2020 was a difficult year for most people, whether it was challenging financially, emotionally, or both. Families felt a lot of pressure, and marriages were certainly challenged. If you believe that you cannot resolve the conflict between you and your spouse – or you think your spouse wants to end the marriage – do not hesitate to learn the steps you can take to prepare for divorce and protect your rights.
Learn about Your Options
Knowing your options for how divorce cases proceed in California can help you get an idea of what to expect. An attorney can assess your situation and advise you which of the following might be the course of your divorce:
- Uncontested
- Contested
- Mediation
- Collaborative divorce
The type of divorce you will have will depend on your goals and your current ability to compromise with your spouse.
Gather Information
Divorce requires you to provide a significant amount of information to the court regarding your marriage, children, and finances. It is also wise to get a thorough picture of your financial situation and gather:
- Account numbers and online sign-in information
- All debt statements
- Life and health insurance policies
- Investment account information
- Business documents
- Property titles
Having all this information ready will make it easier for your lawyer to advise you of possible property division issues, as well as prevent your spouse from hiding assets or withholding information from you.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer in California for Help
Perhaps the most important step you can take when considering divorce in 2021 is to consult with a California divorce attorney at Furubotten Law, APC. We can discuss the process with you and advise you on what to expect, helping every step of the way. Contact us online to set up a consultation. We have offices in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Murrieta, and Manhattan Beach to best serve our clients.