Divorce is a big decision, but you can get through it with your dignity and your finances intact.
Read on for real answers (we never hide the ball) on how to develop an exit strategy that gets you off to a legally advantageous start and helps you strategically plan your divorce.
Legalese made easy. This document has all the terms you’re likely to hear with definitions in plain English. Join us and download this free glossary of legal terms.
This worksheet breaks down all of the things you need to think through and resolve before you can finalize your divorce.
Visualize the divorce process start to finish with this handy flowchart which explains all the steps that need to be taken before you can toast to your divorce.
Our exhaustive list of California divorce forms with links to download them.
Divorce can be stressful enough without the additional burden of being expensive. But your divorce doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few small things you could do to keep costs down, which...
I am often the first person that people talk to when setting up meetings with their lawyer or when they have a quick non-legal question that I can assist with. While they are always very...
You've decided to take the next step toward divorce and scheduled a meeting with a lawyer or legal coach. Maybe you're wondering what to do ahead of your meeting. Doing a bit of research can...
You’ve made the decision to get divorced. Now you aren’t sure where to start. Getting through the divorce doesn’t have to be terrible and costly. After all, you don’t want to work against each other...
When you and your spouse are ready to dive into the ‘nitty-gritty’ and divide your assets and debts, use this spreadsheet for everything from weighing your options, negotiating with your spouse (and/or his or her...
1. A marriage of at least 10 years triggers social security rights. 2. Ten years is defined as Date of Marriage to Date of Divorce. So, for example, even if you separated with your spouse...
For many of us, email is a primary method of communication for everything from connecting with family members and friends to running our businesses and talking to our children’s teachers. Email can be super helpful...
Wondering what type of mediator is right for you? Michael Lubofsky shares an informative resource explaining the three general types of mediation services. If one or more of these techniques piques your interest, ask your...
First things first. If you want to negotiate an agreement with your spouse, you have to remember (and accept) the following principles: • Be mindful that your purpose is to avoid arguing and to be...
So you’ve made the decision to file for divorce. You need to know what county to file your paperwork in and what address should be used on your court forms (or risk the possibility of...
If you have been served with the Summons (FL-110) and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100), you are the Respondent. Once you’ve been served, you have to file a Response (FL-120) within 30 days unless...
If you missed the deadline to file your Response to the Petition (30 days after the date of personal service), you will first need to confirm whether or not your spouse has filed a Request...
If you have one foot out the door, you may be tempted to run and as fast as you can. But before you do, it’s important to do a few things to be as prepared...
When we calculate child support, we generally use the actual incomes of both spouses. But what happens when your spouse is under earning? That is, s/he is working less than full time and/or is not...
Most people don’t expect the Evidence Code to apply in family law. The fact is, it often does. Even when standing before a judge with an informal approach (i.e., they allow evidence to be considered...
As a general rule, you should think of the courtroom as a formal environment. Dress as you would when going for an important job interview or to church. You can be barred from the courtroom...
There are several types of retirement benefits that you or your spouse may have. The IRS provides descriptions of the different plans here. The most common plans are defined benefit plans (think: pensions), defined contribution plans...
Many people change their names when they get married, but when they get divorced, some individuals wish to have their former name restored. If you would like to keep your name the same, then there...
Use our convenient child support calculator to determine an estimate of California child support. Enter all of the requested information below, and the results will help inform your position for mediation and/or negotiation with your...
Wondering whether your JUDGMENT has been processed by the court? Concerned that your spouse has filed a request for child support without notifying you? In most counties you can check the status of your case...
In a nutshell, long-term spousal support (also referred to as ‘post judgment’ support or ‘permanent’ support) usually lasts for up to half the length of the marriage (assuming your marriage is less than 10 years)....
Getting unmarried can sometimes be as expensive, insanely time consuming and detail driven as planning your wedding. When we tie the knot in the first place, we use wedding planners, online worksheets, and various other...
A declaration is a written statement made under the penalty of perjury. If you are filing a “Request for Order” (or responding to a “Request for Order”) asking that the Judge enter orders providing you...
Is a donor agreement enough to protect your same sex partner from a challenge of parental right? Usually not. In California, maybe. In short, we recommend a second parent adoption or a ‘Paternity’ action to...
What the heck is a divorce lawyer doing writing a blog for two people in love, married, and with no intention of ever separating? Hmmm…Is it because I’m unromantic? cynical? distasteful? Gosh, I hope not....
While we find that many of California’s family laws are common sensical, this issue is not. Unfortunately, the legal answer often ends up causing one parent serious frustration and a feeling of injustice. For purposes...
Each divorce is different, and every case requires legal advice tailored to the client’s individual situation. However, there are certain issues that everyone should consider before taking the leap to move out (even if you...
We have all heard the horror stories: “my divorce lasted longer than my marriage” or “it dragged out for years.” Thankfully, if you have minimal assets and are searching for ways to streamline your divorce...
The last thing we want when going through a tough break-up, is to have to battle it out in front of a packed courtroom. However, once a party files for divorce, one’s personal financial information...
Post-nuptial agreements are a written consensus between two parties, entered into after the marriage occurs. The purpose of a post-nuptial agreement (also known as Marital agreement or Transmutation agreement) is similar to the purpose of...
Mediation works when done right. It can be a fabulous way to reduce animosity, finalize a divorce quickly, keep your personal life more private, save money, and resolve conflict. But mediation is not right for...
You’ve separated from your child’s other parent. Life is tough, and litigation is messy. You are looking for good resources anywhere you can find them. • Do try a support group. • Do consult a...
Mediating your legal matter has many benefits including privacy, cost, control, and reduction of animosity.
It’s no secret that Baby Boomer divorces are on the rise. According to the Office for National Statistics, divorce has dwindled in every age group except for couples in their sixties. The U.S. Census Bureau...
"Date of separation" is often a hotly contested issue in California divorce actions. Why? The reason date of separation is so important is that the duration of a marriage often profoundly affects two important issues...
If you are considering leaving your Domestic Partner or Spouse, a good plan of action is essential. I am not talking about taking your ex for all you can. What is most important is making...
What is child custody mediation? If you and your former partner are unable to agree on child custody and/or visitation issues, you both will be required to participate in mandatory child custody mediation. The objective...
For the uninitiated, the idea of representing yourself in family court seems outrageous. Why wouldn’t you hire a professional? Well, there are a number of reasons self-representation might be right for your situation. Whether you’ve...
You may be wondering how to file for a divorce or other family law action when you don’t know where the respondent is. Sometimes the court allows litigants to serve documents other than by personal...
Many employers give an annual or quarterly bonus to their employees when certain company or individual goals are met. A common theme throughout our practice are questions like will I have to pay support based...
One of the first questions a divorce lawyer will ask you when you come in for your initial consultation is, ‘What is your date of separation?’ Why is the date of separation so important, anyhow?...
How long does it take to get a divorce? The answer – as usual – is, "It depends.’ Before you can even file the paperwork, at least one of you must have been a California...
If you've decided you'll self-represent in divorce, you'll need to get familiar with a few terms: in pro per, pro se party, in propria person. Those words all describe you, the self-represented litigant. First, you will...
There are three ways to end a marriage in California: you can get divorced, legally separated, or have an annulment. Only one party needs to want to end the marriage, and no agreement is necessary....
Sign up for a free subscription to read more about the finality of your options, as well as the differences between divorce, annulment, and separation.
I want to resolve my divorce with as little expense as possible, and I've decided to represent myself to avoid heavy lawyer fees. How much will it cost to get this done? To initiate your...
What is nesting? “Nesting” is a non-traditional custody arrangement where the children stay in the family home and the parents trade off living in the house with the children, much like birds taking turns in...
Most people who end up in a family law courtroom have never been to court before. Perhaps they’ve served on a jury or appeared for a traffic infraction, but rarely has a divorce litigant actually...
Not all Family Law cases require financial discovery. However, there are many cases in which a spouse must take the extra step of investigating all financial issues of a marriage or registered domestic partnership to...
I am getting divorced, and I think it’s pretty simple. My spouse and I get along pretty well, all things considered. Lawyers can be so expensive; do I really need one? The answer to this...
"I keep hearing that I have to ‘serve’ my spouse for a divorce. What does this mean, and how can I do it?" The law affords everyone due process. In other words, before you can...
As if "divorce by default" isn’t obscure enough, there are actually two types, and one is very different from the other. Both types refer to a divorce where one party filed a Petition for Dissolution...
You are smart. You’ve decided to get some help with your divorce because you recognize that, apart from it being a “time suck” and an emotional drain, divorce is complex and has significant implications. Going...
Are you trying to avoid “lawyering up” but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Divorce in California has three main steps (assuming you and your spouse both want to stay...
Even in a two-parent household, the challenges of raising a special needs child bring both joy and hardship. Add in the complexity of divorce, and it can feel really overwhelming. My hope is that this...
So you are trying to avoid ‘lawyering up’ but you don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Divorce in Colorado has 3 main steps (assuming you and your spouse both...
Filing for divorce can seem scary and difficult, but we’re here to make it easier. Let’s walk through the process of an uncontested divorce in Utah, from start to finish. As well, please note that...
Temporary Separation In cases where you and your spouse want to separate temporarily, intend to divorce if reconciliation doesn’t happen, this option might suit you. Either party can apply to the Court for a temporary...
In Colorado, there are three ways that you can end your marriage – you can get a divorce (known as dissolution of marriage), become legally separated, or you can request an annulment of your marriage....
So you have decided on a cooperative divorce. Congratulations! No really, we mean it. You will be saving thousands of dollars in legal fees and be in control of your own destiny—not leaving it up...
Colorado courts have proven to be highly adaptable, transforming antiquated, in-person court requirements into safe, efficient, virtual courtrooms. Through telephone conferences and video conferencing, the Courts are now able to hold most hearings remotely, allowing...
So you’ve made the decision to file for divorce. You need to know what county to file your paperwork in and what address should be used on your court forms (or risk the possibility of...
Many people take their spouse’s last name when they get married. But when they get divorced, some people want their previous name back. In Colorado, this process is called name change restoration. If you do...
Your spouse has filed for divorce and you have received the initial paperwork. So, what are your next (or first) steps? Before proceeding to your first step you must sign the Waiver and Acceptance of...
Getting divorced with children can be a much harder, emotional experience. While needing to do what is best for you and your partner to move forward, you also have to plan for your children so...
I have seen at least 5 articles lately about how “quarantining with my ex changed my life for the better” and while I am thrilled for them, I have had a very different experience. After...
Before seeking a divorce, it’s important to do your homework so you understand the divorce process, or seek legal assistance to get help understanding the nuances associated with this process. The state of Colorado has...
If you are served with an Original Petition for Divorce in Texas, you are considered the Respondent spouse. The Petition is the document your spouse has filed with the court to initiate divorce proceedings. The...
Child support in Texas is the money a parent pays to help with the cost of raising a child, including but not limited to food, housing, clothing, daycare, school supplies and extracurricular activities. Both parents...
It’s time to create a divorce co parenting plan, and you obviously have a lot to think about. But don’t stress. We created a worksheet to help you think through co-parenting details, large and small....
This comprehensive download compiles all the worksheets, plans, and checklists you need to organize yourself before, during, and after your divorce. Hello Divorce helps make this process as easy and affordable as possible. Use this...
This checklist outlines the major tasks you may need to complete before, during, and after your divorce. Hello Divorce helps make this process as easy and affordable as possible. Use this checklist to help you...
Want to know what you need to do next? Whether you’re just thinking about divorce, are in the middle of one, or are navigating your post-divorce life, here are the top resources for people in...
Want to know what you need to do next? Whether you’re just thinking about divorce, are in the middle of one, or are navigating your post-divorce life, here are the top resources for people in...
Want to know what you need to do next? Whether you’re just thinking about divorce, are in the middle of one, or are navigating your post-divorce life, here are the top resources for people in...
Want to know what you need to do next? Whether you’re just thinking about divorce, are in the middle of one, or are navigating your post-divorce life, here are the top resources for people in...
I keep hearing that I have to ‘serve’ my spouse for a divorce. What does this mean? First things first – a divorce is actually a type of lawsuit. And before you can sue someone,...
Spousal maintenance, also called spousal support or alimony, is either something agreed upon by both parties or is ordered by the court, depending on the circumstances of the marriage and consideration of various factors. It...
Your spouse has filed for divorce and you have received the initial paperwork. So, what are your next (or first) steps? Signing a Stipulation If you agree to the terms of the Petition, meaning that...
I keep hearing that I have to ‘serve’ my spouse for a divorce. What does this mean, and how can I do it? The law affords everyone due process.’ Or in plain English, before you...
Many people take their spouse’s last name when they get married, but when they get divorced, some people want their previous names back. In Utah, this process is called Name Change. If you do not...
If you want better communication during divorce, remember first things first. If you want to negotiate a divorce agreement, you have to remember (and accept) the following principles: Be mindful that your purpose is to...
So you’ve made the decision to file for divorce. You need to know what county to file your paperwork in and what address should be used on your court forms (or risk the possibility of...
Divorce can be a tricky process for many men to navigate, particularly fathers. Men and dads get divorced, of course, but some divorces are more successful than others. If you are a man and or...
You may have already heard me say it before: Divorce is both Procedure & Substance. Procedure = forms, processing with the court, “service of process” (delivery of documents to your spouse). Substance = the issues...
Chances are, if you have lived with your significant other for a long period of time, someone you know has brought up the subject of common-law marriage. This may be because many people believe that...
Filing for divorce seems scary and difficult, right? We’re here to make it easier and less stressful. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of an uncontested divorce in Texas, from start to finish. Just...
Filing for divorce seems scary and difficult, right? We’re here to make it easier and less stressful. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of an agreed divorce with minor children in Texas, from start...
If you or your spouse are active or past members of the military, getting a divorce can be more complicated. Below, you’ll find information to help you through the specifics of your process. How do...
Mediation, whether through Hello Divorce, with a trained mediation counselor or a divorce financial planner, can be a great option for resolving the issues pertaining to your divorce. At Hello Divorce, we not only guide...
In California, as of January 1, 2019, a judge may make “custody” orders regarding your pet. (AB-2274). This change in the law means that pets are no longer treated exclusively as property to be divided...
Set yourself up for success post-divorce with our new worksheet. We'll help you identify a goal and think through all the steps required to make it a reality. Your next chapter is waiting for you—our...
Therapist and divorce coach Dr. Kristin Davin, Psy.D. shares her best advice for choosing between divorce coaching or therapy.
Interviewing a few therapists and/or divorce coaches in advance is an excellent investment of your time and a terrific way to determine fit – which can be the most important factor in a therapy/coaching relationship....
If you’ve made up your mind and there’s no alternative but divorce, talking to at least a few lawyers is always a good idea. The first consultation is usually always free, so you’ve got nothing...
Learning that your ex has sought legal help is *not* a reason to panic. They should get advice from an expert — and you should, too. The more information both parties have, the more amicable...
I was married and divorced by the time I turned 30. Not long after that, I entered what I like to call a “charitable rebound” that lasted about two years. After we “officially” moved in...
When you’re the founder of a post-breakup concierge service, you get to know a lot of interesting people offering interesting services that help people move past heartbreak. Here are a few services that we connect...
Your relationship is over, but you’ve waited to have the “I want a divorce” talk. Here’s how to do it (nicely). It may seem insensitive or trivial. Who do I think I am, writing your...
Every month, I offer a workshop to women in my community who are either contemplating divorce or in the early stages of divorce. On the second Saturday of each month, we invite a therapist and...
After you have served the Petition, your spouse has 30 calendar days to “respond”. By respond, we mean filing a “Response” (FL-12).If the thirtieth day falls on a weekend or a holiday, your spouse has...
The most common type of hearings in Family Court are related to child support, spousal support and/or child custody. These hearings are scheduled after one spouse files a “Request for Order.” Depending on the complexity...
After both parties have filed and served their initial documents, the Petition, Summons and Response (Step 1), the real work begins. Step 2 is deciding if you need to file a Request for Order (“RFO”)...
Depending on your divorce, it is possible that you have embarked on one of the most difficult emotional journeys of your life. While you know that you’ll come out just fine on the other side,...
We have all heard the good news. California no longer recognizes a distinction between same-sex and opposite-sex marriages. Any couple can now obtain a marriage license and wed, regardless of that couple’s sexual orientation. In...
Help! My judge clearly has different religious or ethical views than I do. How can I get a new judge to ensure my hearing is unbiased? This can be a tricky one. There are some...
Tackling the financial issues of divorce can be overwhelming, even for people who are comfortable with numbers. Sometimes, the biggest challenge is figuring out where to start. Follow this 10-step guide to increase your chance...
Thinking about divorce mediation? Excellent idea if you and your spouse have the shared goal of uncoupling amicably or dissolving your marriage in a fair and cooperative way but have too many issues to resolve...
Forensic accountants are growing increasingly popular in divorce cases, and for good reason – unraveling a couple’s financial picture and then dividing that equitably is tricky business. Oftentimes, it’s the distrust that income is being...
Californians looking for an easier way to complete their divorce in California can use Hello Divorce’s fill-in-the-blank divorce paperwork through our Divorce Navigator. It’s a game-changer for DIY divorce. Our web application allows you to...
Should I consider hiring a divorce mediator who is not an attorney? The family law structure in this country is super complex. It’s managed to make a tragic situation — the death of a marriage...
What to expect when you’re (forced) to go to court… The Colorado divorce process is frustrating for a lot of people. We sympathize. Even when you have a complete agreement on all (divorce-related) issues, expect...
You have now received a Divorce Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110). If you have minor children with your spouse, you likely also received a UCCJEA* form (FL-105). So, now what? First Sign and return the...
Don’t panic! An Initial Status Conference (ISC) is just a way for the court to assess where each party is and what you agree upon. It’s informal and not a hearing. You present no evidence...
Most of our clients are surprised to hear that even when they’ve reached a full agreement on all divorce-related issues, financial disclosures are still required for the Petitioner (and in some counties, the Respondent, too)....
As one of the top family law litigators in the country, I know the downside of the traditional litigation process. For many years as a top divorce attorney I watched thousands of clients spend huge...
When it comes to the California divorce process, the first step is knowing how and where to file for divorce. You or your spouse will have had to live in California for six months, and...
Wondering how to divorce in California, step-by-step? You can save time, money and (more) heartache by navigating the California divorce process with Hello Divorce. Our memberships and step-by-step guides can help you DIY divorce on...
It's a question I hear a lot: "Do I need to meet with a divorce lawyer or coach before I begin mediation with my spouse?" Short answer:
Nothing causes anxiety like a divorce that's "stuck." The solution? Declutter your divorce and get it back on track.
Understanding when to communicate with your lawyer can save you time and money. You know that advice your best friend gave you about writing a scathing note to your ex when you are fuming about...
So many clients walk in to my office fuming at their ex – for cheating, lying, stealing or a laundry list of other unsavory activities. They aren’t always interested in a fair divorce settlement; they...
Answers to questions you didn’t even know you had yet: 1. We aren’t going to lawyer up, but do we need a mediator? You only need a mediator if you and your soon-to-be-ex (STBX) can’t...
How to File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage? It can be done in one of two ways: jointly or separately.
“I want to protect my interests, but I don’t want a long, messy, and expensive divorce.” Does this resonate with you? Probably. Contrary to popular belief, most people do not want to battle it out in divorce...
New reports of war-torn nations provoke intense fear and heartbreak. But what about “battling it out” in divorce? That is also unnecessary and leads to stress and heartache. War is never the answer, even in...
The entire divorce process can feel overwhelming. With a number of serious considerations throughout the divorce journey, it’s easy to become emotionally drained. From moving out of your home after the separation to working out...
When we hear that a couple we know is divorcing, the first thing we usually think about isn’t the legal procedures ahead; it’s the lost love. Two people who once loved each other enough to...
The path to divorce can start as just an itch in the back of your mind. Often, the “D” word hasn’t even crossed your conscious thoughts. You might be asking yourself, “Am I happy?” or,...