Married California couples may not want to think about the necessity of planning for a divorce, but it might be something to consider. According to statistics, the rate of divorce in the United States is at almost 50 percent. This means that nearly 2 million divorces occur each year. Being prepared for a divorce means understanding the divorce process and planning for what comes before, during and after a divorce.
People who go through the divorce process will have to go through three stages. They will have to file necessary paperwork, conduct discovery, or research on the financial background of themselves and their spouse, and attend a disposition. For the couples who want to end their marriage without having to go through the expense and stress of a trial, they have many options. For example, they can have a collaborative divorce or go through the mediation process, whichever option is most suitable for their situation.
Before filing for a divorce, it is important that individuals conduct the necessary research about the laws in the state in which the divorce is to occur. They should be aware of the timeline for divorce and how long they will have to be separated from their spouse before submitting a divorce petition. It is also necessary to know how much their attorney charges and whether it is on a retainer basis or by the hour.
A family law attorney may examine the circumstances of a client’s marriage and recommend various legal options for obtaining a divorce. The attorney may use negotiation to obtain favorable divorce settlement terms regarding the division of marital property, spousal support, child custody, child support and other divorce legal issues. If necessary, the attorney may engage in litigation to ensure that rights and interests of clients are protected.
