Divorce

If spouses are ending their marriage on contentious terms, there is a chance that one spouse may waste marital property out of spite. Proactively identifying this behavior is essential to protect your financial interests before the court distributes the assets. Here...

One common misconception in many divorces is that spousal support or alimony is only for those who are unemployed. If you find yourself in that situation, you may assume that you lost your right to financial assistance because you have a steady paycheck. However, you...

Concerns about property division are often the main issue in a divorce. Spouses worry about their homes and their businesses. They want to ensure that the outcome is actually fair. Under California's community property rules, married couples usually need to address...

Domestic violence is a common reason that people leave their marriages. Those subject to physical harm by their spouses or concerned about the safety of their children often plan carefully to ensure their safety when they leave. In cases involving requests for privacy...

If your spouse files for divorce in California, you are required to respond to the petition. You typically have 30 days to do so. There are certain things that can extend this process. If you are a military member, for example, you can request an automatic stay under...

Legal separation has some of the same practical consequences as divorce. Spouses can separate their property and financial obligations. They can live separately without claims of abandonment. They can avoid responsibility for one another's debts, all without...

People contemplating divorce often become their own private investigators. They start looking for documentation of actionable misconduct that can justify their decision to file for divorce. People who discover that their spouses have cheated and those dealing with...

Agreeing on major issues can be challenging when couples divorce. People may end up fighting over their shared property and their financial savings. Custody matters can also cause conflict when people have children. Those hoping to divorce may worry that actually...

Many divorced parents who share custody of their child follow a custody schedule. A custody schedule determines which parent is responsible for their child on set days. Once a custody schedule is approved by the court, both parents are legally required to follow it. ...

Marital agreements are contracts between spouses. Changing social values and consistently high divorce rates have led to an increase in prenuptial agreements. Couples who have already married can also negotiate postnuptial agreements when they experience marital...