Protect What
Matters Most
Attorney Joseph Howington
Joseph Howington
Attorney at Law
45+ Years Experience in Family Law
- Received a Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law in 1978 and was admitted to the California Bar in 1979
- Certified Family Law Specialist
- Member of The Association of Certified Family Law Specialists for California
Areas of Practice
CHILD CUSTODY
CHILD SUPPORT
DIVORCE
Divorce for Business Owners
High Asset Divorce
Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial Agreements
Property Division
Spousal Support
california divorce process
Meet Residency Requirements
You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months and in the county where you’re filing for at least 3 months.
STEP 01
Prepare and file divorce papers
Complete the necessary forms, including the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Summons.
STEP 02
Pay filing fees
The cost to file for divorce in California Varies.
STEP 03
Serve divorce papers
Deliver a copy of the divorce papers to your spouse, officially notifying them of the proceedings.
STEP 04
Wait for Response
Your spouse has 30 days to respond to the divorce petition.
STEP 05
Exchange financial information
Both parties must share their financial details using forms such as the Income and Expense Declaration, and Schedule of Assets and Debts.
STEP 06
Negotiate and Settle
Work on reaching agreements on issues like property division, child custody, and support.
STEP 07
Complete required disclosures
Ensure all necessary financial disclosures are completed and exchanged.
STEP 08
Finalize the divorce
Submit final paperwork to the court for approval. This may involve a settlement agreement or a trial if issues remain unresolved.
STEP 09
Wait for the judgment
By law, the divorce can’t be finalized until at least 6 months after the initial filing and service of papers.
STEP 10
Featured Testimonial
The Best Family Law Attorney
Joe, Kristina, Heather, and Joe’s team at Howington and Associates are amazing! They have exceeded my expectations and have done so much for me and my family! I am so thankful for them all. I will continue to refer Joe and his team to my family and friends. They care about their clients and children. They are all very professional and efficient. Thank you Joe and his team! – Love, The Luna’s
The Luna's
Client