Legally Reviewed by William P. Bratton on June 22, 2026
When a marriage reaches its end, the legal process that follows touches nearly every part of your life — your finances, your home, your children, and your future. In San Bernardino County, those decisions are made in a court system with its own procedures, timelines, and local expectations, and the outcome depends heavily on how well your case is prepared from the start.
The divorce attorneys at Bratton & Razo have served families throughout San Bernardino County since 1989. Our certified family law specialists bring more than 85 years of combined experience to every case we handle, and our exclusive focus on family law means we understand the San Bernardino courts and what it takes to protect our clients through every stage of the process.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Early Action Protects Your Rights
Once your spouse files, the clock is already running. Having an attorney from day one makes a measurable difference.
Bratton & Razo has practiced family law exclusively since 1989. Our certified family law specialists know the San Bernardino County courts and fight for the best possible outcome for every client we serve.
Understanding No-Fault Divorce in San Bernardino, California
California was the first state to adopt no-fault divorce laws, and that standard remains in place today. Either spouse may file for divorce without proving wrongdoing by the other party. The only legal grounds required are “irreconcilable differences” — a recognition that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. According to the San Bernardino Superior Court’s family law division, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least six months after the respondent is served, regardless of how quickly the parties reach agreement.
Any married person may file for divorce in San Bernardino, California, even if their spouse does not wish to end the marriage. Once the petition is served, the respondent has 30 days to file a response. Failing to respond within that window almost always results in the court granting the petitioner’s requested terms by default. Whether you are filing or have been served, working with an experienced California divorce attorney from the outset ensures you understand your rights and obligations before any deadlines pass.
What a San Bernardino Divorce Case Involves
Every divorce case is different, but most require resolution of several interrelated issues before a judgment can be finalized. Understanding what is at stake in each area can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
- Child custody and visitation: Physical and legal custody arrangements must serve the best interests of the children, with parenting plans addressing daily schedules, holidays, and major decision-making authority.
- Child support: California uses a statewide guideline calculation based on both parents’ income and the percentage of time each parent spends with the children.
- Alimony and spousal support: Courts consider the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the marital standard of living when determining whether spousal support is warranted and for how long.
- Property and debt division: California is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally, with exceptions for separate property.
- Domestic violence: When domestic violence is a factor, our attorneys can seek emergency protective orders and ensure your safety concerns are presented to the court effectively.
- Move-away orders: If one parent intends to relocate with the children after divorce, the court must approve the move if it materially affects the other parent’s custody arrangement.
Having experienced legal counsel ensures that each of these issues is addressed strategically, not reactively, and that the terms you agree to today hold up in the years ahead.
How Bratton & Razo Handles Your San Bernardino Divorce
Our certified family law attorneys begin every case with a thorough consultation to understand your goals, assess the specific issues at stake, and identify the most effective path forward. We handle family law matters exclusively — a focus that means every attorney on our team is current on California’s evolving family code and deeply familiar with how the San Bernardino Superior Court handles the cases we see most.
Whether your divorce is uncontested and straightforward or involves contested property division, child custody disputes, or support disagreements that require litigation, our attorneys are prepared for every phase. When settlement is achievable, we negotiate with your long-term interests in mind. When it is not, we litigate. For couples who are not ready to dissolve the marriage entirely, legal separation may be worth exploring as an interim option.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Bernardino Divorce
How long does a divorce take in San Bernardino, CA?
California law requires a minimum six-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served before a divorce can become final. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms can sometimes be finalized close to that mark. Contested divorces involving property disputes, custody battles, or support disagreements typically take longer, as they may require mediation sessions, discovery, and court hearings before a judgment is reached.
What is a summary dissolution, and do I qualify?
A summary dissolution is a simplified divorce process available to couples who have been married fewer than five years, have no children together, own no real estate, carry limited shared debt, and have limited community property. It requires both spouses to agree to the terms and file jointly. If you qualify, it can be a faster and less costly path to dissolution. Our attorneys can confirm your eligibility during a consultation.
Can I get a divorce in San Bernardino if my spouse refuses to agree?
Yes. California’s no-fault divorce law means you do not need your spouse’s consent to file for divorce, and no respondent can legally stop proceedings from moving forward. If your spouse does not respond to the petition within 30 days, the court may enter a default judgment granting your requested terms. If your spouse contests specific issues, those matters will be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
How is property divided in a San Bernardino divorce?
California’s community property standard applies to all divorces filed in San Bernardino County. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between the spouses. Property owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance during it, may qualify as separate property and be excluded from division. Commingled finances and complex asset portfolios often require careful analysis before a division can be agreed upon or ordered by the court.
How is spousal support determined in California?
California courts consider a range of statutory factors when setting spousal support, including the length of the marriage, each party’s income and earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each spouse’s age and health. Longer marriages generally result in longer support obligations. Our attorneys help clients understand both their rights and their exposure regarding support before any agreement is finalized.
Contact Bratton & Razo — San Bernardino Divorce Attorneys
If you are facing a divorce anywhere in San Bernardino County, the legal decisions made in the early stages of your case have consequences that will follow you for years. Bratton & Razo has served families throughout the Inland Empire since 1989, with more than 85 years of combined experience in California family law. Our attorneys are members of both the Riverside County and San Bernardino County Bar Associations and are fully committed to the families we represent.
Do not navigate one of life’s most demanding legal matters without skilled representation by your side. Contact us online to schedule a consultation with a San Bernardino divorce lawyer and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.
San Bernardino Courthouse Information & City Resources
San Bernardino Superior Court Civil Division
247 W 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92415
290 N D St, San Bernardino, CA 92401
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
655 E 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92415