Understanding Divorce Laws in California

What is Divorce?

Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, is a legal process that ends a marriage. In the state of California, divorce laws are governed by the Family Code and the California Rules of Court. The process typically begins with one spouse filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court, which serves as notice to the other spouse.

California law requires that all divorces be filed in the county where either party resides or has resided for at least three months prior to filing. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with a copy of the petition and any supporting documents within 20 days.

Types of Divorce in California

There are several types of divorces that can be filed in California, including uncontested, contested, and summary. An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support.

A contested divorce, on the other hand, is one where the parties cannot agree on these issues and must go to court to resolve them. A summary divorce is a type of uncontested divorce that can be filed when there are no minor children involved and the couple has agreed on all terms.

What is the Divorce Process in California?

The divorce process in California typically begins with one spouse filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court. The other spouse must then be served with a copy of the petition and any supporting documents within 20 days.

Once both parties have been served, they will need to complete and file financial disclosures, which include information about their income, expenses, and assets.