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In California, the divorce process, officially referred to as a dissolution of marriage, aims to achieve two main goals:
Most people are unfamiliar with the divorce procedure, so filing and responding to a divorce petition in California is complicated. It entails a tangle of legalities, documents, and responses that can feel like a maze. In this blog, I will go over everything in depth. Having a roadmap can provide a sense of security and control, whether you are the one initiating the divorce or responding to one. This not only gives you more authority but also assures that you make informed judgments, which is especially important when children are involved. Because everyone has the fundamental right to a legal divorce.
Embarking on a divorce in California requires meeting specific residency criteria. The party initiating the dissolution must have been a California resident for at least six months and a resident of the filing county for at least three months. For detailed guidance on initiating your divorce journey, including residency requirements and initial steps, you can visit: Locate, File, and Serving Divorce Papers in California
For some couples, a summary dissolution may present a simpler route. This option becomes viable under specific conditions which are mentioned below:
Whether opting for a summary dissolution or the standard procedure, the journey commences with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Superior Court of your county. For straightforward cases, attending a court hearing may be necessary to finalize the divorce. For step-by-step guidance on filing and serving divorce papers, including necessary forms, visit: Filing and Serving Divorce Papers in California
Property division in California follows the concept of community property, where assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered marital property. Typically, each party retains their non-marital property, and marital property is divided between them. California law doesn’t require specific factors to be considered in property division, and arbitration may be ordered if you and your spouse can’t agree.
When a marriage ends in California, the support one spouse may require from the other is known as “spousal support or alimony.” A court considers numerous factors, including the sentiments and financial circumstances of the parties involved, to determine whether it is needed, how much, and for how long:
⦁ The judge checks how much money each person can earn, making sure it matches the lifestyle they had during the marriage.
⦁ They also think about how one person helped the other with education, training, a career, or a job license.
⦁ The judge considers if the person who has to provide support can afford it, looking at their earnings, assets, and how they live.
⦁ They compare what each person needs to how they lived when they were married.
⦁ The judge looks at both people’s money responsibilities and what they own, even separate property.
⦁ How long the marriage lasted is important in deciding support.
⦁ They think about whether the person getting support could work without harming their kids.
⦁ The judge looks at how old and healthy both people are.
⦁ If there was any domestic violence between them, that’s taken seriously.
⦁ They also consider how taxes will affect each person.
⦁ The judge thinks about how hard it will be for each person if they don’t get support.
⦁ The main aim is to help the person getting support become self-sufficient within a reasonable time.
⦁ And if there’s anything else that’s fair and right, the judge looks at that too.
⦁ Any particular needs or circumstances of either party, such as impairments or health difficulties, that may affect their capacity to support themselves, are considered by the judge.
⦁ They also consider the position of the custodial parent, if appropriate, and how granting spousal support may affect their ability to care for the needs and well-being of the children.
We deeply empathize with the pain and difficulty that a divorce can bring into your life. We want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care during this trying time. To truly comprehend the divorce process and how it directly affects your unique situation, we wholeheartedly urge you to get in touch with us. Taking this next step could be a pivotal moment in easing the burden of this challenging journey. Please remember that your well-being is of utmost importance, and we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Jerline Justo2023-10-03 I recommend Dina Haddad as an invaluable resource for individuals navigating the complexities of family law. Her acute awareness of the emotional and financial challenges of divorce, paired with her innovative approach, offers a streamlined solution that conserves both time and financial resources. Dina's program, "The Complete Divorce" (TCD), stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to assisting and educating others. Dina and her team expertly guide clients through the entire divorce process from start to finish. TCD not only provides an affordable alternative but also boasts remarkable effectiveness. evie04062023-03-16 This is an excellent program! Not only does it have all the features you need to divorce in CA, but it was surprisingly thorough and easy to follow. Moreover, Dina was wonderful to work with; professional, knowledgeable and committed! Laura Swiger2022-01-13 I highly recommend The Complete Divorce program (and Families First Mediation) for anyone would is going through a divorce. It makes the process so much less stressful. The program helped guide us through the steps and took a lot of the guesswork out of the process. So glad we decided to use it. We saved money and the stress of figuring it out on our own. James Spicer2022-01-04 I was looking for a divorce attorney but it was so expensive. I figured I could do it on my own. This divorce service is a "guided DIY" so you get help from their family law team. They created really easy to use software. I got everything I needed to do my divorce quickly and easily. I did the package that included time with the team so I knew I did it correctly. Still inexpensive compared to others. It was worth it. Thank you Dina, Deborah, and Samira. Invia Betjoseph2021-12-11 As a marriage and family therapist, I've worked with Dina and The Complete Divorce from the start of the business. I don't know any other professional that has the heart and services for people divorcing in California. The program offerings are exceptional. Don't file for a CA divorce without first checking with them. They have so many options and strategies to offer.
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