Supporting Your Best Interests Through Divorce

Office Locations in Chino and Ontario, California

Divorce is never easy. In going through the process, you face many uncertainties. You have many important decisions to make that will impact your future. You need compassionate legal representation to help you make a fresh start.

Attorney Kathleen Elder-Blakely has provided caring, dedicated legal service to California divorce clients for more than ten years. As a skilled negotiator and experienced litigator, she will stand with you from the first meeting until resolution.

If you are facing divorce, contact our offices by e-mail or call 909-606-1287 to schedule a free initial consultation. We'll discuss your options and guide you through the process.

Filing for Divorce

The first step to dissolving your marriage involves filing a petition with the court. The petition is served to your spouse and he or she has thirty days to respond.

If no response if filed, your divorce proceeds by default. If your spouse files a response, we will immediately begin working with you to negotiate the issues raised.

Divorce-related issues can include:

Division of Debt and Property
Spousal Support or Maintenance
Child Custody
Child Support and Visitation

Waiting for a Final Decree

Following the petition for divorce, you must wait a minimum of six months before the court will issue the final divorce decree. California law requires this as a "cooling off" period.

In an uncontested divorce where you and your spouse agree to all terms without the need for a hearing, a divorce can be finalized immediately following the waiting period.

A contested divorce can take anywhere from one year or longer, pending possible psychological examinations and trial.

Contact Our Offices

We are available from 8-5, Monday through Friday with evening and weekend hours by appointment.

Kathleen Elder-Blakely, Family Law Attorney

Chino Office:
14726 Ramona Avenue, Suite 410
Chino, CA 91710
Map and Directions

Ontario Office:
3602 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite B-206
Ontario, CA 91764
Map and Directions

Telephone: 909-606-1287 | Fax: 909-606-1534

At the law offices of Kathleen Elder-Blakely and John R. Blakely we represent clients in Inland Empire California cities including: Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Corona Valley, Mira Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Jurupa Valley, Upland, Claremont, Pomona, Diamond Bar and Redlands.

The Process of Divorce