Kirk A. Laron & Associates

What is the difference between a "legal separation" and a "divorce"? The legal separation allows parties to retain the title of being married while continuing to benefit from insurance and other matters that require a spouse, but it allows both parties to severe the ties of community property, assets, and debts so that these issues can be resolved and parties can move forward independently while still retaining certain benefits. Read more> ... http://www.laronlaw.com/difference-legal-separation-divorce/ See more

Will I automatically be divorced in six months? A divorce is not automatically granted at any time, although the soonest that a divorce can occur is six months and a day from initial service of the summons and dissolution of marriage. The court does not move the case along for the parties as it is up to them to move the court to accomplish resolution. Attorneys can be very helpful in getting things accomplished efficiently and correctly as the alternative for a self-represent...ing party can be very time consuming, confusing, and frustrating. Read more: http://www.laronlaw.com/will-i-automatically-be-divorced-i/

Are there rules that my spouse and I must follow during the divorce process? During the divorce process it is important for both spouses to be aware of the Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders which automatically go into effect once the divorce has been filed for the Petitioner and once those initial papers have been received for the Respondent. These restraints are designed to keep things in place such as insurance policies, assets, and related community as well as separat...e property. The court understands that there is a temptation for people to move things around for their own benefit and to want to reduce their expenses, especially if it is for the primary benefit of the other spouse. Read more > http://www.laronlaw.com/rules-spouse-must-follow-divorce-p/

What happens if we cannot agree on custody? Parties often disagree on custody of their children for obvious reasons, and this is actually the main reason why dissolutions go to trial. It is extremely emotional for any parent to accept the idea that they cannot see their children every day as many have assumed until a separation occurs. This is why the courts actual mandate mediation for every custody dispute as it becomes critical for parents to understand the norms of their ...new roles and to minimize the acrimony for the sake of the children’s well-being. Apart from the desire for a parent to be with their children, there are also financial incentives to ... Read more: http://www.laronlaw.com/happens-cannot-agree-custody/

What is spousal support? Is it the same as alimony? Spousal Support, which also encompasses Partner Support, is essentially a replacement for the prior term alimony, and stands for the concept that both people in a marriage are assumed to contribute equally regardless of who earns income and deserve equal benefit from the standard of living that the marriage has enjoyed prior to a divorce. Spousal support is a means by which disposable income is equalized between married p...ersons so that both parties can have financial security upon separation from their spouse. For public policy reasons this becomes important so that the taxpayers do not have to shoulder the burden of financial support for a spouse that does not earn income while the spouse that does earn income is not provided a windfall while the other spouse is left in a desperate financial situation and requires government assistance. Read more: http://www.laronlaw.com/spousal-support-alimony/

What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested divorce describes any resolution of a dissolution of marriage that does not involve a trial. Most divorces are uncontested and an effective attorney is one who can effectively negotiate and draft a fair settlement that allows both parties to move on with their lives and have closure. Keep in mind, however, that one cannot make a settlement agreement with oneself; it takes two parties to make an agreement so some measure of reason...ableness and candor in disclosing information is necessary from both parties in order to avoid contested litigation. Read more> http://www.laronlaw.com/uncontested-divorce/

What is no-fault divorce? A no-fault divorce is a legal term which essentially informs the public that in California the Courts are not going to waste time and money determining who is to blame for the divorce as there is little to no legal consequence to the person who is to blame. It should be noted, however, that while one’s actions in promoting the divorce are not relevant, one’s lifestyle can have an effect on the welfare of the minor children. The court is always inter...ested in advocating for the best interests of the children so when it comes to custody of the children it is fair game to consider the home environment of both parents when determining what is best for the children. Read more> http://www.laronlaw.com/no-fault-divorce/

What are grounds for divorce in California? The grounds for a divorce in California are either irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity. There is really no practical advantage to pleading incurable insanity as grounds for divorce because the insane spouse’ rights must still be fully protected and there is a burden on the moving party to prove if someone is legally insane. Read More >... http://www.laronlaw.com/grounds-divorce-california/ See more

Kirk A. Laron & Associates The soonest that a married couple can be divorced is six months and a day after service of the Petition and Summons. This is known as the cooling off period in case a couple decides to stay together in which case they would not have to remarry after just a few months of being divorced. Read More > http://www.laronlaw.com/long-typically-take-get-divorce/

Do you advocate mediation? Mediation I do not recommend mediation initially in the case as it has its own expenses that need to be considered. Typically, once the initial stages of disclosure are completed between the parties, the attorneys may be in a good position to attempt a settlement, which is often what a mediator will provide. If the parties are very unreasonable and those efforts have been made to settle, mediation can be a helpful alternative prior to committing... to trial. What style of mediation do you prefer? In regards to a mediation style, I prefer a mediator who has previous experience as either a trial attorney or a Judge as they... Read More > http://www.laronlaw.com/do-you-advocate-mediation/