Should You File For Divorce First?

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When you file first, you’ll have more time to find and organize. You define the temporary orders. You can save up for legal fees and other costs. However, if you aren’t prepared, you can make a bad impression in front of the judge. Don’t file first just to be first.

Is Your Business a Divisible Asset In Divorce?

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Your business is a divisible asset, but there are scenarios in which it will remain separate. If the business is divisible, there are several ways to move forward. One partner can buy out the other, you can continue as business partners, one spouse becomes a silent partner, while the other takes over the day-to-day. If an agreement can’t be reached, you may be forced to sell the business and divide the proceeds.

Date of Separation in California

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The established date of separation is the date on which one spouse expresses intent to dissolve the marriage, not the date one spouse moves out or files a petition. Once the date of separation is established, that’s the cut-off point. After that, any monies earned, property acquired, pension or retirement benefits accrued, belong to one spouse, not both.

How Long Does The Divorce Process Last?

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California has a 6-month mandatory waiting period. The clock starts when the other party is served or files a response, whichever comes first. Common factors that lengthen the process include contention over asset division, custody disputes, and determination of support payments. A divorce may require a period of discovery or investigation.

How Much Can a Divorce Cost In California?

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The average cost of a divorce in California is $17,500. All cases will incur an initial filing fee. In San Diego, this costs $435 and additional motions bring additional fees. This ballpark range is strictly an estimate; significant assets, children, and how contested the divorce is will all add to the expense.   In complex divorces that are highly contentious or go to trial, it is possible for the cost of divorce to exceed $100,000. The cost of a complex divorce will be impacted by the necessity of experts.