Common Law Marriage in California: Does It Exist?
Common law marriage is a widely searched term, but California does not let couples create a marriage simply by living together for a certain number of years. This guide explains common law marriage in California, whether California recognizes an out-of-state common law marriage, and what rights unmarried partners may have through contracts, parentage, or Marvin-type […]
California Divorce Filing Fee and Fee Waiver Guide
If you are searching how much it costs to file for divorce in California, the first number to know is the court filing fee. This guide explains the California divorce filing fee, court fee waivers, Form FW-001, and the 2026 joint-petition fee without mixing those court costs with private attorney, mediator, or document-preparation fees. CD&D […]
What Is Form FL-300? Request for Order in California Family Court
Form FL-300, Request for Order, is one of the most commonly used forms in California family court. It allows a person who already has a family law case to ask a judge to make a new order, change an existing order, or make certain temporary orders while the case is pending. Depending on the situation, […]
How Debts Are Divided in a California Divorce
Divorce does not only divide what you own – it also divides what you owe. California is a community property state, which means most debts taken on during the marriage belong to both spouses, no matter whose name is on the account. This guide explains the difference between community and separate debt, how the court […]
Divorce Mediation in California: Process, Cost and What to Expect
Divorce mediation gives California spouses a way to work toward an agreement without asking a judge to decide every disputed issue. In private divorce mediation, a neutral mediator helps both spouses discuss property, debts, spousal support, parenting issues, child support, and other divorce terms. The mediator does not make decisions for the spouses and does […]
How Retirement Accounts, Pensions, and 401(k)s Are Divided in a California Divorce
Retirement savings are often one of the largest assets a couple divides in a divorce, and California has specific rules for splitting them. The part of a 401(k), pension, or other retirement account that was earned during the marriage is generally community property. Depending on the type of retirement plan, dividing it may require a […]
Who Gets the House in a California Divorce?
The family home is often the biggest asset in a divorce, and deciding who keeps it is one of the most stressful parts of the process. In California, the answer depends on whether the house is community property or separate property, what each spouse can afford, and whether children are involved. This guide explains how […]
How to Get an Annulment in California (Nullity of Marriage)
An annulment, called a nullity of marriage in California, is different from a divorce. A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment is a court order saying the marriage was never legally valid in the first place – as if it never happened. Annulments are far less common than divorces because you can only get […]
Summary Dissolution in California: The Fast-Track Divorce for Short Marriages
If you and your spouse were married a short time, have no children together, and own very little, California offers a streamlined way to end the marriage called a summary dissolution. It uses a single joint petition instead of the standard back-and-forth, and both spouses file together. This guide explains what a summary dissolution is, […]
Default Divorce in California: What Happens When a Spouse Does Not Respond
Filing for divorce in California does not depend on your spouse cooperating. If you serve your spouse with divorce papers and they do not respond within the time allowed, you may be able to move forward without them through a default divorce. This guide explains what a default divorce in California is, the 30-day response […]