If you recently came to the decision that you want to get divorced, you probably know nothing about the process except that it results in the end of your relationship. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can lead to mistakes and misunderstandings that impact your divorce outcomes. However, Stolar Law Group is here to share five questions that you can ask an attorney to get a grasp of the process from the beginning.
WHEN WILL MY DIVORCE BE FINALIZED?
In California, you cannot legally end your marital status until at least six months after the case is filed, and the respondent is served with a copy of the petitioner’s paperwork. However, the divorce process may last longer depending on the circumstances of your case.
When talking to a California divorce attorney, you can ask when your divorce will be finalized given the circumstances of your case. The attorney can only give you an estimate, but an estimate based on the facts of your case is still helpful to know!
WILL PAST BEHAVIOR IMPACT MY DIVORCE?
Many people believe their past conduct will impact their divorce proceedings, but this assumption is made on a faulty premise. Some acts may affect the outcome of a divorce, but in general, you and your spouse’s marital arguments and behaviors will have little impact on your case.
If you’re worried that some past behavior will impact your divorce proceedings, you should ask your attorney directly about what’s on your mind. Getting the answer can give you peace of mind, change expectations, and help you move forward with filing your divorce.
WHERE WILL MY DIVORCE TAKE PLACE?
Divorce courts are across California, but your divorce takes place in the county it’s filed in. You can file for a divorce in California if you have been a resident for at least six months, and you can file in a specific county if you’ve been a resident of the county for at least three months.
Asking an attorney where your divorce will take place can help you determine where you’ll need to file your divorce and where you’ll need to go for any court dates after the fact.
HOW DOES CHILD CUSTODY WORK IN CALIFORNIA?
Unfortunately, child custody arrangements are complicated matters, and they are often the most emotionally charged part of a divorce. However, grasping the basics of child custody arrangements early on in the process can help you mentally and emotionally prepare for what’s to come.
If you have children, getting the answer to this question will help you understand all the moving parts of a divorce involving child custody. An attorney will walk you through the two kinds of California custody (legal custody and physical custody) and explain the various custody agreements possible for your scenario.
SHOULD I TALK TO MY SPOUSE BEFORE FILING?
Talking to a spouse before filing can be beneficial under the right circumstances, but that all depends on the temperament of and the relationship you have with your spouse. However, understanding if you have the right relationship to talk with your spouse before filing can be complicated.
While a divorce attorney is not a counselor, they do have experience helping people through divorces. Therefore, your attorney may have insight into the pros and cons of talking to a spouse before filing.
NEED DIVORCE REPRESENTATION? WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Stolar Law Group is an award-winning family law firm known for helping clients through some of the toughest months of their lives. Our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys have decades of experience, which means they’ve dealt with nearly every divorce situation imaginable. If you want representation that cares for you and your needs throughout the divorce process, contact us today!
Call 424-421-0009 or contact us online to set up a consultation with a Beverly Hills divorce attorney!
