent has 30 days to file a Response. Both parties must exchange preliminary Declarations of Disclosure, detailed financial statements listing income, expenses, assets, and debts.
How we help: Our firm assists you in preparing accurate and comprehensive financial disclosures, protecting you from claims of hidden assets or incomplete reporting. In high-asset cases, we often work with financial experts to identify and correctly value all property and income.
Temporary Orders
Because divorce can take several months, either spouse may request temporary court orders to address issues like spousal support, bill payment, or family home use during the proceedings.
How we help: We advocate for fair and reasonable temporary orders to give you financial stability and security throughout the divorce process.
Discovery & Negotiation
The discovery process allows each spouse to gather additional financial or personal information, which may include document requests, depositions, or expert evaluations. During this stage, attorneys also begin settlement negotiations.
How we help: We use discovery to uncover key details in complex cases, such as business valuations, investment portfolios, or concealed assets. Our reputation for strategic advocacy often strengthens our clients’ positions at the negotiating table.
Settlement & Mediation
If settlement is impossible, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes final decisions on unresolved issues. Divorce trials can involve witness testimony, financial experts, and extensive evidence. Mediation can be ordered or requested before or during this step.
How we help: With decades of combined courtroom experience and specialized certifications, our attorneys are equipped to handle high-stakes trials. We build persuasive cases, cross-examine witnesses, and fight to protect your rights and best interests in court.
Final Judgment
The divorce concludes with a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which finalizes all terms. In California, the minimum time for a divorce to be finalized is six months from the date of service, though complex cases often take longer.
How we help: Our responsibility is to see that final judgments are appropriately drafted and enforceable, minimizing the risk of future disputes or complications.
Beyond Divorce: Appeals & Modifications
In some cases, a party may wish to challenge the outcome through an appeal or seek a modification of orders due to a significant change in circumstances.
How we help: Founding Attorney Botros is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Civil Appellate Law Specialist. Our firm is uniquely qualified to handle appeals, making us one of the few San Diego firms with this dual capability.
At Andrew J. Botros, APC, we know that divorce is not only a legal matter but a profoundly personal journey.
We provide:
Expertise from Board-Certified Specialists. Fewer than one percent of California attorneys are Board Certified in Family Law, and we have four of them on our team.
Practical and strategic guidance. We balance legal precision with real-world solutions, protecting your best interests.
Compassion and accessibility. We respond promptly, keep you informed, and recognize the emotional weight of every decision.
Tenacious advocacy in any forum. We pursue meaningful results through negotiation, mediation, trial, or appeal, drawing on decades of knowledge, skills, and resources.
We approach every case with a thoughtful strategy designed to achieve the best possible result. Our blend of experience and insight ensures we stay steps ahead.
Smart Strategies
We combine book smarts and street smarts to create effective legal strategies. This balance allows us to handle both straightforward and complex cases with precision and practicality.
Trusted Authority
Our team is recognized as leaders in the field. Our team leader, Andrew J. Botros, is a fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Certified Expertise
A majority of our attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists, an achievement held by only a small percentage of lawyers in California. This certification reflects advanced knowledge, skill, and experience in handling family law matters.
Stories From Families We’ve Helped
Professional & Personal Counsel
“I appreciate all you have done to facilitate this divorce, with both your professional and personal counsel.”
- C.W.
Very Professional
“Thank you and your paralegal for the legal services you provided for me. Your legal advice as well as services rendered by your team was very professional and timely.”
- C.K.
WOO HOO!
“First of all, can I just say WOO HOO! I really appreciate you keeping me updated. Thank you so much for everything and for all of your hard work. Most certainly you made my afternoon!”
Divorce can be emotionally charged and legally overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. With our certified specialists, proven trial lawyers, and trusted advisors, you can have confidence and peace of mind during this transition.
Call (858) 422-1377 or submit our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with a San Diego attorney today.
