In the year 2023, the divorce rate in California continued to decrease, which is in line with the overall trends observed across the country. In the state of California, around 7.45% of marriages ended in divorce, which translates to about 75 out of every 1,000 people being divorced. The highest number of divorces happened among people between the ages of 30 and 39. 

When couples are considering filing for divorce, one of the questions that they have is how long does a divorce take in California. It typically takes at least six months to finalize a divorce. The reason for this is because there is a waiting period that needs to pass between submitting the divorce petition and the final hearing. 

After the initial six months, the timeline for these cases can vary because of the complexity they may involve. The duration of a divorce can also differ based on the court’s schedule and other specific factors of your case. Many divorce cases are often resolved soon after the waiting period has ended.

Let’s look into the five lesser-known facts about California divorce laws that could significantly impact your divorce proceedings and outcomes.

Unique Property Division Rules

If you’re getting a divorce in California, you need to know the state’s specific rules for dividing property. This is especially important if you’re wondering, How much is a divorce lawyer? The cost of your case can vary depending on its complexity, but typically, California divorce attorneys charge an average rate of $300 to $600 per hour. When going through a divorce, one of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects is the division of property.

For instance, retirement accounts that were obtained during the marriage are generally seen as community property and can be divided between the spouses. So, what this means is that both spouses have the right to receive a share of these assets, even if only one spouse made contributions to the account.

Another important aspect to consider is the treatment of separate property. In California, assets owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage are generally considered separate property and aren’t subject to division in a divorce but you must keep these assets separate from marital property to avoid commingling, which could potentially change their classification.

Impact of Community Property Laws

Considering the division of assets in a California divorce, understanding the impact of community property laws is key to handling the legal complications and having a fair outcome. In California, community property laws dictate that assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property, meaning they’re owned equally by both spouses. This includes income earned, real estate purchased, and debts incurred during the marriage.

Upon divorce, these community assets are typically divided equally between the spouses, unless there’s a prenuptial agreement stating otherwise. Separate property, such as assets owned before the marriage or gifts/inheritances received by one spouse, isn’t subject to equal division under community property laws.

Commingling of separate and community property can complicate matters. Understanding the community property laws can significantly impact the outcome of asset division in a California divorce, potentially influencing financial stability post-divorce.

Spousal Support Guidelines

In California, spousal support, also known as alimony, may be awarded to help maintain the standard of living for the lower-earning spouse after separation or divorce. The amount and duration of spousal support can vary depending on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the household, and overall financial situation.

California uses a formula to calculate temporary spousal support during divorce proceedings, but the court has more discretion when determining long-term spousal support. The goal is to make sure that both spouses can maintain a similar lifestyle to what they had during the marriage but spousal support isn’t guaranteed in every case and may not be awarded if the marriage was short-term or if both spouses have similar earning capacities.

Consult with a family law attorney to understand how spousal support guidelines apply to your specific situation and to guarantee your rights are protected throughout the divorce process.

Residency requirements for filing

To file for divorce in California, you must meet specific residency requirements. Before initiating divorce proceedings, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of California for at least six months and a resident of the county where you plan to file for divorce for three months. These requirements aim to guarantee that the state has jurisdiction over your divorce case. If you don’t meet the residency criteria, the court won’t be able to process your divorce petition.

Establish residency before filing to avoid delays or potential legal issues. To prove residency, you may need to provide documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or driver’s licenses that demonstrate your presence in California for the required period. Make sure you fulfill these conditions before moving forward with your case.

Role of Mediation in Divorce

Mediation plays a part in California divorce cases, offering couples a less adversarial way to settle disputes and reach agreements.

During mediation, a neutral third party, the mediator, helps facilitate communication and negotiation between you and your spouse. This process allows you to express your concerns, needs, and preferences openly. Mediation can help you and your spouse work together to find mutually acceptable solutions regarding child custody, visitation schedules, spousal support, and division of assets and debts. 

It encourages cooperation and can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than going to court. Mediation allows you to maintain more control over the outcome of your divorce, rather than leaving decisions solely in the hands of a judge. Choosing mediation demonstrates a willingness to collaborate and compromise, which can lead to a smoother divorce process and a better post-divorce relationship with your ex-spouse.

Conclusion

When going through a divorce in California, it is important to have a good grasp of the specific rules for dividing property, how community property laws can affect the process, the guidelines for spousal support, the residency requirements, and the role that mediation plays. Speaking with a family law attorney can offer you tailored advice and make sure that your rights are safeguarded during the entire process. 

Just keep in mind that going through a divorce can be tough, but making well-informed choices can make the process easier and help you maintain a better relationship with your ex-spouse after it is all over.