Divorce Attorney Redlands, CA
Most clients who are in the middle of divorce proceedings are more concerned about child custody issues than any other matter. Here at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, one of our biggest concerns is assisting our clients with issues related to child custody and visitation.
We understand that dissolving a marriage can be one of the most stressful things an individual will ever experience. At Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, our Redlands divorce lawyers are highly experienced in California family law and can provide professional assistance for you.
You’ll find our attorneys to be compassionate about your situation while also giving you the guidance you need to make the tough decisions that are ahead.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP consists of the work of five experienced lawyers and each attorney at our firm has had long successful careers in the practice of law. We are located at 1447 Ford St #201, Redlands, CA 92374 (Open in Google Maps).
To schedule a consultation regarding your divorce, call us today at 909-798-3300 or fill out a contact form and we will call you.
Google Review:
“Milligan Beswick Levine & Knox is an exceptional firm, with great attorneys. I was originally referred to Mr. Milligan by a close friend and was remarkably impressed with the way their office managed my case. Professional, attentive, and most importantly – successful. I have also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Levine and Mr. Knox in a variety of matters. Their legal superiority is second to none in the area. Since working with them, I have referred a number of people to their office. Each person I have referred has personally thanked me for the referral (which is always nice to hear).“
Review by Jared S.
Since divorce is emotionally draining, many of our clients have discovered they are unable to deal with the legal aspects of marriage dissolution. At a time like this, it’s crucial to remain level-headed in order to make sound decisions, as the choices you make now can affect you and your children for some time to come.
That’s why it’s so important to have a Redlands divorce lawyer from Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox on your side – to help explain how the law operates and what your rights are so you can make prudent decisions.
What Legal Issues Are Addressed During Divorce?
California law requires judges to address certain legal issues before they can render a dissolution of marriage. For couples without children, these issues are: jurisdiction and grounds, property division, and spousal support. When minor children are involved, a judge must also consider child custody, visitation, and support.
There may be underlying sub-issues in each one of these categories that will be decided based upon the totality of the circumstances. In making these determinations, judges use California law and case law to render a decision.
Jurisdiction and Grounds
- Meeting the Residency Requirement: According to California law, at least one of the parties shall have lived in the state for six months and in the particular county where the petition is filed for a minimum of three months.
- Grounds: California is a no-fault divorce state, which means the only criteria required is that the parties have irreconcilable differences or that one of them is insane and cannot be cured.
Divorce Strategies in California
In a California divorce, the path to a fair and sustainable outcome is often paved by thoughtful legal strategy. Early and full financial disclosure is critical in this community property state – supplying documentation of all assets, debts, and income avoids surprises and strengthens your position.
Wherever possible, negotiating a settlement through mediation or collaboration offers greater control than relying on a judge’s decision and can reduce both cost and emotional strain. If children are involved, demonstrating stability, active parenting, and a cooperative spirit supports favorable custody and visitation outcomes under the “best-interests of the child” standard. Spousal support must be addressed too, and building a clear picture of your earning capacity, education, age and standard of living helps shape both amount and duration.
Protecting separate property (those assets owned before marriage, received as gift or inheritance) requires careful tracing and avoiding commingling. Throughout the process, maintaining a level-headed, documented approach – not reacting emotionally – can significantly affect outcomes. Lastly, securing temporary orders early (for support, custody, residence) sets the tone for final resolution. With the right professionals, especially a skilled attorney from Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox when needed, a forensic accountant or child-custody evaluator, you can navigate the complexities of dissolution with more confidence and greater peace of mind.
To schedule a consultation regarding your divorce, call us today at 909-798-3300 or fill out a contact form and we will call you.
Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships & LGBTQ Divorce Under California Law
Same-sex couples that register a domestic partnership or get married have the same rights as heterosexual couples. These include the right to use employee sick leave to care for a sick partner, the right to hospital visitation, the right to make medical decisions for a partner and the right to petition for a stepparent adoption for a partner’s child.
But, with these rights come complex legal issues – especially when a domestic partnership or marriage ends. When a LGBTQ or heterosexual domestic partnership dissolves, both parties may find that they have financial responsibility for each other’s debts. You may find that you have to split assets acquired during the partnership.
You may need to negotiate child support or financial support for or from your former partner. These matters require the help of an experienced lawyer to be resolved as effectively as possible. At Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP, our San Bernardino County LGBTQ divorce attorneys have this experience and are dedicated to protecting the rights of same-sex couples.
Considerations in Divorce
Divorce in California involves several important legal considerations, including spousal support, property division, child custody, and child support. Spousal support is determined based on factors such as each spouse’s age, education, earning capacity, and ability to become self-supporting, as well as any history of domestic violence or cohabitation.
Property division follows California’s community property laws, which generally require an equal division of assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while property owned before marriage remains separate. Child custody and visitation decisions are made according to the best interests of the child, with a presumption favoring joint legal custody unless domestic violence or other serious concerns are present.
Child support is calculated using state-mandated guidelines that consider income, cost of living, and available resources. Because these issues are often emotionally charged and legally complex, having an experienced family law attorney from Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and make sound decisions during a divorce.
Contact Us Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox
Deciding to get a divorce can be emotionally and physically draining. At Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, we understand this and are here to help. Contact our office today for a consultation if you are contemplating divorce.
