Divorce, annulment, and legal separation are about more than just the end of a relationship. When a marriage ends, concerns about child custody and visitation, alimony, and the division of property, assets, debts, and taxes are often highly volatile points of contention. The parties involved can benefit from the guidance of experienced professionals who can help them with these and other complex issues that arise. Serving Southern California communities, including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Anaheim, the divorce and annulment lawyers at Violet P. Woodhouse, APC provide thorough representation to help protect individuals' legal and financial interests.
Our Newport Beach firm near Anaheim combines the experience of our divorce and annulment trial attorneys with expert financial planning services from one of the nation's preeminent financial planners. This pairing allows us to offer the comprehensive representation you deserve, and it has earned us a reputation as one of the premier specialty family law practices in Orange County. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
The dissolution of marriage is the legal designation for divorce in California. In a divorce, the court ends the marriage contract. California is a “no-fault divorce” state, meaning that the granting of the dissolution does not require either spouse to be at fault. Furthermore, either spouse can begin divorce proceedings without the consent or agreement of the other.
In California, a divorce is granted in one of only two situations:
The grounds for divorce are the same as those for legal separation.
The residency requirements for a dissolution of marriage in California are generally only a concern for a spouse who has recently moved or is intending to move in the near future. According to California law, one of the parties entering into the divorce proceedings must have resided in the state for at least six months and within the county in which the divorce petition is to be filed for at least three months. Couples that do not meet these requirements can pursue a legal separation, which does not have any residency requirements. Once residency is established, parties may file an amended petition and ask the court to grant a divorce.
A summary dissolution is a type of divorce for spouses or domestic partners who:
At our Newport Beach office, serving Laguna Beach, Anaheim, and all of Southern California, our divorce and annulment lawyers can help you determine whether you meet all of the requirements for this type of divorce.
California is a community property state. In simplest terms, community property is all of the assets and debts spouses accumulate from the date of marriage. In the event that the spouses are unable to reach a marital settlement agreement during divorce proceedings, generally the court will divide the community assets and liabilities equally between them. Learn more about the division of property, assets, and debt.
California courts make the final ruling on issues of child custody and parental visitation rights. The health, safety, and welfare of children are the primary concerns in custody disputes. Though the initial presumption is that the best interests of children are served by regular contact with both parents after a divorce, the courts will base their final custody decisions on several factors, which may include any history of child or spousal abuse or habitual use of illegal drugs and alcohol. While many parents enter into these proceedings attempting to convince the courts that they deserve the children, courts ultimately award primary custody to the parent or parents they determine are fit to provide the children with the safest and healthiest environment, and who will foster and nurture frequent and continuing contact with the other parent.
Courts prefer to allow parents to decide who should have custody of the children, but when the parents cannot reach an agreement, it is the courts' responsibility to determine what is best for the children. If you cannot reach a custody agreement with your spouse, our Newport Beach divorce lawyers can help you present yourself to the court as the best custodial parent. Learn more about child custody issues.
Domestic partners are two adults who have formally committed to joining into a relationship of mutual intimacy and caring. To become registered domestic partners in California, individuals must:
Partners must file a special form to begin dissolution, legal separation, or annulment proceedings to terminate their domestic partnership. Federal law does not presently recognize domestic partners, and there are numerous federal laws which factor in marital status (including rights under Social Security, Medicare, immigration law, veteran’s benefits, and federal tax laws). Domestic partners may not have the same rights as a married couple outside of California. Parents should take this into consideration for their custody agreement. Also, federal and state tax laws have not changed to recognize domestic partnerships; therefore it is crucial to consult with a lawyer about taxes, property, income, and other details of this nature.
Consult our Newport Beach divorce and annulment lawyers, serving Anaheim and Riverside, to learn more about terminating your domestic partnership.
Also called a “nullity of marriage” or “nullity of domestic partnership,” an annulment is granted by a judge and legally terminates a marriage or union. In essence, an annulment restores the parties' single status as if the marriage ceremony never happened. Because not every marriage can be annulled, individuals from Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Anaheim, and other Southern California communities should consult the annulment attorneys at Violet P. Woodhouse, APC to determine their best course of action.
Unlike in a divorce or legal separation, where individuals may cite irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity as grounds for the termination of the relationship, a spouse must prove one of the following to have applied at the time of the marriage or registration of domestic partnership to be granted an annulment:
In California, there are two types of annulment actions:
At Violet P. Woodhouse, APC in Newport Beach, serving Laguna Beach and Anaheim, our annulment attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of their clients. We will help you obtain the favorable settlement you need to begin to rebuild your life.
Building a relationship with another person is as much an economic investment as it is one of time and emotion. When the relationship ends, many practical issues need to be sorted through and agreed upon by both parties. This process can be challenging and often requires legal intervention. At Violet P. Woodhouse, APC in Newport Beach, serving Laguna Beach and Anaheim, our divorce and annulment attorneys can help. If you are considering filing for divorce, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers for assistance with your case.
Serving Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Anaheim, the divorce and annulment lawyers at our firm can protect your rights. Contact our attorneys to learn more about the premier divorce representation provided by Violet P. Woodhouse, APC.
Violet P. Woodhouse, APC
Newport Beach, CA
2 Corporate Plaza
Suite 250
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone (949) 640-8861
Fax (949) 640-8862