The California Divorce Process
Are you thinking about filing for divorce? There are a number of things you should do now before you begin legal proceedings. At the Orange County law firm of Patterson Hanna & Associates, we help clients organize their finances before divorce. Pre-divorce planning is advisable for people of all incomes.
The sooner you can get your assets, debts, and income organized, the sooner you can enter the family law process of dissolution. To schedule an initial consultation with an Orange County pre-divorce planning lawyer, contact us.
Planning for Divorce
Divorce is an evidentiary process that requires documentation of important financial information, estate planning documents, and more. By gathering these documents now, you can save time further along in the process. Your pre-divorce planning may include:
- Organizing assets and debts
- Budgeting
- Gathering financial documents
- Solidifying separate property and community property
Married couples with children should start thinking about establishing a temporary child custody arrangement/parenting plan that will stay in effect until child custody is determined in court.
Effective pre-divorce planning can help you logistically plan for your future financial needs and those of your family. The courts do not usually have the authority to make a support order for necessities like rent, food, and utilities. But with proper pre-divorce planning, we can help you establish how these important daily needs will be taken care of.
We can help you determine your options in a variety of matters if the other spouse is not cooperating. Basic questions such as "Where am I going to live?" or "What car am I going to use?" can become very problematic if your spouse it unwilling to cooperate with you. Guidance from our attorneys can prove beneficial if you are facing tough practical questions about your life after separation and divorce.
Start With a Consultation
There are many steps to take before entering the family law process, like organizing your assets and debts. To learn what steps you should take before filing divorce, contact an attorney from our law firm.
