Divorces range from simple to complex, but almost everyone who is considering a divorce will ask some basic questions. This article will walk you through five common questions, and provide the answers you need to start thinking about the best way to approach your divorce.
- What are the options for ending a marriage?
Divorce, legal separation and annulment are the options for changing a marriage or domestic partnership relationship.
- Does the person who gets to the courthouse first have an advantage in a divorce?
Know that the officer will write down everything you say, so don’t admit to wrongful conduct if it’s not true. At the same time, you do not want to get into a heated debate with the officer. Express yourself politely. For example, if an officer asks you if you know you were speeding, you could respond with “No, I did not know that,” or you could say, “Thank you for letting me know why you pulled me over, but I did not believe I was speeding.” You have a right to remain silent, and it is often the best course of action to avoid talking as much as possible.
- Does the other person have to agree to a divorce? Do I have to prove they did something wrong?
California is a “no fault” divorce state, so you do not have to prove that the other person did something wrong. The spouse or partner does not have to agree to the divorce. If that person refuses to participate, you can still get a default judgment which will allow the divorce to be final.
- Will a divorce affect my immigration status?
The answer to whether a divorce will affect your immigration status is very case specific. The short answer is that it may or it may not, so it would be wise to consult with an attorney on the specifics of your situation.
- What types of issues typically arise in a divorce?
Each case is different, but these are the issues that often arise in a divorce situation, so you’ll want to discuss these topics with your attorney:
- Division of your money, real property, investment accounts, etc.
- Responsibility for paying debts
- Spousal or partner support
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
