Divorce Law Orange County California
Family law and divorce law Orange County covers a variety of areas such as divorce laws and child custody laws. A divorce in California is called a dissolution of marriage. California is a no-fault divorce state, which means a spouse can file for a termination of the marriage even if the other does not want to terminate it. A common reason cited in no-fault divorce cases is "irreconcilable differences." There are also child custody laws in place when a divorce involves children. There are more ways than one to divorce or dissolve a marriage or domestic partnership -- a domestic partnership being a legal relationship between couples of the same sex which affords many of the same rights, protections, and benefits as couples who are married.
A legal separation for example has similar grounds as a divorce for married couples or domestic partners but allows the couple to separate their finances and property without ending the legal relationship. An annulment can be granted if the court finds that a domestic partnership or marriage is not valid, not legal or voidable. For simple divorce, a summary dissolution may be an option but certain factors must be met for a couple to qualify for it. If you're seeking a divorce you'll want to speak with an Orange County divorce lawyer to find out about the divorce law Orange County California and help you determine the best option for you. You'll also want to discuss division of property and spousal support laws.
Prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements are becoming more common not just for celebrities and Hollywood divorces. Couples with substantial assets often want to have a legal agreement executed before marriage (prenupt) or after marriage (postnup) that specifies each parties responsibilities and rights regarding property.
There are more than one way to settle divorce and child custody disputes. Not all matters need to be litigated in front of a judge in the Orange County Superior Court. For example, divorce mediation or collaborative divorce are alternative dispute resolution options that don't involve court. For free information and assistance you can contact the Orange County Family Law Facilitator Office, which provides assistance and guidance on some family law issues. However, they do not provide legal advice. For legal advice about your specific divorce situation, you'll need to speak with a family law attorney or Certified Family Law Specialist.