San Luis Obispo Divorce Attorneys
We Have Over 30 Years of Experience Dealing with Divorces
One of the many reasons clients choose Hosford & Hosford as their San Luis Obispo divorce attorney is because of our personalized approach. We understand that nothing is more personal than the legal issues that affect your family, income, and assets.
From the individualized support we offer to the diligence we bring to your case, we are committed to helping you achieve a successful outcome. Learn more about what to expect with us as your representative.
Issues Addressed in a Divorce
Divorce—otherwise known as “dissolution of marriage” or “dissolution of domestic partnership”—is the legal process that restores people to the status of single persons after being legally joined.
In addition to resolving the issue of status, most couples also need to address the division of their assets and debts. As your divorce attorney, Hosford & Hosford works with you to identify which assets and debts are yours alone (separate) versus part of the marriage (community). We help secure your rights to assets and protect you from unwarranted debt.
Other issues can connect two spouses even after their divorce is finalized. As a result, your case may also need to address:
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Child support
- Child visitation
If you are concerned for your own safety or that of your children, Hosford & Hosford can help provide legal protection for your family. We aggressively seek domestic violence restraining orders in cases that require them.
Working with Hosford & Hosford
Unlike criminal cases, in which a defendant is either found “guilty” or “not guilty,” a “win” in a family law matter depends on how the case’s resolution reflects your priorities. As a result, it’s essential that your San Luis Obispo divorce attorney understands what’s important to you.
Hosford & Hosford focuses on winning your case by learning what matters to you, setting realistic expectations, and working earnestly on your behalf. We work with you to develop the goals for your case, and we create a plan of action for accomplishing them.
As your legal representative, we:
- Safeguard your rights while working with you to obtain practical solutions.
- Work to achieve your goals efficiently in light of your financial circumstances. We recognize that there is no point in “winning” if there is nothing left at the end of the fight, and so we help you pick your battles.
- Treat you, the opposing party, and opposing counsel with respect.
Options for Resolving Your Divorce
Settlement: When possible, your divorce attorney seeks settlement for clients in San Luis Obispo. The end result is a written agreement both parties sign. Settlement can be a creative process that offers a sense of “winning” for both parties, and it can provide remedies unavailable through the court. It can also reduce the chance of future legal disputes related to the divorce.
Mediation: Hosford & Hosford can provide divorce mediation services, if both parties agree to participate and cooperate in the process.
Litigation: On some issues, or in some cases, settlement is not possible, and Hosford & Hosford will recommend litigation. Our attorneys will prepare you for hearings before a judge to address these matters. Hosford & Hosford’s lawyers collectively have over 55 years of experience in litigating cases and asserting their clients’ legal rights.
Appeal: When remedies in the trial court have been exhausted and where circumstances warrant it, Hosford & Hosford can assist you with family law appeals.
Meet Us
Click on an attorney below to learn more information
Johnathan William Hosford started his post collegiate career in service of the United States Coast Guard, serving honorably on board the US Coast Guard Cutter Storis, WMEC 38, out of Kodiak, Alaska. John later served at the Command Area Master Station Pacific, a communication base in Pt. Reyes Station, California. He used the G.I. Bill to finance law school, graduating Magna Cum Laude, while raising three young children and working for Union Pacific Railroad in the Information Technology Division.
Education
- USCG Basic Training, USCG Advanced Electronics Training
- California Polytechnic University, Pomona – Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems
- University of San Luis Obispo School of Law – Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude
Bar Admissions
- California State Bar – 2013
- U.S. District Court, Central Division
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of California
- San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
- Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association
Stephen C. Hosford was born in Mitchell, South Dakota. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from San Diego State University. He went on to study law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1976 from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton. He is a gifted negotiator and trial advocate.
Education
- Western State University – Juris Doctorate
- San Diego State University – Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Bar Admissions
- California State Bar – 1977
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California – 1977
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of California, Family Law Section
- San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Valerie Ryall Hosford was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She came to law as a second career, graduating summa cum laude (with highest honors) from Western State University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 1994. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist (State Bar Board of Legal Specialization), and is a trained mediator and practitioner of collaborative divorce. Legal research and writing are her passions.
Education
- Western State University – Juris Doctorate
- Bar Admissions
- California State Bar – 1994
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California – 1995
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of California, Family Law Section
- San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
- San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Family Law Section
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Hosford & Hosford invites you to participate in an initial consultation with one of our experienced divorce attorneys in San Luis Obispo. Schedule an appointment, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, learn your options, and receive advice for your situation.
Contact Hosford & Hosford at (805) 439-1906 or toll-free at (855) 675-4496.