SVLO | Silicon Valley Law Offices

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Passionately Helping Clients Protect What Matters Most

Compassionate And Experienced Silicon Valley Divorce Attorneys

Last updated on July 10, 2026

Divorce is hard, especially for families with children. At Silicon Valley Law Offices, we understand this and aim to help you through it. Our experienced divorce lawyers know family law well and try to avoid court whenever possible.

Contact us online or call 650-546-7595 to set up an appointment. We handle a wide variety of issues, such as:

Many of the cases we handle involve people with substantial assets. We have experts like family law accountants available to properly valuate and categorize these assets so they can be divided fairly and appropriately.

We serve people throughout Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Our main office is in Mountain View and we have an appointment-only office in Los Gatos.

Ways To End A Marriage

There are several ways to end a marriage in California:

  • Contested divorce: When couples can’t agree and need help with asset division, support or custody.
  • No-fault divorce: When both agree on asset division, support and custody without blaming each other.
  • Annulment: If the marriage lasted less than three months or involved fraud.

Our Approach

Our attorneys know all these scenarios well. We are here to meet with you, understand your case and discuss the best options. We aim to give you personalized advice and legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce

Here are some frequently asked questions about divorce in California. Because every situation is unique, we recommend speaking directly with an attorney to address your concerns. Writing down the issues that worry you will help clarify the process and ensure you understand how it applies to your case.

What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in California?

To file for divorce in California, you need to have lived in the state for 6 months and in the county where you file for 3 months to start the process.

How long does the divorce process take in California?

In California, divorce takes at least six months due to a mandatory cooling‑off period that begins when your spouse is served, not when you file. With court delays, uncontested cases usually take 8–10 months, while contested divorces can last 1–2 years.

What is the difference between divorce and legal separation in California?

While both legal separation and divorce involve a formal court process to divide community property, establish custody and determine support, they differ significantly in their outcome and requirements. A divorce legally terminates your marriage, allowing you to remarry. It requires that you have lived in California for at least six months and in your county for three months. In contrast, a legal separation allows you to resolve financial and custody matters while remaining legally married. Because the marriage remains intact, you cannot remarry and must continue to file taxes as married. Couples often pursue legal separation for specific reasons, such as maintaining eligibility for a spouse’s health insurance, navigating immigration status, or honoring religious or personal preferences. Unlike divorce, there is no minimum residency requirement for legal separation.

Our Mission

We want to make the divorce process smooth and friendly. Emotions can run high, and sometimes the other side may not be fair. Our goal is to protect you, your assets and what matters most to you. We know how hard divorce can be at times, and we care about providing our services with compassion. We even have a trained therapy dog on staff.

Contact Us Today For A Consultation

If you are considering a divorce, we are here to help. Contact Silicon Valley Law Offices at 650-546-7595 or via email to schedule a consultation. Let us guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights, assets and family well-being.