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Last Modified on Jan 19, 2026
The topic of divorce can be scary for most people to consider. California has complex laws surrounding divorce, and most people don’t know the full extent of their legal rights. Knowing how to file for divorce in Riverside, CA, can help you regain control of your life during a destabilizing time.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer to Help You Navigate Your Unique Case
When dealing with the complexities of divorce, you need a Riverside family lawyer with years of experience to represent your interests. The team at Edgar & Dow has been helping California residents manage family law matters since 2004.
We know how challenging divorce can be. The outcome of a case can have a lifelong impact on an individual. Even if you have a good relationship with your ex, having a divorce lawyer adds an extra layer of protection that’s necessary for a favorable outcome.
Necessary Requirements Before Filing for Divorce in California
In 2023, around 19,000 people living in Riverside were divorced. When a couple decides to divorce, they need to first meet residency requirements. One spouse must have:
- Lived in California for six months
- Lived in Riverside County for three months
You’ll then fill out the relevant forms and file them at the Riverside Family Law Courthouse at 4175 Main Street.
How to Start the Divorce Process
After you file for divorce, you’ll want to hire a Riverside divorce lawyer to help you navigate the next steps. Divorce can become quickly overwhelming and often involves intense emotions between spouses.
You’ll then need to serve your ex with divorce papers. You can’t give them the papers yourself. A friend, relative, or professional must do so.
You’ll then need to fully disclose your financial information to your spouse, who will then have to do the same. This helps streamline the next steps in your divorce. You and your spouse will then work together to resolve your divorce issues.
Divorce Issues to Be Resolved During Your Case
Depending on your unique circumstances, you and your spouse will need to:
- Figure out how to divide your assets. Courts recognize two types of property in divorce. Community property is generally anything gained during marriage and is divided equally between spouses. The average household income in Riverside was $88,575 in 2023. The average home value that year was $542,100.
These tend to be a couple’s highest value assets, making cooperation during divorce vital to preserving your assets. Couples can choose to divide assets differently if they can agree.
- Decide if spousal support payments will be made from one spouse to the other. These payments are generally made to help the non-paying spouse maintain the lifestyle they grew accustomed to during marriage. Spousal support typically lasts for half the length of the marriage, unless the marriage lasted over 10 years. For longer marriages, support may continue indefinitely.
- Work on figuring out child custody and support, if applicable.
The Benefits of Mediation During a California Divorce
Couples are encouraged to work together to resolve their divorce issues through mediation before court interference. Mediation is an alternative to court that helps save couples time and money. You’ll attend mediation with your attorney, as well as your ex and their attorney.
During these sessions, a neutral third-party, called a mediator, helps oversee conversations and allows both sides to feel heard. The goal is to come to an agreement, which will then be submitted to the court for final approval.
Mediation is a favorable option for most couples and allows them to maintain control over the outcome of their case.
FAQs
How Do Courts Decide Whether to Award Spousal Support in a California Divorce?
California courts look at a variety of factors when deciding whether to award spousal support in a divorce. These factors include the length of the marriage and the age and health of each spouse. They’ll look at the debts and assets of both spouses. They’ll also see if the non-paying spouse can maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage. If the non-paying spouse contributed to the other’s career by making sacrifices or raising children, that’ll be considered.
How Long Does Divorce Take in California?
How long a divorce takes in California depends on the specific details of your case. A simple, uncontested divorce takes at least six months to finalize. Without cooperation, legal proceedings take much longer to finalize. If you were together for decades and have a lot of shared assets, the timeline can be long. If you have no children or real estate, the process can be faster, especially if you can agree on resolutions in mediation sessions.
What Is Summary Dissolution?
Summary dissolution is a simplified and quicker alternative to regular divorce that can be pursued by couples who meet specific requirements. This includes being married for less than five years and having no children together. Any debts, not counting car loans, have to be less than $4,000. Shared property, not including cars or loans, has to be under $25,000. This applies to separate property. You have to agree on how to divide community property and waive spousal support.
Can a Spousal Support Order Be Modified After It’s Finalized?
A spousal support order can only be modified after it’s finalized if there’s been a significant change in circumstances. For example, if you lost a job or changed career paths, you can request a modification to the support order. This may either lower or raise the amount of spousal support payments. If you’re struggling to meet payments, it’s important to file a modification request with the court as soon as possible. Failing to meet payments can have severe legal consequences.
Work With a California Law Firm That Locals Rely On
Reach out to Edgar & Dow to learn how we can assist you in your unique case. Our attorneys offer the empathy our clients deserve and validate their lived experiences. During your confidential consultation, no judgments will be made. We’re here to help you better understand how to file for divorce in Riverside, CA.
