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.
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.
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.
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.
San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog