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Divorce Attorney
San Jose, California
Certified Family Law Specialist serving San Jose and Santa Clara County since 2008.
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Divorce changes more than your marital status. It affects your finances, your relationship with your children, and the decisions that shape your future. Understanding your rights before you act can make a meaningful difference.
Divorce is rarely just a legal matter. It involves important financial decisions, parenting concerns, and uncertainty about what comes next. James believes clients make better decisions when they understand both the law and the practical consequences of their options. His role is to provide straightforward guidance and help you move through the process with confidence.
Every family is different. Some divorces can be resolved cooperatively, while others require decisive courtroom advocacy. James tailors his approach to the circumstances of each case rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy.
As a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, James Chau has demonstrated substantial experience, completed advanced education requirements, and passed a rigorous family law examination. He has handled divorce cases in Santa Clara County for more than 15 years. You will work directly with James throughout your case, not with a case manager or a rotating team of staff.
California Law
How Divorce Works in California
To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the county where the petition is filed for at least three months prior to filing.
California is a no-fault divorce state. You are not required to prove wrongdoing or provide a reason for ending your marriage. Either spouse can file, and the court does not assign blame.
California is also a community property state. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between both spouses. How that division plays out in practice matters considerably, because correctly identifying separate property, tracing assets, valuing retirement accounts, and negotiating equitable settlements often determine the financial outcome of the case.
A divorce in California involves resolving several categories of issues:
Division of assets and debts
community property, separate property, and the distinction between them
Spousal support
whether it applies, how much, and for how long
Child custody and visitation
legal custody, physical custody, and parenting plans
Child support
calculated under California guidelines
Attorney fees
in some cases, one spouse may be ordered to contribute to the other's legal costs
James will evaluate your circumstances, explain how California law applies to your case, and help you understand the options available before important decisions are made.
Approach
Negotiation and Litigation
Effective negotiation is not simply reaching an agreement. It means understanding which issues deserve compromise and which require firm advocacy. James works toward practical resolutions whenever possible, while preparing every case from the outset as though it may ultimately be decided by a judge.
Most divorce cases in California are resolved through negotiation or mediation. When the other side is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, James is fully prepared to litigate. He has extensive experience presenting cases in Santa Clara County Superior Court as a divorce attorney and is ready to go to trial when that is what your situation calls for.
Speak Directly with James Chau
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation. No obligation. You will speak with James, not a staff member.
Why Clients Choose James Chau
Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
More than 15 years serving San Jose and Santa Clara County as a family law attorney
Direct communication with James throughout your case
Trial experience in Santa Clara County Superior Court
Extensive experience negotiating complex divorce settlements
Experience resolving complex property division involving businesses, retirement accounts, and significant assets
Serves English, Mandarin, and Vietnamese speaking clients upon request
Frequently asked questions
Contact the Law Office of James Chau
The Law Office of James Chau, P.C. represents clients in San Jose and throughout Santa Clara County. If you are ready to speak directly with a San Jose divorce attorney, contact us online or call (408) 899-8364.