While divorce is an emotional decision, it is also a strict legal process. The law requires you to resolve many different issues before the family court will dissolve your marriage. Resolving such matters can go smoother in some cases than in others, and it helps to have a Long Beach divorce lawyer helping you through the process.
Common Issues
California law requires you to resolve any of the following that apply to your marriage during the divorce process:
- Community Property Division – Any property you acquired during marriage or an increase in property value during marriage will need to be divided as equally as possible. This includes your home, vehicles, personal property and belongings, financial assets, and debts.
- Spousal Maintenance – Maintenance is not requested in every divorce, but when it is, this can be a contentious matter. No spouse wants to continue to support their ex-spouse following a divorce, so the would-be payor of maintenance often fights the award. On the other hand, the petitioning spouse might rely on such support to be able to cover bills and expenses for a period of time after the marriage ends.
- Child Custody – If you share minor children with your spouse, you will need to determine how you will share bother legal and physical custody. This is based on what is in the best interests of the child, but parents have the opportunity to come to an agreement on their own to present to the court whenever possible.
- Child Support – If there is an income discrepancy between two parents, the court will likely order child support payments by one parent in accordance with California child support calculations.
Let a Long Beach Divorce Lawyer Help
The right Long Beach divorce lawyer can help negotiate or mediate any disagreements regarding the above issues to reach an out-of-court settlement whenever you can. Contact Furubotten Law about your divorce case today.