Seeking Divorce in Murrieta?
Our Top-Rated Firm Handles Divorces in Murrieta & Temecula
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?
California is a no-fault divorce state. However, each divorce that is filed must clearly explain why the divorce should be granted and support those reasons with evidence.
There are two grounds for divorce in California:
- Irreconcilable differences: This phrase indicates that there are substantial issues that have led to the breakdown of the marriage. The court will evaluate the specifics of these irreconcilable differences and determine if the marriage should be ended.
- Incurable insanity: It must be proved that the spouse in question is incurably insane. Medical or psychiatric reports and testimony are generally accepted and required as proof for a marriage to be dissolved for this reason.
Key Requirements for Filing Divorce in California
Because California is a no-fault state and you do not need to state the grounds for the divorce, the process first begins by filing your petition in court. There may be other various forms that the local courts require from you. The summons must then be served to your spouse, who will have 30 days to respond to the petition.
Other considerations to make:
- Gather all of yours and your spouse’s financial records
- Decide whether or not you need temporary spousal or child support
- Consider whether if your divorce will be traditional dissolution or a summary dissolution
- Attend any mandatory court hearings
At minimum, you will need to wait six months before the judge can issue a final decree of marriage dissolution. California law requires this waiting period, which begins on the day that you filed your petition.
Legal Guidance for Uncontested Divorce in California
An uncontested divorce means that you and your partner agree on child support, visitation, child custody, and other similar logistical matters. Even in this case, a lawyer can be extremely beneficial to make sure that your rights are protected and that all the paperwork is filled out correctly.
Essential Post-Divorce Actions in California
Once your divorce is legally final, you may still need to take care of a few more items. According to the California Courts, here are some common arrangements you may need to make:
- Update the beneficiary on your life insurance policy
- Update your will (change beneficiary)
- Ask your employer to update your tax withholdings
- Ask your employer to update beneficiaries of your employee benefits (such as health insurance)
- Change the title of your car (if your divorce judgment says only one of you will own it moving forward)
- If you are held responsible for state / federal tax penalties and filed jointly with your spouse in the past, consider filing for “innocent spouse tax relief”
Contact Murrieta's Trusted Divorce Attorney Today
Learning about the many ways Mr. Iverson can help will have you feeling a lot better about where you are during this trying time. Whether you are in Murrieta, Temecula or a surrounding area, he can help!
To schedule an initial consultation where you can have a candid, comfortable conversation about your situation, contact us today.
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"When I have a legal issue, I call Iverson."Perry K.
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"Michael was fantastic to deal with and very professional."Ryan A.
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Less then a month after my consultation it was done. Everyone is awesome and very helpful on any questions I had.
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What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?
California is a no-fault divorce state. However, each divorce that is filed must clearly explain why the divorce should be granted and support those reasons with evidence.
There are two grounds for divorce in California:
- Irreconcilable differences: This phrase indicates that there are substantial issues that have led to the breakdown of the marriage. The court will evaluate the specifics of these irreconcilable differences and determine if the marriage should be ended.
- Incurable insanity: It must be proved that the spouse in question is incurably insane. Medical or psychiatric reports and testimony are generally accepted and required as proof for a marriage to be dissolved for this reason.
What Are the Requirements for Divorce in California?
Because California is a no-fault state and you do not need to state the grounds for the divorce, the process first begins by filing your petition in court. There may be other various forms that the local courts require from you. The summons must then be served to your spouse, who will have 30 days to respond to the petition.
Other considerations to make:
- Gather all of yours and your spouse’s financial records
- Decide whether or not you need temporary spousal or child support
- Consider whether if your divorce will be traditional dissolution or a summary dissolution
- Attend any mandatory court hearings
At minimum, you will need to wait six months before the judge can issue a final decree of marriage dissolution. California law requires this waiting period, which begins on the day that you filed your petition.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means that you and your partner agree on child support, visitation, child custody, and other similar logistical matters. Even in this case, a lawyer can be extremely beneficial to make sure that your rights are protected and that all the paperwork is filled out correctly.
California Post-Divorce Checklist
Once your divorce is legally final, you may still need to take care of a few more items. According to the California Courts, here are some common arrangements you may need to make:
- Update the beneficiary on your life insurance policy
- Update your will (change beneficiary)
- Ask your employer to update your tax withholdings
- Ask your employer to update beneficiaries of your employee benefits (such as health insurance)
- Change the title of your car (if your divorce judgment says only one of you will own it moving forward)
- If you are held responsible for state / federal tax penalties and filed jointly with your spouse in the past, consider filing for “innocent spouse tax relief”
Pursue a Brighter Future with the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson
Learning about the many ways Mr. Iverson can help will have you feeling a lot better about where you are during this trying time. Whether you are in Murrieta, Temecula or a surrounding area, he can help!
To schedule an initial consultation where you can have a candid, comfortable conversation about your situation, contact us today.
At the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, the founder of our respected law firm brings many years of successful service, legal knowledge, and client focus to a shared belief in your goals.
Contact Us
Facing a legal family matters or divorce is stressful, but you do not have to go through this on your own. Take the first step and contact the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC today to learn more.