San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog
Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in California?
Going through a divorce can be a daunting experience, even if you and your spouse agree on everything. Divorce, or dissolution, is one of three ways to end a marriage or domestic partnership in California, and it can feel overwhelming to go through the process. One of the first questions you may ask yourself is, “Do I have to go to court to get a divorce in California?”
The short answer is no. You do not have to go to court to get divorced in California if the case is uncontested. This means both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, including child support, custody, property division, spousal support, and any other relevant factors pertaining to your relationship.
A partner in a long-term unmarried relationship may question their eligibility for financial support like alimony upon the relationship’s termination. California refers to financial support for unmarried partners as palimony. Courts do not automatically award palimony like they do spousal support, and establishing entitlement to palimony in California requires complex legal evidence.
Separated parents face challenges in co-parenting, but it becomes almost unmanageable when dealing with an especially troublesome ex. Shared custody and decision-making become emotionally exhausting when your ex-partner demonstrates uncooperative behavior and manipulation while creating continuous conflict. We can give you tips about how to co-parent with a difficult ex.
Leaving an abusive spouse through divorce represents one of life’s most challenging and hazardous decisions. Any type of abuse becomes more dangerous when the victim decides to leave the abusive situation. California provides legal protections and resources that assist individuals in navigating this process with maximum safety. Below are some safety tips when divorcing an abusive spouse in California.
In some cases, individuals may seek an annulment due to fundamental issues that render the marriage legally invalid. Understanding the legal grounds for annulment in California is essential for those seeking to dissolve a legally invalid marriage.
If there are concerns about undisclosed assets, forensic accounting can help identify hidden income and ensure an equitable settlement. If your spouse is found to be hiding income during your divorce, then you need the help of a forensic accountant.
Blended families experiencing a divorce can face unique challenges when it comes to child custody and support. All the factors normally considered, such as custody arrangements and who pays child support, may not be as straightforward as they seem in standard divorce cases due to the fact that stepparents do not share the same legal responsibilities as biological parents.
You’ve gone through mediation and to court, and there are agreements in place, yet your ex-spouse still isn’t holding up their end of the agreement. When it comes to how to handle child support arrears in California, even though things might seem stressful right now, we can help.
In California, ‘legal separation’ means that a married couple can live independently without fully and formally dissolving their marriage. There are some benefits and disadvantages to obtaining a legal separation. A seasoned attorney who is familiar with legal separation cases can further discuss all options for dissolving a relationship.
A child custody case in California can be an emotionally challenging, legally complex, and stressful process for everyone involved. Although a criminal conviction doesn’t always disqualify a parent from custody or visitation, it’s an important factor that California courts assess carefully. The court’s main goal is to protect the best interest of the child.