Walnut Creek Divorce Attorney Guide: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Ending a marriage is rarely just a legal event — it’s a life transition that affects your family, finances, home, and future. If you’re considering divorce in Walnut Creek or Contra Costa County, knowing what to expect can reduce stress and help you make confident decisions along the way.

At Colliss Law APC, we guide Walnut Creek families through each phase of divorce with clarity, steady support, and a focus on what matters most: protecting your rights and helping you move forward. Here’s a start-to-finish look at the California divorce process, and how the right legal team can make a major difference.

Understanding Divorce in Walnut Creek, California

California is a no-fault divorce state. That means you don’t have to prove wrongdoing to file. Most divorces are based on “irreconcilable differences.” Even with no-fault rules, divorce can still be complicated — especially when children, property, or long-term financial support are involved.

Walnut Creek divorces are typically handled through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Court filings, deadlines, local procedures, and judge expectations all matter. Working with a local divorce lawyer who knows how Walnut Creek cases move through the court system can help you avoid unnecessary delays and costly missteps.

Colliss Law APC is based in Walnut C

reek and works closely with clients across the area, including Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Alamo, Danville, and surrounding communities.

Step 1: The Decision to File (and the First Consultation)

Before paperwork ever hits the courthouse, most people have questions like:

• Do I have a strong case?
• What happens to our house or savings?
• Will I get custody?
• How much support might I pay or receive?

This is where an early consultation matters. At Colliss Law APC, we take time to understand your goals, explain your options, and help you map the safest path forward — whether that means filing now, negotiating first, or preparing a strategy before you take the next step.

Step 2: Filing the Divorce Petition

To begin the divorce, one spouse (“the petitioner”) files:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Summons
• Any required local forms

Once filed, the other spouse (“the respondent”) must be served.

How Colliss Law APC helps:
We prepare and file your paperwork correctly, handle service procedures, and make sure your case starts strong and organized — which can set the tone for everything that follows.

Step 3: The Waiting Period (California’s 6-Month Minimum)

California requires a minimum 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served before the divorce can be finalized. Even if you agree on everything, the court cannot issue a final judgment sooner.

During that time, your case may involve:

• Temporary custody or parenting schedules
• Temporary child or spousal support
• Use of the family home
• Orders regarding debt or expenses

Colliss Law APC can request temporary court orders quickly when needed — especially in situations involving children, finances, or unsafe conflict.

Step 4: Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange financial information early in the process. This typically includes:

• Income and expense declarations
• Assets and debts lists
• Tax returns and pay stubs
• Retirement accounts, real estate, and investments

These disclosures are required even in amicable divorces. They ensure fairness and create a full picture of the marital estate.

How Colliss Law APC helps:
We assist you in gathering, organizing, and presenting disclosures accurately. Missing or unclear financial records can lead to delays or uneven agreements, so we take this step seriously.

Step 5: Child Custody and Parenting Plans (If You Have Kids)

For parents, custody is often the most emotional part of divorce. California courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, looking at factors like:

• Stability and routine
• Parent-child relationships
• Health and safety
• Each parent’s ability to support the child emotionally and practically

Custody includes:

• Legal custody (decision-making)
• Physical custody (where the child lives)

A detailed parenting plan helps avoid future conflict and protects your child’s well-being.

Colliss Law APC approach:
We help Walnut Creek parents build strong parenting plans, advocate for fair custody arrangements, and keep the focus where it needs to be: your children’s long-term stability.

Step 6: Support Decisions (Child Support and Spousal Support)

Child Support

California uses a guideline formula based on income, custody time, and other factors. But real-world situations can still be complex — especially when self-employment, bonuses, or uneven parenting time are involved.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support may be temporary or long-term. Courts evaluate factors such as:

• Length of the marriage
• Income difference
• Employability and job history
• Standard of living during the marriage

How Colliss Law APC helps:
We evaluate your full financial picture and pursue support outcomes that are reasonable and sustainable — whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it.

Step 7: Property and Debt Division

California is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during marriage are split equally — but “equal” doesn’t always mean “simple.”

Common assets include:

• Homes and real estate
• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs, pensions)
• Businesses and professional practices
• Investments and savings
• Vehicles and valuables

Common debts include:

• Mortgages
• Credit cards
• Student loans
• Business liabilities

Colliss Law APC works to ensure:

• Property is classified correctly
• Accurate values are used
• Your rights are protected
• Hidden assets or unfair proposals are addressed quickly

This step is where many divorces either settle smoothly or become drawn-out. Strong legal guidance here can save you significant time and money.

Step 8: Negotiation, Mediation, or Court

Most Walnut Creek divorces end in settlement — not trial. Settlement can happen through:

• Attorney-to-attorney negotiation
• Mediation
• Collaborative divorce

If settlement isn’t possible, the case proceeds to court hearings and possibly trial.

Colliss Law APC focus:
We aim for resolution with minimal conflict whenever possible — but we’re also ready to litigate firmly when your future, finances, or children need stronger protection.

Step 9: Final Divorce Judgment

When all issues are resolved, the court issues a Judgment of Dissolution, making your divorce final. This includes final orders for:

• Custody and visitation
• Support
• Property division
• Any additional agreements

After judgment, you may still need help with:

• Enforcing court orders
• Modifying custody or support
• Addressing noncompliance

Colliss Law APC stays with you past the finish line — because your case doesn’t stop mattering when the paperwork ends.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Walnut Creek?

Every case is different, but timelines often look like:

• Uncontested divorce: typically 6–9 months
• Contested divorce: often 9–18+ months
• High-conflict or complex assets: may take longer

The biggest factors are agreement level, financial complexity, and responsiveness from both sides.

Working with a prepared, organized Walnut Creek divorce attorney can reduce avoidable delays — and help you stay in control as much as possible.

Why Work With Colliss Law APC in Walnut Creek?

Divorce is hard enough without feeling lost in a system you didn’t ask to enter. At Colliss Law APC, we’re committed to giving you:

• A clear plan from day one
• Straight answers without legal fog
• Consistent communication
• Strong advocacy inside and outside court
• A steady, practical approach during an emotional time

Whether your divorce is just beginning or already underway, our Walnut Creek team will help you protect what matters most and move forward with confidence.

Ready to Talk? We’re Here.

If you’re considering divorce or need guidance on the next step, don’t wait for things to get harder. A conversation now can make everything that follows clearer and more manageable.

Call Colliss Law APC at 925-255-7455 to schedule a consultation with a Walnut Creek family law attorney today.
We’re here to help you steer through the rough waters — and reach calmer ground on the other side.