Your Divorce Case: Expecting The Unexpected
After years of marital challenges, you have finally decided to divorce your spouse. You may know friends and family members who have endured marital dissolution, but it is still overwhelming to take these life-altering steps. That’s where I come in to help. At my law firm, Dahann Bowers Law, I take the time to map out strategies and guide you through this challenging process.
The Steps To A California Divorce
There are four essential steps that take place in every divorce case filed in California. While this keeps the overall process simple, the details and circumstances of your case may extend the length or complexity of the individual steps.
Step 1: The Initial Divorce Filing
The very first step is for you or your spouse to file your divorce papers with the appropriate court. This initiates the proceedings, provides legal notice to your spouse of your intention to divorce, and allows them the opportunity to respond.
Step 2: Sharing Financial Information
The second step is the sharing of financial information. The one who filed for the divorce will send a copy of their complete financial information to their spouse, including all of their assets that will fall under the divorce process. The other spouse will then share a copy of their financial information with the one that filed. This information must be current and up to date, as it will be used to determine important questions such as how much spousal support may be owed, how much child support obligations should be for each spouse, and which assets are part of the marital estate.
Step 3: Property And Custody Division
This is the step that most often takes the longest and is the most bitterly contested. This is where you, your spouse, and the court will negotiate or litigate the division of assets and custody rights. This can be done through a mediated process where there is little disagreement as to how things should be divided, but oftentimes, it can require the intervention of the court to resolve certain issues, such as custody of your children or important assets.
Step 4: Final Judgement
The last step of the divorce is the final judgment. This is where the entire process is completed and a divorce decree is issued, dissolving your marriage. All negotiated or litigated terms will enter into force, and you and your former spouse may go your separate ways. Altogether, this process can take at least six months and perhaps more than a year, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Legal Help Is Available
Regardless of dynamics that are calm or confrontational, divorce representation is important. I know firsthand that marital law is complex. Even the most cooperative divorces still need legal counsel to ensure that all aspects are covered to secure the outcome both sides want.
While I strive for a finalized divorce that brings you closure, you still have to account for how the life-changing event will impact your financial future. Lifestyle changes may require cutting back on certain luxuries you once enjoyed.
Preparing For The Future
The stress of divorce doesn’t end when the proceedings are completed. Grieving a bad marriage may seem counterintuitive. However, acknowledging the end and looking forward to the next chapter of your life may bring a sense of hope.
Starting the process of divorce can be a phone call or email away. Schedule an initial consultation at my Escondido office by calling 951-900-4647 or email me here.