How to File for Divorce in California

by Talamo, John; Haman, Edward A.

• ISBN13: 9781572483378
• ISBN10: 1572483377
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Sphinx Pub

Summary

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. Complete with step-by-step instructions and the forms you need, this book makes filing for divorce inexpensive and hassle-free.

Table of Contents

Using Self-Help Law Books	vii
Introduction	xi
Marriage ``Ins and Outs''	1	(8)
Marriage
Divorce
Nullity (Annulment)
Legal Separation
Do You Really Want a Divorce?
The Legal System	9	(8)
Theory vs. Reality
Divorce Law and Procedure
Legal Research
Lawyers	17	(10)
Do You Want a Lawyer?
Deciding to Use a Lawyer
Selecting a Lawyer
Working with a Lawyer
Evaluating Your Situation	27	(28)
Your Spouse
Financial Information
Property
Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Potential Problems
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Potential Problems
Which Divorce Procedure to Use
General Procedures	55	(12)
Family Law Facilitator Act
An Introduction to Legal Forms
Filing with the Court Clerk
Notifying Your Spouse
Courtroom Manners
Negotiating
Summary Dissolution Procedure	67	(6)
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	73	(34)
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)
Responding to the Divorce Filing
Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution
Appearance, Stipulation, and Waivers
Military Service Considerations
Judgment
Earnings Assignment Order for Spousal Support
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support
Notice of Entry of Judgment
Contested Divorce Procedure	107	(10)
Procedure Differences from Uncontested Divorce
Collecting Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
The Court Hearing	117	(4)
Preparation
The Hearing
Public Assistance
When You Can't Find Your Spouse	121	(6)
The Diligent Search
Preparing and Filing Court Papers
Publishing
Special Circumstances	127	(10)
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
Glossary	137	(8)
Appendix A: California Statutes	145	(8)
Appendix B: Forms	153	(126)
Index	279