Articles Posted in Date of Separation

What Does ‘No-Fault’ Mean in California Divorce?

What Does ‘No-Fault’ Mean in California Divorce?The concept of a no-fault divorce was adopted in 1970 in the state of California, becoming the first state in the United States to do so. This approach to divorce recognizes that marriages can end for a variety of reasons and allows couples to end their marriages without going through a contentious and lengthy legal process to prove fault.

No-fault divorce aims to reduce the adversarial nature of divorce proceedings by eliminating the requirement to assign blame. Major issues that often come up in divorce, such as child custody, division of property, and spousal support, are generally addressed without delving into the specific reasons behind the divorce. This makes way for a fair and logical life division without the intense drama of fault-based divorce.

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How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?

How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?Working through the challenging decision to start a divorce process can feel overwhelming. With so many details and considerations to navigate and prioritize, it can seem daunting to approach the realities of legal divorce. Many individuals hope to get the divorce process over and completed in a short timeline so they can start over and move on. While this is completely understandable, there are several factors out of an individual’s control when it comes to a divorce timeline.

After coming to the personal conclusion to pursue a divorce, it is necessary to begin the legal process as soon as possible to ensure you are not extending the timeline longer than necessary. While the first steps to divorce may seem obvious, it is helpful to take time to review what is locally required for divorce proceedings and ensure you are prepared. Gathering documents, consulting a divorce attorney, and engaging in personal support from family and friends is a great place to start.

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Who Needs a Prenup in California?

Who Needs a Prenup in California?Prenuptial agreements have a reputation for being exclusively useful for high-net-worth individuals and not of use or importance for “regular” couples, but this is not true. Taking time to identify the financial responsibilities and decisions within a marriage can ensure clear communication defining responsibilities, which often preserves the relationship from the financial stress of unaddressed matters.

With financial stress remaining a leading cause of American couples taking a step towards divorce, finding ways to establish financial understanding and delegation before the start of the marriage only sets you and your partner up for success. Prenuptial agreements can benefit every couple, not just high-earning individuals.

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How Are Child Custody Agreements Determined in California?

How Are Child Custody Agreements Determined in California?In California, child custody agreements are based on determining what the most ideal arrangement for the child is and creating a care plan that aligns with this conclusion. In the state of California, family law emphasizes the importance of maintaining frequent and continuing contact between the child and both parents while considering the child’s health, safety, and welfare.

If you are about to begin the child custody process or are well into your custody agreement arrangements, it is helpful to understand what terms are reviewed and used in determining the legal agreement.

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How Can a Prenuptial Agreement Help My Marriage?

How Can a Prenuptial Agreement Help My Marriage?Marriage is more than an official union recognized by the government. It’s also a legal and financial partnership. It bears significant responsibility, including forfeiting some of the independent freedoms that will be shared between you and your new spouse. This is where prenuptial agreements come into play. If you’d like to create a prenuptial agreement, a California family lawyer can help.

Otherwise known as a “prenup,” these are official contracts agreed upon before marriage that outline how various financial affairs and assets will be dealt with in the event of a divorce. By better understanding the nature of these marriage contracts, soon-to-be newlyweds can better assess if a prenup is right for them.

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How Does Relocation Impact Child Custody?

How Does Relocation Impact Child Custody?Having to relocate after a child custody arrangement has already been implemented for many years is a reality that many families must face. The need to relocate can sometimes be driven by a new job opportunity, a personal circumstance, or even the sheer desire for a change in environment. However, legal complexities can necessitate the help of a California child custody lawyer in your relocation case.

By understanding the multifaceted implications of relocation on child custody arrangements, parents can better understand how to navigate this difficult decision.

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How to Recognize the Signs of Domestic Violence

How to Recognize the Signs of Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence is an issue that affects millions worldwide. It transcends age, race, gender, and social status. While most people recognize domestic violence as a physical act, it also can extend to emotional and psychological abuse. Sometimes, victims are able to recognize the abuse and seek help immediately, while other times, they are stuck in a cycle of abuse that can negatively impact every other area of their lives.

By understanding the often-hidden signs of domestic violence and how to seek meaningful support, loved ones can identify problems, and victims can begin the healing process faster.

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Characterization of Marital Assets in Divorce

Characterization of Marital Assets in DivorceIf you or your spouse have filed for divorce, or if you are planning to file for divorce, you may be wondering how the California family court will decide who gets what in terms of assets, property, and other valuables you and your spouse share in marriage. It is important to have an overall general understanding of the legal process for marital property division in California before you get to court, especially if you have inherited property either before or during your marriage.
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Guide to California Military Divorce

Guide to California Military DivorceSan Diego is home to more than 115,000 active-duty service members in the Navy and Marine Corps, so it makes sense for a law firm to reach out to those service members by providing legal services aimed specifically at representing those San Diego residents. Bickford Blado & Botros understand the need for military-focused attorneys who have a deep comprehension of the laws that apply to military members. Representing military divorce clients falls under this category.

Military divorce can be a bit different from civilian divorce, and it is important to understand exactly how it is different if you are involved in a military divorce. Areas such as child custody, child support, property division, and even the initial petitioning for divorce can all be complicated for military service members. Below is a guide to understanding these differences within the realm of California family law.

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Understanding the Sensitivities of Same-Sex Divorces

Understanding the Sensitivities of Same-Sex DivorcesCalifornia has been a trailblazer when it comes to recognizing same-sex couple rights, including same-sex marriage, which became legal in 2015. Despite the 10-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage, same-sex divorce is still met with challenges and must be handled with care, as it can often be a delicate legal issue for some couples.

While the laws apply to same-sex divorce exactly the same as they do to heterosexual divorce, the majority of same-sex divorce cases don’t play out in the traditional manner. Because of the unique circumstances of these cases, it takes a special legal perspective to navigate the intricacies of same-sex divorces.

It should be noted that custody matters, child support, spousal support, division of assets, and the actual process for the dissolution of marriage are the same for heterosexual and same-sex divorces. However, due to the infancy of same-sex unions, same-sex divorces still meet challenges within the realm of California law.
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