Full Description

File for Divorce in California simplifies and explains in straightforward language everything you need to know to successfully handle your own divorce in the state of California. Complete with step-by-step instructions and more than 50 forms you may need, this book makes filing for divorce inexpensive and hassle-free.

A divorce can be both financially and emotionally exhausting. Protect yourself by obtaining all the information you need about divorce laws and your legal rights, whether you use a lawyer or not.

How to File for Divorce in California simplifies and explains in straightforward language everything you need to know to successfully handle your own divorce in the state of California. Complete with step-by-step instructions and more than 50 forms you may need, this book makes filing for divorce inexpensive and hassle-free
-Protecting Your Assets, Yourself and Your Children
-Changing a Child Support Order
-Working with Lawyers
-Negotiating Child Support Agreements
-Ready-to-Use Forms with Instructions
-Schedule of Assets and Debts
-Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
-Declaration of Domestic Partnership
-Request to Enter Default
-California divorce laws
-Divorce procedures
-Plain-English glossary of terms
-Step-by-step instructions
-Ready-to-use, blank forms

Table of Contents

Using Self-Help Law Books -

Introduction -

Chapter 1: Marriage Ins and Outs -
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Nullity (Annulment)
- Legal Separation
- Do You Really Want a Divorce?

Chapter 2: The Legal System -
- Theory vs. Reality
- The Players
- Divorce Law
- Divorce Procedure
- Legal Research

Chapter 3: Lawyers -
- The Need for a Lawyer
- Deciding to Use a Lawyer
- Selecting a Lawyer
- Working with a Lawyer

Chapter 4: Evaluating Your Situation -
- Your Spouse
- Financial Information
- Property
- Schedule of Assets and Debts
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Potential Problems
- Child Support
- Spousal Support (Alimony)
- Potential Problems
- Which Divorce Procedure to Use

Chapter 5: General Procedures -
- An Introduction to Legal Forms
- Filing with the Court Clerk
- Notifying Your Spouse
- Courtroom Manners
- Negotiating

Chapter 6: Summary Dissolution Procedure -
- Requirements
- 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

Chapter 7: Uncontested Divorce Procedure -
- 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 Will Not 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, Stipulations, 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

Chapter 8: Domestic Partnerships -
- Declaration of Domestic Partnership
- Exceptions from Marriage
- Termination of a Domestic Partnership

Chapter 9: Contested Divorce Procedure -
- Collecting Information
- Property and Debts
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Spousal Support (Alimony)

Chapter 10: The Court Hearing -
- Preparation
- The Hearing
- Public Assistance

Chapter 11: When You Cannot Find Your Spouse or Partner -
- The Diligent Search
- Preparing and Filing Court Papers
- Publishing

Chapter 12: Special Circumstances -
- When You Cannot Afford Court Costs
- Protecting Yourself, Your Children, and Your Property
- Temporary Support and Custody
- Taxes
- If Your Spouse Also Files for Divorce
- The Future

Glossary -

Appendix A: California Statutes -

Appendix B: Forms -

Index -

Excerpt

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