Experienced Dissolution/Orange County Divorce Lawyer in California
What is Divorce?
Divorce, also known as the dissolution of marriage, is the end of a marriage before the death of either spouse. In the United States, it is projected that roughly 31% of marriages end in a divorce, and the divorce rate is presently dilapidating. The foremost causes for divorce in the United States are infidelity, family strains, emotional and/or physical abuse, and mid-life crisis.
Divorce laws tend to differ by state in the U.S. Some states expect spouses to have justifiable grounds for divorce. Legitimate grounds for divorce may be infidelity, living separate and apart for a specified length of time, or judicial separation. However, California is a no fault state, meaning it allows spouses to seek a divorce by citing "irreconcilable differences".
In California, How Should You Handle Your Case?
There are different ways to end your relationship divorce, legal separation, or annulment.
Some ways are faster, easier, and less costly than others. Read this page may assist you to figure out the best option for you.
IF: You and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce, have no children, and were married or in a domestic partnership for less than 5 years ...
There is a quick, easy way to get divorced called "summary dissolution."
You won't have to talk to a judge and you may not need to hire a lawyer. But remember: it is in your best interest to see a lawyer about ending your marriage or domestic partnership.
You can get a summary dissolution if you and your spouse or domestic partner:
1. Have no children together;
2. Have been married or in a domestic partnership for less than 5 years;
3. Don't own very much;
4. Don't owe very much; and
5. Have no disagreements about how to divide your belongings and debts once you are no longer together.
IF: Your spouse or domestic partner agrees to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
If you and your spouse or domestic partner can agree about how to handle money, property, and parenting, you have an "uncontested case." You also have an uncontested case, if your spouse or domestic partner will probably not file any forms in court disagreeing with your requests. If your spouse or domestic partner fails to file a Response in the case your case can proceed with out the other parties participation through a default. If you and your partner can agree on the terms, your case can be completed as an uncontested case. Most uncontested cases can be handled by mail and brief contacts with a judge. You may not have to see the judge at all.
IF: Your spouse or domestic partner does NOT agree to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
If your spouse or domestic partner files a Response and you and your spouse or domestic partner can't agree on 1 or more issues, then you have a "contested case." You will have to talk to the judge 1 or more times to resolve your disagreements.
If your case starts out or later becomes contested, you may be able to come to an agreement through negotiation, mediation, or some other process. If so, your case then becomes uncontested. If your case becomes uncontested, you can finish your case more quickly and at a lower cost.
We strongly recommend you schedule a free consultation with our Orange County Divorce Lawyers to discuss your options.
Disclaimer: California Family Law Divorce Lawyers
Follow Us