Divorce can often be a long, drawn-out, emotionally taxing process. Part of that also comes from still having to be married to the person you are trying to divorce. Another reason is that the spouses are trying to work through many issues related to property and child custody. While a California divorce takes a minimum of six months, many...
Continue ReadingProof of service is a document that confirms you have officially delivered legal papers, such as complaints or motions, to the other party involved in a civil case, excluding the initial summons. This document verifies that the court’s procedures have been followed and ensures that the other party is aware of the legal actions being taken. Proof of service...
Continue ReadingDivorce is not just the end of a marriage; it’s the beginning of a new financial reality. This transition can be particularly complex in California due to the state’s community property laws, which aim to divide assets and debts equally. The process of separating shared finances—like joint accounts, investments, and property—can feel overwhelming. Understanding the financial impact of divorce...
Continue ReadingYes, California is a 50/50 divorce state. Under California’s community property law, any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally between spouses during a divorce. This means property like homes, income, or vehicles purchased while married are considered jointly owned and divided 50/50 unless a legal agreement (like a prenup) states otherwise. However, assets owned...
Continue ReadingCourt orders are slightly more powerful than the paper they are printed on. However, when someone fails to comply with a family court order, you can take steps to hold them accountable, such as how to hold someone in contempt of court. While no one can technically force someone to comply with a family court order, the lack of...
Continue ReadingDivorce can be a challenging and emotional time for both spouses. Poor communication is often a significant component of why relationships break down, but it can continue to complicate things when going through a divorce. If you’re going through the dissolution process, you may want to avoid communicating with your spouse because you’ve already found it challenging. However, continued...
Continue ReadingYou have several rights under California law, but you don’t always have unlimited time to assert them. A deadline to assert a legal right is codified in the applicable statute of limitations, and a failure to initiate a case within this period could forever bar you from legal relief. Key Takeaways No Strict Time Limit for Settlement: While California...
Continue ReadingIn California, the best interests of the child are always paramount. The laws are set up to ensure that the child is financially, physically, and emotionally cared for by both parents. If you and your spouse have equal (50/50) custody of your child, you might assume that neither of you has to pay child support to the other. It...
Continue ReadingGetting divorced can be challenging and is rarely easy. The process becomes even more complicated when you or your spouse are military members. The military divorce process is unique because of deployments, military benefits, and the intersection of state and federal laws. Below is an essential military divorce guide to help you understand the process and some of the...
Continue ReadingGetting married means joining two lives, and getting divorced means separating those lives—including property. But can you divorce without splitting assets in California? You can do so in specific circumstances, typically involving voluntary consent from both spouses. Contact a divorce lawyer near you for help understanding your property rights and obligations during marriage and divorce. In every case, our...
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