What are the different types Of Divorce In California?

No-fault, Uncontested, Contested, Summary Dissolution, Mediated, Collaborative, and Legal Separation. Read Definitions

How does "the date of separation" affect my divorce proceeding?

The date of separation marks the point where you and your spouse officially part ways. After that, the court views any monies earned and assets acquired as being separate, not joint property. This often significantly impacts the division of property, support, and more. Before And After The Date Of Separation

Should You File First?

There are potential advantages and disadvantages to filing for divorce first. Being prepared and having a sound legal strategy in place are usually more important than being the first out of the gate. Advantages and Disadvantages Of Filing First

What is Discovery In Divorce?

Discovery in legal cases is the disclosure of information between opposing parties. Discovery compels each side to reveal what evidence they have. READ: Divorce Discovery Tools

Does Adultery Affect Divorce In California?

Adultery can destroy a marriage, but unless you can prove it had a material impact on your circumstances, it may have a smaller-than-expected role in divorce proceedings. When Does Adultery Affect Your Divorce?

What Is Child Support?

Child support payments provide for the ongoing care of your children following a split. This covers basic necessities, like a safe place to live, food, medical care, and more. It may also extend to education and child care. What do Payments Cover?

How long do payments last?

Child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. There are, however, cases where it continues longer. When do support payments end?

What to do if your ex does't make payments

You have legal recourse if your ex refuses to make court-ordered child support payments, though it may involve taking legal action. What Are Your Legal Options?

Child Support After 18 and Post-Secondary Education

The courts can order support to continue after a child turns 18 in cases of continuing education. However, there must be a post-secondary education agreement in place before the child’s 18th birthday. Support Payments And College

Divorce and Family Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. You’ll find quick answers to common questions about divorce, child custody, and other family law topics.

Every case is different, so these answers are general and should not be considered legal advice.

For more specific, in-depth information, call us at 1 (800) DIVORCE or fill out a FREE CASE REVIEW. Our managing attorney will examine the details of your case and go over your options free of charge.

Divorce Process

California has a six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.

That’s the minimum time between when you file the initial paperwork and when the court will finalize your divorce.

For shorter marriages with no children and little or no shared property, the total time can be relatively close to this.

However, the more complicated a case, the more time it usually takes. Longer marriages with children and significant assets to divide often take a year or more.

Why Do Divorces Take So Long In California?

Overly simplified: Gather personal information, fill out and file your forms. Then you serve your spouse and they respond. Next is discovery through declaration of disclosure, then temporary orders, negotiation, and signing the final documents.

Breaking Down The Divorce Steps

Laws regarding divorce, custody, the division of property, and more vary from state to state, sometimes even county to county or city to city. Knowing the local regulations and how they may impact your case is vital.

Learn About California Requirements

Finances

California follows the community property model. The courts view all property and assets acquired during a marriage as belonging equally to both spouses.

Learn About Asset Division

Can You Buy A House During A Divorce?

Yes, you can buy a house during divorce proceedings. As with any major purchase during this time, this needs extra consideration.

Big Purchases During Divorce

Child Support

There is an actual mathematical formula used to determine the amount of child support payments. The equation accounts for the income of both parents, parenting time, level of need, and more.
CS=K[HN-(H%)(TN)]

How To Calculate Your payment

Child Custody

A parenting plan is the document that lays out visitation, custody, and everything else related to a child’s upbringing. Think of it like a custody roadmap.

An In-Depth Look At Custody

don't move out until you've talked to an attorney

How Does Moving Out Affect Custody and Support?

Moving out can limit the amount of time you spend with your kids. This may set a precedent and impact the court’s decisions regarding custody and support.

Setting a Precedent When You Move Out

Contact Us Today

Have questions about divorce, child custody, support payments or family law? We have answers. Phone questions answered by our managing attorney for free!

Free Case Review

1 (800) Divorce