Can I Buy My Teen a Car Without My Spouse’s Approval?
During a divorce, you and your spouse will be restricted in what financial actions you can take by a set of restraining orders. These restraining orders are automatic and temporary, included in the summons and effective with the filing and service of the initial divorce papers. Generally, you will be restricted from making any significant purchases, transferring ownership of any community property, taking out debt, lending money or changing the…
Read MoreI Have Season Tickets; Are These Subject to Division?
California’s community property rule governs the division of debts and property in divorce. All property acquired during the course of the marriage is subject to 50/50 division upon divorce. Property is defined broadly; anything that holds value is property. Given the value of a set of season tickets, be it for a sports team or the opera, they are considered valuable property. How season tickets could be divided will depend…
Read MoreWhat Fees Are Involved in a Divorce?
Many people hold the opinion that divorce is expensive in every case. Some people may even be hesitant to file for divorce for fear of the cost. There are several costs that can make a divorce expensive, however getting an idea of where all these costs come from can help you make an informed decision on how to go about getting a divorce. Divorce Fees Costs from a divorce will include:…
Read MoreWhat Is a Declaration?
There are many court documents, or pleadings, involved in a divorce case. Some of the most important pleadings in a divorce case are declarations. A declaration is a written statement submitted by a party who can speak to the facts and circumstances of the case. Declarations must be sworn to be true and correct, and must signed under penalty of perjury. Because what is said in the declaration is taken…
Read MoreWho Can I Have as an Expert Witness in My Divorce Case?
You may think of an expert witness as someone who provides illuminating facts in criminal cases. However, they can be extremely helpful in divorce cases as well. Expert witness statements can facilitate case decisions in the face of highly disputed issues and facts. Expert witnesses can provide a valuable opinion on many issues in a divorce case, such as the fitness of a parent, the financial state of the marital…
Read MoreWhat Are Final Divorce Papers?
A divorce is finalized once a judge has signed the judgment and both parties to the divorce are in receipt of a copy of said judgment. The earliest this can happen is six months from the time the petition and summons, which begin the divorce case, were filed and served upon the respondent. A divorce judgment is a final decree, or court order, which outlines all the agreements and decisions…
Read MoreI’ve Just Been Served; What is a Summons?
Being served with divorce papers can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. It is often an emotionally turbulent time, and you may be unsure what steps to take next to preserve your legal rights and provide a timely response to these documents. The following provides basic information on the standard divorce forms and procedures in California. For specific details and help understanding and filling out this paperwork, contact an experienced…
Read MoreWhat is a Petition for Dissolution?
One of the first documents required in a divorce is the Petition for Dissolution, served alongside the Summons. A petition is a document that you, as the petitioner, file with the court, requesting a certain judicial action take place. In this case, a Petition for Dissolution requests that the court dissolve, or end, your marriage or domestic partnership. Either spouse or partner can file the Petition for Dissolution to begin…
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