Judge gavel deciding on marriage divorce signing papers. lawyer concept
If you are considering a divorce in California, there are a few things you need to know. Our last article examined the need to establish residency, establish the grounds, complete and file the paperwork, and ensure proper service. In this blog post, we will outline the next four steps you need to take to legally end your marriage in the Golden State. Remember that while these steps provide a general overview of the process, every divorce is unique and may require additional steps. So if you have any specific questions about your family law matter, it is best to speak with a qualified attorney.
After you have filed your paperwork and served your spouse, the next step is to wait for a response. If your spouse does not respond to the petition within 30 days, you can proceed with the next steps. However, if they respond, you will need to work out any disagreements before moving forward.
Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, the law requires you to wait at least six months from the filing date before it can be finalized. This waiting period is in place to give couples time to reconcile their differences.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on all the terms, you must attend a settlement hearing or a trial. At the settlement hearing, a judge will try to help you and your spouse agree on all disputed issues. If you can still not agree, your case will go to trial, and a judge will make the final decisions about your case.
Once all the above steps have been completed, you will receive your final order. This document will outline all the terms, including child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and property division. Once you have received this document, your divorce will be official, and you can move on with your life.
These four steps are a general overview of the process. However, every family law matter is unique, and you may need to take additional steps. So if you have any specific questions, it is best to speak with a qualified attorney.
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