Get CA SHP-02 2011

It is simply a matter of completing the paperwork, filing it with the court, and attending a hearing, all of which you can do on your own. A "do-it-yourself" divorce is not always wise, but it may be an option if money for an attorney is a concern and your divorce isn't too complicated.

It is simply a matter of completing the paperwork, filing it with the court, and attending a hearing, all of which you can do on your own. A "do-it-yourself" divorce is not always wise, but it may be an option if money for an attorney is a concern and your divorce isn't too complicated.

It is simply a matter of completing the paperwork, filing it with the court, and attending a hearing, all of which you can do on your own. A "do-it-yourself" divorce is not always wise, but it may be an option if money for an attorney is a concern and your divorce isn't too complicated.

Visit the county clerk's office in the county court building in the county where you live. ... Download a free divorce packet from the website of your local county court if available. ... Contact your local legal aid society. ... Ask your state law library for free divorce packets.

Generally, all documents filed in a court action are public records, accessible in the court clerk's office and sometimes over the Internet; divorce records are no exception. Once the dissolution petition is filed with the court, divorce pleadings are generally open to public viewing.

You have 60 days from the day you file your divorce papers to serve your spouse. If you are not able to serve within that time, you can request more time. You should request more time before the 60 days is up if you can.

Don't forget to consult an attorney. ... Don't neglect your finances. ... Don't immediately tell everyone you are getting a divorce. ... Don't use your children as pawns. ... Don't take divorce advice from family and friends. ... Don't do anything you'll regret later.

Separate your Non-Marital Assets. ... Start Your Own Credit History. ... Conserve. ... Keep Track of Your Financial Records. ... Have Good Timing. ... Close Joint Accounts. ... Hire an Experienced Divorce Lawyer.

Harassment is when an abuser intentionally causes emotional harm to a victim on a regular basis. ... Any consistent abusive behaviors during a divorce may be harassment. During a divorce, your spouse may behave inappropriately toward you and your children. Your spouse may threaten, stalk, or even assault you.

The court usually doesn't care which spouse files for divorce first, particularly in California. ... Because marital fault isn't an issue, both spouses have equal legal footing, regardless of who instigates the proceedings. Filing first might lend a few practical advantages, however, depending on your concerns.

Start a War Chest. You are going to need your own money for a divorce. ... Prepare a Divorce Notebook. A divorce produces a lot of paperwork. ... Set up a Divorce File. ... Cut Expenses. ... Stick to a Routine. ... Be Constructive. ... Gather Financial Information. ... Do Your Research.

When the court grants a divorce, property will be divided equitably (not always equally) between the two spouses. This is decided under the Equitable Distribution Law. During the divorce both spouses have to tell the court about their income and any debts they owe. Equitable distribution means fairly divided.

A divorce starts with a divorce petition. The petition is written by one spouse (the petitioner) and served on the other spouse. The petition is then filed in a state court in the county where one of the spouses resides. It does not matter where the marriage occurred.

Yes. You still need a divorce lawyer if you agree on everything. ... On the bright side, if you agree on everything, your divorce lawyer fees will likely be a lot less than if you did not agree. But here's why you need an attorney.

Can She Really Take 1/2 of Everything in a Divorce? ... Not all assets are subject to division, and assets you had before your marriage usually cannot be split in your divorce. Ultimately, your divorce court will split your assets if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement.