What is a Divorce Decree?

A divorce decree is a legal document that finalizes the divorce process. Also known as a judgment, a divorce decree lays out any judicial orders specific to the final agreement between spouses or the court’s final rulings. A divorce decree is the written declaration of the court’s ruling ending the marriage. No divorce is final until a divorce decree is signed by the parties, the judge, and sealed by the…

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Filing for Bankruptcy After Divorce

Divorce is often more than an emotional struggle. It comes with many challenges, including personal and financial obstacles. When one household must divide into two separate, functioning entities, there can be issues paying bills, spousal support, child support, and other obligations. If you are considering bankruptcy before or after your divorce, the following provides a brief legal overview of the effect of bankruptcy on final divorce orders. For specific advice,…

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How to Obtain a Divorce Decree in California

There are many situations in which you may need a copy of your divorce decree. Some are as simple as providing proof of divorce, while others are more complicated and involve taking an ex-spouse back to court for violation of the terms of your divorce decree. Regardless of your need for your decree, it is essential to know how to procure that decree in California and be aware of what…

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How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

A divorce in California can cost as little as the $435 filing fee or hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the average cost of a California divorce is around $17,500. This is slightly higher than the national average of about $15,000. The cost of a divorce in California depends on a number of factors, including: If the divorce is contested Whether there are minor children of the marriage If the…

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in California?

There is no fast answer to how long a divorce will take in California. The most straightforward answer is it depends.  No two California divorces are the same, even those divorces that are agreed upon. Divorces vary in complexity. Divorces with complicated issues like significant assets and children are typically disputed between the spouses. This slows divorce proceedings considerably. There is one rule that applies to all California divorces that…

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California Divorce Waiting Period

Every California divorce and dissolution of a domestic partnership is unique and follows its own timeline. However, California divorce law has a mandatory waiting period of six months for a divorce or dissolution of a domestic partnership that pertains to all divorcing couples in the state. California is strict regarding its six-month waiting period and allows no exceptions or methods to quicken a dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership. However,…

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Grounds for Divorce in California

While some states still allow spouses to file for divorce based on grounds, such as adultery and fraud, California is a no-fault divorce state. This means citing fault or blame as a reason for divorce in California is not required or permitted. California has only two legal grounds for divorce, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. These are irreconcilable differences and the permanent legal incapacity to make decisions. Irreconcilable…

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Fernandez Law Group Listed Among the Top Divorce Lawyers in Santa Monica by Expertise.com

The team at Fernandez Law Group is pleased to announce that our firm has been named one of the 20 best divorce lawyers in Santa Monica by Expertise.com. Expertise.com is a digital directory that curates objectively-quantified lists of reputable professionals to make it easy for readers to find the right expert for their unique needs. To compile this list, Expertise began with a pool of 64 Santa Monica divorce lawyers…

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