How to File for Divorce in California

by Lee, David Jon; Haman, Edward A.

• ISBN13: 9781572481510
• ISBN10: 157248151X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Sphinx Pub

Summary

A divorce can be the most painful and expensive experience of your life. Whether you use a lawyer or not, protect yourself by getting all the information you need about divorce laws and your legal rights. How to File for Divorce in California simplifies and thoroughly explains everything you need to know to successfully handle your own divorce in the state of California. Book jacket.

Author Biography

David Jon Lee received his law degree from Southwestern University of Law in Los Angeles, California, and his bachelor's degree from Loyola University in Los Angeles. He is licensed to practice law in California, where his first legal position was as a deputy attorney general for that state. He served in the Korean War as a sergeant after attending the Army Language School in Monterey, California. Prior to entering the legal profession, he was a reporter and editor for several daily newspapers in the Los Angeles area. He has been in private practice in Orange County, California, since 1977, and has authored articles for bar publications and legal book publishers Edward A. Haman received his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and his law degree from the University of Toledo. He has practiced law in Florida, Michigan and Hawaii, and has served as a Michigan Circuit Court domestic relations hearing officer

Table of Contents

Using Self-Help Law Books	vii
Introduction	xi
Marriage ``Ins and Outs''	1	(10)
Marriage
Divorce
Nullity (Annulment)
Legal Separation
Do You Really Want a Divorce?
The Legal System	11	(10)
Theory vs. Reality
Divorce Law and Procedure
Legal Research
Lawyers	21	(8)
Do You Want a Lawyer?
Selecting a Lawyer
Working with a Lawyer
Evaluating Your Situation	29	(28)
Relations with Your Spouse
Financial Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Which Procedure to Use	29	(28)
General Procedures	57	(18)
Family Law Facilitator Act
An Introduction to Legal Forms
Filing with the Court Clerk
Notifying Your Spouse
Courtroom Manners
Negotiating
Summary Dissolution Procedure	75	(1)
Can You Use the Summary Dissolution Procedure?
Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution of Marriage
Request for Judgment, Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and Notice of Entry of Judgment
Notice of Revocation of Petition for Summary Dissolution
Uncontested Divorce Procedure	75	(54)
Summons---Family Law
Petition
Declaration under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
Starting Your Divorce Proceeding
Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure
Schedule of Assets and Debts
Income and Expense Declaration
Serving Your Spouse
When Your Spouse Won't Cooperate
Final Declaration of Disclosure
Stipulation for Child Support
Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
Request to Enter Default
Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution
Appearance, Stipulation, and Waivers
Military Service Considerations
Judgment
Wage and Earnings Assignment Order for Spousal Suppport
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support
Notice of Entry of Judgment
Contested Divorce Procedure	129	(10)
Procedure Differences from Uncontested Divorce
Collecting Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
The Court Hearing	139	(6)
Preparation
The Hearing
Public Assistance
When You Can't Find Your Spouse	145	(6)
The Diligent Search
Preparing and Filing Court Papers
Publishing
Special Circumstances	151	(12)
When You Can't Afford Court Costs
Protecting Yourself, Your Children, and Your Property
Temporary Support and Custody
Taxes
If Your Spouse Also Files for Divorce
Appendix A: California Statutes	163	(8)
Appendix B: Forms	171	(122)
Index	293