Is it better to file for divorce first in California?

Is it better to file for divorce first in California?

There really is not distinct advantage during the pendency of a divorce case to be the Petitioner or the Respondent. Most legal experts believe that there is little legal advantage to who files first because California is a no-fault divorce state, so the court really doesn’t care who files the petition first.

How long do you have to be married in California to receive alimony?

Under California Law, the general presumption for duration of support is “one-half the length of the marriage,” for marriages of fewer than 10 years. This means that if you were married for six years, the judge has the right to limit alimony for one-half of the marriage if the need exists (three years).

Is alimony mandatory in California?

For longer marriages, where the parties may be older and their earning potential lower, the time the lower- or non-income earner may require support for much longer. In either case, California law requires the partner receiving support to make a good faith effort to support his or herself.

How long do you have to be married to get half of assets?

Any assets acquired during a marriage (that are not gifts or inheritances or acquired by non-marital funds, such as an inheritance) are considered marital assets subject to equitable distribution. It doesn’t matter whether the marriage is 6 months long or 16 years long.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in California?

California Divorce Entitlements: Spousal Support Length of the marriage. Domestic violence. Age and health of both parties. Supporting spouse’s ability to pay.

How is money split in a divorce?

When you get divorced, community property is generally divided equally between the spouses, while each spouse gets to keep his or her separate property. Equitable distribution: In all other states, assets and earnings accumulated during marriages are divided equitably (fairly) but not necessarily equally.

Who gets house in divorce California?

When a divorce case goes to a judge to decide, he or she will split all community property down the middle. The judge will allocate 50% of the community property to one spouse and 50% to the other.

What should a woman ask for in a divorce settlement?

Keep reading for details about what you should expect to cover in your divorce settlement negotiations, which will likely include: Division of assets (real estate, investments, other property) Division of custody and time sharing of kids. Child support/ alimony.

Should you separate first before divorce?

If you’re like most people, you won’t pass quickly through the emotional gauntlet of separation. So, while some couples can and do use their separation to work out their differences, keep in mind that separation often is the first step toward divorce, and make sure your protect yourself legally.