Experienced Bay Area Divorce Attorney & Certified Family Law Specialist

Do you need a divorce lawyer? Living through a high-conflict divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. Even when a divorce is uncontested, there is a great deal of uncertainty until the divorce process and papers are finalized. The emotional turmoil of a divorce can weigh heavily on you and your family.

As a dedicated divorce lawyer in Berkeley, my goal is to help you find closure and move forward. My name is Sunena Sabharwal, and with more than 30 years of experience, I advocate for my clients’ rights to ensure their voices are heard. I founded Sabharwal Law Offices in Berkeley to help guide clients throughout the East Bay area through what I know are challenging times.

Handling A Multitude Of Complex Divorce Cases

Every divorce is unique and can present a range of complex issues. I am committed to providing you with personalized legal support that is tailored to your specific needs.

When it comes to divorce, I am a divorce lawyer who helps clients with:

• Child custody issues: Guiding you through California custody laws, I will help you prioritize the best interests of your child.
• Parenting time and visitation: Often, through collaborative efforts and alternative dispute resolution methods, I can help you negotiate a parenting time schedule that works for your family.
• Child support: While California laws set forth child support guidelines, sometimes extenuating circumstances require negotiation efforts to calculate fair support payments.
• Spousal maintenance: When a couple has been married for a long time or a spouse has given up a career to be the primary caregiver, I can advocate for fair and equitable financial support.
• Property division: The division of property can be one of the most contentious and complex aspects of a divorce, especially when there are significant marital assets. With decades of experience, I have an established network of financial experts and advisers who can help evaluate family businesses and complex asset valuations.
• Domestic violence issues: Sometimes, a divorce includes instances or allegations of domestic violence and abuse. I can be your voice and advocate during these trying times.
• Modifications of existing court orders: It is not uncommon for life to bring transition and significant changes after a divorce. If you need to seek a modification of your divorce decree to accommodate significant changes, I can help.

As a divorce lawyer and certified family law specialist, I bring a deep understanding and commitment to my family law practice. This certification means I have met rigorous standards set by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. It also means that you can trust that I have the knowledge and skills to handle your case effectively.

Advocacy And Guidance For Your Divorce Proceeding

Getting divorced in California could follow several different paths. By understanding these options, you can better understand the divorce process in California.

• Uncontested divorce: In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all of the terms of their divorce, including child custody issues and the distribution of property.
• Mediated divorces: After a divorce has been filed with the family law court, divorcing couples often attempt to resolve their differences by working together with a neutral third-party mediator to reach a marital settlement agreement.
• Collaborative divorce: A collaborative divorce takes a cooperative approach and utilizes professionals and collaborative lawyers to work together to resolve their issues. However, if the parties in a collaborative divorce cannot resolve their differences, they will have to start over.
• Contested divorce: In a contested divorce, the parties cannot reach an agreement and their issues will be litigated in the family law court system.

An experienced divorce lawyer can help you assess your situation and advise you on the path that will be best for it.

What Property Are You Entitled To In Your California Divorce?

In a California divorce, the division of property can be a significant concern. California is a community property state, which means that any property acquired during the marriage is considered community property. Community property is typically divided equally.

Property acquired during the marriage usually includes assets like the family home, vehicles and joint bank accounts. Property and assets that were owned before the marriage or gifted to a spouse through inheritance or other gifts are not subject to division in a divorce. Courts have significant discretion when it comes to deciding complicated marital property disagreements.

An experienced property division attorney can provide credible advocacy based on their knowledge of California laws and longevity in the legal community to represent your rights and best interests.

Is It Possible To Separate From Your Spouse While Living In The Same House?

Yes, it is possible to separate from your spouse while living in the same house. This arrangement, known as “in-house separation,” can be beneficial for many different reasons. Financially, it can preserve valuable resources during a volatile time. It can also serve the well-being of your children.

However, if you are considering an in-house separation arrangement, it is important to establish clear boundaries and agreements regarding:

• Daily living arrangements
• Finances
• Parenting responsibilities

If divorcing spouses are able to work together and establish specific parameters, this approach can help maintain stability while you work through the legal aspects of your divorce.

Consult A Certified Family Law Specialist Today

If you are in Berkeley, California, or any of the surrounding communities in the East Bay area and need an experienced divorce lawyer, help is available. I offer free case evaluations and consultations.

You can schedule your free appointment by calling 510-665-8777 or contacting me through my website.