If you’re looking to initiate the divorce process, one of the very first things you’ll have to do is meet the state’s residency requirements. Please continue reading and speak with a competent Los Angeles divorce attorney from Zitser Family Law Group, APC to learn more about the residency requirements for divorce and how our legal team can guide you through each facet of the legal process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are residency requirements and how do I meet them?
Residency requirements are certain criteria you and your spouse will have to meet before you can proceed with your divorce here in the state of California. To satisfy the residency requirements, either you or your spouse must prove that you’ve been a resident of the state of California for at least six months and a resident in the county where your divorce will be filed for at least three months. Notably, however, this is not the case when it comes to same-sex marriage. Same-sex spouses can get a judgment for divorce even if neither is a resident of California at the time of the proceedings as long as they were married initially in California.
What are the next steps of a divorce?
Once you fulfill the residency requirement, you will have to determine whether you’re looking to file a no-fault divorce or cite specific fault grounds. Typically, it’s best to avoid citing specific fault grounds, such as adultery or substance abuse issues, as doing so will give your chance a spouse to rebut your allegations, which, oftentimes, leads to a longer, more contentious divorce process, ultimately costing you more time and money. Once you choose whether you’re filing a no-fault or fault-based divorce, you’ll then have to work out the terms of your divorce agreement. If you and your spouse cannot agree on divorce terms, you’re in what is known as a contested divorce. In this case, your divorce will likely enter litigation (unless you can reach a compromise through mediation), wherein a judge will determine matters of property division, child custody, child support, spousal support, and more. Rather obviously, it is of paramount importance that you retain the services of a competent attorney who can fight for you through each step of the process. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Zitser Family Law Group, APC is here to help you move on to a bright future. Give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm
For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need through any family law or divorce matter, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
