Whether you have been served with divorce papers or you would like to file for divorce, you are about to go through a complicated and potentially difficult time of your life.
In most situations, you will want to hire an experienced family law attorney to guide you through the process so that you can avoid costly mistakes and obtain the best possible results. Hiring a divorce lawyer is always better than representing yourself.
As you begin on this journey, read the following pages of the California Divorce Guide closely. This information will help you understand the California divorce process and help you make the right choices from the start.
Whether you have been served with divorce papers or you would like to file for divorce, you are about to go through a complicated and potentially difficult time of your life.
Featured Articles
The Significance of the Date of Separation
The date of separation is important to distinguishing if property is separate or community. The property acquired by a spouse before the date of separation is considered to be community property, while any property acquired after the date of separation is considered to be that spouse’s separate property. Learn how the date of separation is determined by the court using two tests if parties cannot agree on the date of separation.
Preparing for a Day in California Divorce Court
Appearing in a California divorce courtroom can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With ample preparation, you can perform admirably and help your standing in your case. The most effective way to prepare is to discuss your appearance with your attorney. Learn what you need to do to prepare for a day in California divorce court.
Determining Temporary Child and Spousal Support
Child support is determined by a mandatory child support guideline that is used in every case. The most important factors in determining child support are each parent’s income AND the amount of time each parent actually cares for the child. Learn more about determining temporary child support.
Spousal support can be granted from the outset of the divorce process. This temporary support can be determined with an Order to Show Cause early in the divorce process. Setting the proper amount of temporary spousal support is important, because this amount will often influence the amount of support to be paid for years to come. Learn more about determining temporary spousal support.
Additional Resources
California Divorce Timeline
Learn about the entire divorce process with the California Divorce Timeline. Discover the steps of the divorce process and how long your divorce is likely to take.
Child and Spousal Support Calculator
Use our child and spousal support calculator to learn how much child and spousal support you may be asked to pay or that you may receive. By inputting a few simple figures, you can get an idea of how your divorce may affect you financially.