Divorce Litigation
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Divorce Litigation in Newport Beach
Get Counsel for a Qualified Legal Team in Orange County
When a marriage breaks down, the lines of communication between husband and wife are sometimes damaged beyond repair. What one spouse views as the best living arrangement for children or a fair and reasonable property settlement may be viewed as outrageous and unacceptable by the other.
As much as either party or both may wish to avoid a lengthy, costly and painful divorce, resolution of intensely disputed issues through negotiation or mediation is not always possible.
Proven Lawyers for California Family Law Disputes
If you believe that divorce litigation may be the only way to defend your interests and future, your choice of a law firm is absolutely critical. At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, you can count on representation by attorneys who have built a track record of success in California courtrooms and a widespread reputation for tenacious client advocacy.
A Strong Track Record in Complex, High-Stakes Divorce Cases
Our partners have dedicated their entire professional careers to helping clients achieve their goals in divorce and other family law matters.
As a result, no case is too intensely disputed nor too complex for our law firm, which has clear strengths in:
Advocating aggressively for our clients' parental rights to achieve child custody outcomes that serve children's best interests and protect crucial family relationships
If your legal matter cannot be resolved through skillful negotiations, your case may go to trial. The trial preparation process is lengthy, involving thorough examinations of the facts of the case and devising an effective strategy to be used in the courtroom. Those going through the trial process deserve to be represented by a skilled and experienced lawyer.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our attorneys have a successful and proven track record in the courtroom. Our partners — Robert Burch and Courtney Shepard — are graduates of the American Bar Association (ABA) Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute. They dedicate their entire practice to representing high net worth individuals in complex family law matters. We handle a wide range of legal matters, including divorce, complex divorce, child custody, child support, estate planning and family law, and more.
The approach that our lawyers take is one that is highly comprehensive. At trial, you can expect our attorneys to:
Educate you about the trial process.
Inform you of the timelines involved in trial.
Explain who will be involved in trial, and at which stages.
Keep you updated about the progress your case is making at trial.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, we are aggressive in the courtroom, yet compassionate when working with our clients. We recognize that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach to finding a favorable resolution. Our lawyers will effectively manage all aspects of your case and strongly advocate for your best interests. While maintaining focus, we will attend to all your legal needs.
Extensive Knowledge and Experience Relevant To Your Contested Case
Our experience as litigators extends to cases in which marital estates were valued in the tens of millions. We have extensive experience with all types of asset valuation and have secured spousal support awards as high as $35,000 per month. We have won favorable custody and parenting time arrangements for many men and women.
If you have conflict to resolve over the issues in your California divorce, we encourage you to contact our firm in Newport Beach for an initial consultation to discuss legal options and strategies for achieving your goals.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Divorce
Do I Have to be a California Resident to Divorce Here?
To file for divorce, you must be able to prove California residency for six months and residency in the county where you file for at least three months. The respondent or "defendant" spouse in a divorce case does not have to be a California resident, however.
What are Some of the Key Early Steps in the Divorce Process, and How Long Does it Take?
Divorce proceedings begin when either spouse files a petition that is served on the other. The person served then has 30 days to file a response, or the case proceeds without that response toward a likely final judgment about six months later.
If there is a response, the parties begin the process of exchanging information and, typically, attempting to negotiate a marital settlement agreement either on their own or in a mandatory conference in court. Every case is different, and the entire process can take anywhere from months to several years.
Do I Need to Prove My Spouse Is at Fault for Causing the Divorce?
No. California is a "no fault" divorce state. Grounds for divorce are not considered, although the court may consider many factors when issuing orders on child custody and other issues.
How Do I Get Started if I Have Decided I Want a Divorce — or a Legal Separation?
Our divorce attorneys strongly encourage you to contact an experienced, qualified lawyer — ideally, one who focuses exclusively on family law. Pursuing a do-it-yourself divorce is legal but filled with traps and potential complications.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Orange County divorce lawyers have guided many hundreds of men and women through divorces of all levels of complexity. We emphasize preparation and results, always putting our clients' needs and best interests first.
