A Family & Divorce Law Firm Servicing Eastvale
Defending Your Family, Property, and the Future You’ve Worked Hard to Build
We are a family and divorce law firm servicing Eastvale and providing compassionate, results-driven legal representation for families navigating divorce and custody disputes throughout Eastvale.
For over 14 years, we’ve supported Eastvale families through complex custody, divorce, and support matters with deep knowledge of local courts and community needs. From Corona to Norco and Jurupa Valley, our team is well-versed in navigating the nuances of Riverside County family law. Learn more about our
Divorce Law Firm and why Eastvale families continue to trust us during life’s most challenging transitions.
Our Family Law And Divorce Law Services
Divorce Law
We help individuals end their marriages that protects their legal rights and prepares them for the next chapter.
Our legal team handles all the legal steps, including filing forms to dividing property and negotiating support.
Child Custody
We work with parents to create custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s health, safety, and emotional development. The court looks at what’s best for the child, including safety, stability, and emotional growth.
Domestic Violence Actions
We provide immediate legal assistance to those experiencing domestic abuse. Our legal team assists in obtaining restraining orders and provides compassionate guidance to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Pre-Marital Agreements
We assist individuals and couples with drafting or reviewing prenuptial agreements that clarify property ownership, financial expectations, and future obligations. We help couples establish clear terms to prevent future disputes.
Family Law Appeals
We assist clients in appealing family court decisions when legal mistakes may have impacted the outcome. Our attorneys carefully review the trial record, identify appealable issues, and handle all stages of the appeals process.
Modification of Child & Spousal Support
We assist clients request changes to child or spousal support orders when circumstances have significantly changed. Whether due to income changes or life events, we help adjust support agreements to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.
Why Choose Us?
Award-Winning Family Law Advocacy
Founding attorney Kaleen Harris earned the Scott McCune Memorial Scholarship twice for legal writing, while Andrew McKeown is a Certified Family Law Specialist, one of the youngest in California, and a top 10 oralist at a national competition.
Free, No-Pressure Consultations
We offer one time, no commitment, and judgment-free consultations to understand your family’s situation, offer a plan, and help you decide what legal actions (if any) are right for you.
We Handle Everything
From drafting legal documents and court filings to negotiations and appearances, we manage every legal step, while keeping you updated, involved, and supported from start to final resolution.
Work With a Male or Female Attorney of Your Choice
We understand that comfort matters, you’ll have the option to work with an attorney who best aligns with your communication style and personal needs.
Over 14 Years of Experience With Riverside County Courts
We’ve handled divorce and custody matters in Riverside County for over 14 years, giving us practical insight into local judges, courtroom expectations, and legal procedures that directly benefit clients in Eastvale.
Step-by-Step Guide To Working With Our Legal Team
STEP 1
Initial Consultation
Start by meeting with our divorce attorney who understands the needs of Eastvale families and the Riverside County court system. We offer a free initial consultation to understand your situation, goals, and concerns, whether related to custody, support, or property division. We’ll also walk you through the divorce process and explain the potential costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
STEP 2
Filing the Divorce Petition in Riverside County Superior Court
We will prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) on your behalf with the Riverside County Superior Court. Since Eastvale cases are typically handled through the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, we ensure filings meet local rules and timelines. This petition officially starts the divorce process.
STEP 3
Serving the Other Spouse (Service of Process)
Next, your spouse must be “served” with divorce papers, meaning they are legally notified of the case. We coordinate this through a registered process server or other approved method and file a Proof of Service (Form FL-115) with the court. Your spouse then has 30 days to respond.
STEP 4
Response and Preliminary Disclosures
If your spouse responds, we move into the disclosure phase, where both sides must exchange detailed information about income, assets, debts, and expenses. These are called Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150), and they’re required by California law before any final agreement or judgement.
STEP 1
Initial Consultation
Start by meeting with our divorce attorney who understands the needs of Eastvale families and the Riverside County court system. We offer a free initial consultation to understand your situation, goals, and concerns, whether related to custody, support, or property division. We’ll also walk you through the divorce process and explain the potential costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
STEP 2
Filing the Divorce Petition in Riverside County Superior Court
We will prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) on your behalf with the Riverside County Superior Court. Since Eastvale cases are typically handled through the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, we ensure filings meet local rules and timelines. This petition officially starts the divorce process.
STEP 3
Serving the Other Spouse (Service of Process)
Next, your spouse must be “served” with divorce papers, meaning they are legally notified of the case. We coordinate this through a registered process server or other approved method and file a Proof of Service (Form FL-115) with the court. Your spouse then has 30 days to respond.
STEP 4
Response and Preliminary Disclosures
If your spouse responds, we move into the disclosure phase, where both sides must exchange detailed information about income, assets, debts, and expenses. These are called Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150), and they’re required by California law before any final agreement or judgement.
STEP 5
Negotiate Agreements or Mediate Disputes
Most Rancho Mission Viejo divorces are resolved without going to trial. We help you reach fair agreements on:
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Child and spousal support
- Division of property and debts
If needed, we facilitate or represent you during mediation sessions. If your case is high-conflict, we strategize for litigation while still exploring peaceful solutions.
STEP 6
Court Hearings or Settlement Conference
If full agreement isn’t possible, the court will schedule a Mandatory Settlement Conference or hearings on contested issues. We represent you before the judge at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, presenting evidence and protecting your rights throughout the process.
STEP 7
Final Judgement and Divorce Decree
Once all terms are finalized, either by agreement or court order, the judge issues a Final Judgement of Dissolution. This is your official divorce decree. We ensure that:
- All paperwork is correctly filed
- Custody and support orders are enforceable
- You fully understand your rights and obligations
STEP 8
Post-Judgement Support (If Needed)
Life changes after divorce. We continue supporting Rancho Mission Viejo clients with:
- Modifications to custody or support
- Enforcement of court orders
- Parenting schedule adjustments
STEP 5
Temporary Orders (If Needed)
If urgent matters arise (like child custody or who stays in the home), we can file for temporary court orders at the Riverside Family Law Court. This helps protect you or your children during the process. Temporary orders can cover custody schedules, support, and access to joint accounts.
STEP 6
Negotiation, Mediation, or Settlement
Most Eastvale divorce cases are resolved without trial. We’ll help negotiate or mediate a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), outlining terms for custody, child/spousal support, property division, and more. Mediation may be voluntary or court-mandated depending on your case.
STEP 7
Finalizing the Divorce (Judgement)
Once all issues are resolved, we prepare and submit your final Judgement of Dissolution (Form FL-180) to the court. If everything is in order, the court signs it, and your divorce is finalized. California requires a minimum six-month waiting period from the date of service before the divorce is officially complete.
STEP 8
Post-Judgement Modifications or Enforcement (If Needed)
After your divorce is finalized, you may still need legal help. We assist with modifications to custody or support, and enforcement if your ex-spouse isn’t complying with orders. Since we know the local Riverside judges, we tailor each action to meet local expectations.
STEP 5
Temporary Orders (If Needed)
If urgent matters arise (like child custody or who stays in the home), we can file for temporary court orders at the Riverside Family Law Court. This helps protect you or your children during the process. Temporary orders can cover custody schedules, support, and access to joint accounts.
STEP 6
Negotiation, Mediation, or Settlement
Most Eastvale divorce cases are resolved without trial. We’ll help negotiate or mediate a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), outlining terms for custody, child/spousal support, property division, and more. Mediation may be voluntary or court-mandated depending on your case.
STEP 7
Finalizing the Divorce (Judgement)
Once all issues are resolved, we prepare and submit your final Judgement of Dissolution (Form FL-180) to the court. If everything is in order, the court signs it, and your divorce is finalized. California requires a minimum six-month waiting period from the date of service before the divorce is officially complete.
STEP 8
Post-Judgement Modifications or Enforcement (If Needed)
After your divorce is finalized, you may still need legal help. We assist with modifications to custody or support, and enforcement if your ex-spouse isn’t complying with orders. Since we know the local Riverside judges, we tailor each action to meet local expectations.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“It was too much for me to handle my divorce by myself, especially since I had two young children involved. A friend told me about Harris & McKeown, and I'm so glad she did. I felt like Kaleen listened to me and always gave me honest, useful advice. She took care of my custody issues. With her team leading the way, the whole process felt doable. Everything was filed properly, and we didn't have to go to court more than we had to.”
— Cassandra T., Eastvale, CA
"After my divorce was finalized, I needed help modifying my spousal support due to a job change. I contacted Harris & McKeown, and from the first call, they were clear about my options. Andrew explained the process in plain terms and filed everything with the Riverside court quickly."
— Natalie M., Jurupa Valley
"I reached out to Harris & McKeown after months of stalled progress with another attorney. My case involved property and retirement assets, and I needed someone who understood the local courts and wouldn't waste time. Andrew McKeown was straightforward, professional, and quick to respond. He helped me understand what was fair and made sure everything was properly documented and filed."
— Marcus R., Eastvale, CA
FAQS
FAQS
How long does it take to get a divorce in Eastvale?
The minimum time to finalize a divorce in California is six months from the date your spouse is officially served with divorce papers. This is a legal waiting period and applies even if both parties agree on everything. The full timeline depends on how quickly both sides complete paperwork, exchange financial disclosures, and resolve issues like custody or property division. If there are disputes, it may take longer due to court schedules and additional steps like mediation or hearings.
Where will my divorce case be handled?
If you live in Eastvale, your divorce will be handled by the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, located at 4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA. This courthouse is part of the Riverside County Superior Court system and oversees all family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and support for Eastvale residents and neighboring areas like Norco and Corona.
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Not always. If both spouses agree on all terms, a divorce can be completed without appearing in court. If there are disagreements, especially about children or property, court hearings may be necessary. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation first.
How much does a divorce cost in Eastvale?
Court filing fees in Riverside County are typically around $435 to open a divorce case. Additional costs depend on how complex the case is. For example, if there are disagreements over children, spousal support, or property, legal fees can increase due to extra time for negotiations, court filings, or hearings. Costs may include attorney hours, document preparation, mediation fees, and expert evaluations when necessary.
What if my spouse and I agree on everything?
If both parties agree, you can file an uncontested divorce, this is the most efficient path. After filing the divorce petition and serving your spouse, we help draft a Marital Settlement Agreement that outlines your decisions on property, custody, and support. Once both parties sign, we submit the final paperwork to the Riverside Family Court. If approved, the court enters a judgment, and your divorce becomes final after the six-month waiting period ends.
Who gets custody of the children in a divorce?
Custody is based on what the court believes is in the child’s best interest. Parents are encouraged to create a shared parenting plan, which we can help draft and submit. If there’s disagreement, the court may order mediation through Family Court Services in Riverside before a judge makes a decision. Judges consider each parent’s involvement, living situation, the child’s needs, and safety concerns before issuing a custody order. You may get joint custody, sole custody, or a mix of both legal and physical custody.
What is community property, and how is it divided?
Community property means most income, assets, and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. In divorce, these are generally divided 50/50. We help you list and document everything owned or owed, including real estate, bank accounts, cars, and retirement accounts, and determine what’s considered community versus separate property. If needed, we negotiate fair terms or bring unresolved issues to court for a decision.
Can I get spousal support in my divorce?
Spousal support, or alimony, is not guaranteed. The court looks at factors like how long you were married, your income, your spouse’s income, and your ability to be self-supporting. If support is appropriate, we file a Request for Order in Riverside Family Court asking for temporary or permanent support. You may also include support terms in your final divorce agreement. The court uses a standard formula to calculate temporary support but has more discretion when setting long-term support
Can I change child custody or support orders later?
Yes, you can request a modification if there's been a major change, like a new job, a move, or changes in the child’s schedule or needs. To start the process, we file a Request for Order with the Riverside court and serve the other parent. You may need to attend mediation again. If no agreement is reached, a judge will decide whether to approve the changes based on updated circumstances and the child’s best interest.
Do you offer services for unmarried parents or legal guardians?
Yes. We assist with paternity cases, child custody, and visitation rights for unmarried parents, as well as legal guardianship cases.
Experience, Trust, Results
Get Your FREE Consultation
We understand that choosing the right family law attorney can be a difficult task. We provide a free assessment to outline a legal strategy for your situation and allow you to see if our firm is a good fit for you.
Experience, Trust, Results
Get Your FREE Consultation
We understand that choosing the right family law attorney can be a difficult task. We provide a free assessment to outline a legal strategy for your situation and allow you to see if our firm is a good fit for you. Click on the "Contact Us" page to schedule your free consultation today!
