EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL ATTORNEY

Starting a divorce

Starting a California Divorce? Expert Advice for a Stress-Free Process | Child Custody, Spousal Support, Mediation, and More"

Are you thinking about getting a divorce in California? Our family law office offers thorough counsel from the start, making the process go more smoothly as you embark on your path. Our expert attorneys will help you with everything from filing divorce papers to resolving child custody, spousal support, and property disputes.

Mediation and settlement agreements can save time and money, and we'll look into all avenues to find mutually beneficial solutions. We understand the complexity of California divorce law, whether it's an uncontested divorce or a contentious divorce.

We will be there for you every step of the way during this tough time, with sympathy and dedication. Contact us right away to discuss your choices and begin the process.

Divorce in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you thinking about getting a divorce in California but don't know where to start? Look no further. This Complete guidance will walk you through various divorce options, strategies, and key considerations to ensure a smooth and cost-effective divorce process. Whether you're considering a DIY divorce without a lawyer or exploring how to file for a divorce in California by yourself, this guide covers it all.

Talk to an expert California Family Law Attorney for help:

You can talk to an experienced California Family Law Attorney who knows a lot about this stuff. Some divorces can be tricky, so it’s not a great idea to figure out how to split things all by yourself. Getting help from someone who knows what they’re doing can be a big help.

Also, sometimes couples do things with their stuff that’s different from the usual rules, or they agree to change the rules with a special agreement before they get married. If your situation is like this and you’re not agreeing on what to do with your things, it’s smart to talk to a California Family Law Attorney who knows all about it, especially someone from TheCompleteDivorce .

CA Divorce Process

{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="e8e08a9a43028f66ee0ab2d1f262b5d3"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="e3d138c56dbe5e13a0042f9a25e154b2"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="25760af7e67a9bba4d58672f0c826b67"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="15a1461d70280d90f84a0cfbd35a8e83"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="eaf80bb35fe219b4c4382c80926b2628"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="9532dab4db1eda8f6900fbaa001311fe"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="fe76137b458477eaeaf5e1fe895018ff"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="beabe59aa34acb04655074659190b59a"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}

{{menu_item_icon}}{{menu_item_title}}{{mega_menu}}{{menu_loop_submenu}}
{{ end_menu_loop_submenu }}

{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="e8e08a9a43028f66ee0ab2d1f262b5d3"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="e3d138c56dbe5e13a0042f9a25e154b2"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="25760af7e67a9bba4d58672f0c826b67"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="15a1461d70280d90f84a0cfbd35a8e83"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="eaf80bb35fe219b4c4382c80926b2628"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="9532dab4db1eda8f6900fbaa001311fe"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="fe76137b458477eaeaf5e1fe895018ff"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}{{menu_item_icon_value itemId="beabe59aa34acb04655074659190b59a"}}{{ end_menu_item_icon_value }}

{{menu_item_icon}}{{menu_item_title}}{{mega_menu}}{{menu_loop_submenu}}
{{ end_menu_loop_submenu }}

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To start your divorce case in California, You or your spouse must have been a resident of California for at least six months. It's as if California is saying, "We're in this with you, for the long haul ". But hold on, there's more! You must also have spent at least three months in the county where you wish to file. Why, you might be wondering. It's to verify that you have a genuine connection to the location where you're attempting to dissolve your marriage. So, six months in California, three months in your selected county, and you're on your way to navigating the divorce process in America's most beautiful state. Remember that laws can change.

Divorce Petition (Form FL-100): This is where it all starts. It is your legal divorce request, stating the essential facts of your case.
Form FL-110: Summons Consider it a legal "heads-up" to your spouse. It informs them that the divorce is officially begun.
Forms of Financial Disclosure: Forms such as the Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150) may be required depending on your financial condition. These forms provide a clear snapshot of your financial situation, assisting the court in making fair decisions on issues such as child support and property distribution.
Property Declaration (Form FL-160): If you have substantial assets, this form is essential. It lists your assets and liabilities, which aids in the split process.
Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (document FL-105): If child custody is at stake, this document aids in establishing jurisdiction and ensuring the child's best interests are taken into account.
Proof of Summons Service (Form FL-115): This form is required to demonstrate that your spouse has been formally served with divorce papers.

If your spouse doesn't respond to your divorce petition within the specified time frame, you might have the opportunity to move forward with a default divorce. In this scenario, the court could grant your divorce solely based on your initial petition, even if your spouse doesn't actively participate or cooperate. It's crucial to consult with legal experts to understand the specific steps and implications of pursuing a default divorce in your jurisdiction.

When you file for divorce in California, you must wait six months. California offers a "no-fault" divorce system, which implies that you do not have to accuse or prove your spouse's misconduct to obtain a divorce. However, in California, a waiting period is required before the divorce can be finalized.