If you’re going to be going through a divorce, you probably have many questions and concerns. One of those is likely the realization that you will need a lawyer to help you through the process. However, in evaluating who you would like to represent you, it’s important to understand what a San Diego divorce lawyer does. You should know what to expect from them as you consider who to hire.
Child custody is a sensitive issue, which is why there are some important guidelines that family law judges are required to follow when making a child custody decision. Many people, in particular fathers, have questions about whether or not mothers are favored in the child custody process and decisions. While there is a stereotype suggesting that custody typically goes to the mother, the question deserves some closer examination.
Stories of messy divorces are familiar to many people. Even situations where both spouses are comfortable with the decision to divorce and have a desire to do so amicably can still be contentious. San Diego divorce lawyers with experience handling these situations can often help, though, as they recognize the patterns of how conflict can emerge and what may be able to prevent it.
Child custody must always be decided based on the best interests of the child or children involved. However, a variety of factors are involved in making these decisions, and these could change over time. This could mean that the custody orders may need to change as well. Therefore, parents are afforded the opportunity to petition the court for modifications.
However, it’s important to work with a San Diego child custody lawyer when these opportunities arise to ensure that your position is given a strong argument.
California is one of the most expensive states in which to get divorced. On average, couples spend somewhere around $15,000 to $20,000 on their divorce if they do not have children. If the couple has children, the cost of divorce may increase by $5,000 to $10,000. These fees include things like filing fees to submit documents to the court, attorney fees, and other expenses. To receive a general estimate of how much your divorce might cost, contact a San Diego divorce lawyer.
One of the biggest questions asked when filing for divorce is how much you will pay for child support in California. In some cases, the court orders that child support payments be made by the higher earner to the lower earner. This is meant to lower the difference in quality of life between the two parties so that the child’s interests are represented. For more details on your child support payments, contact a San Diego child support attorney.
Health insurance is usually not the first thing that comes to mind during a divorce, but it is incredibly important to think about. It’s usually mandatory in the state of California, so losing health insurance coverage can result in financial consequences for individual spouses as well as their children. If you have detailed questions regarding your health insurance situation after a divorce, contact a San Diego divorce lawyer.
It is a popular belief that mothers automatically receive custody of their children if the parents split, but this is not always the case. Who gets custody often depends on things like the couple’s marital status and each parent’s individual situation. To help improve your odds of receiving custody, contact a San Diego family law attorney.
Spousal support is essentially the court’s way of balancing out the difference in two spouse’s incomes when they divorce. This is to ensure that one spouse isn’t left in financial ruin as a result of a divorce or separation. While spousal support is a court-ordered agreement in California, the state does allow individuals the chance to request modifications to active orders. However, the spouse requesting a modification must prove they experienced a significant change in their life.
For example, the person ordered to pay spousal support could undergo a substantial financial hardship that prohibits their ability to pay spousal support, or the spouse receiving support may receive an increase in income and no longer need payments. These factors can contribute to necessitating a change to the spousal support order. There are, however, legal requirements that must be met in order for a modification to be approved.
Anyone involved in a divorce knows that it is a sensitive, emotional experience that can easily take a toll on you and your family. While sometimes separating spouses can be amicable, there are other cases where relationships have become so broken that no compromises can be made. If your spouse is refusing to cooperate, such as ignoring the divorce papers they were served, there are still options available for you.
In the event that one spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers or does not provide a response, the divorce can still proceed. A San Diego family law attorney can help you move forward with a default divorce today.
San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog