What is divorce?
Divorce, also known as “dissolution of marriage”, is the legal action of terminating a marriage. 

What are considered “grounds” for divorce?
In the state of California, people may have grounds for divorce due to irreconcilable differences or due to incurable insanity.

What is the state of California’s residency requirements for divorce?
Before a person can file for divorce or legal separation in the state of California, he/she must be a resident of the state for at least 6 months, and a resident of his/her county for at least 3 months. 

What is a “contested divorce”?
When spouses are not able to reach a mutual agreement regarding child custody, child support, spousal support, their estate, and other conditions relating to their divorce, it is called a “contested divorce”.

What is an “uncontested divorce”?
When spouses are able to agree upon the terms related to child custody, child support, spousal support, or estate mates, it is considered an “uncontested divorce”.

What is legal separation?
Legal separation is considered an alternative to divorce.  Unlike a divorce, spouses who legally separate do not have their marriage terminated.  This means that the spouses remain married, but agree to live separately for a set period of time. 

What is an annulment?
Annulment is considered the legal termination of a marriage.  However, unlike divorce, annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed.  Once an annulment is granted, the marriage or partnership is not considered legally valid.

What is child support?
Child support is defined as monetary payment for the support and well-being of a child.  Child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to cover the child’s day-to-day expenses, such as: food, shelter, clothing, educational expenses, and medical expenses. 

What is child custody?
Child custody is the legal and physical relationship that exists between parents and children.  In the state of California, there are 4 types of custody:  joint physical custody, sole physical custody, joint legal custody, and sole legal custody.

What is physical custody?
Physical custody refers to the actual placement and living arrangement of the child.

What is legal custody?
Legal custody refers to the ability to make decisions pertaining to the child’s education, healthcare, or religion.

What is spousal support?
Spousal support is monetary payments that are made by an independent spouse to a dependent spouse.  Spousal support is also known as alimony.

Why should I hire a family law attorney?
A client should seek representation for any legally related matter, especially family law where there is a lot at stake, including custody and visitation with one’s children, financial issues including property division and support.  A family law attorney can protect your rights, provide legal insight, and fight on your behalf in and out of court.