If you are going through a divorce, or think you may be going through one soon, you may want to seek help from an attorney. No two divorces are the same, and there are countless reasons why divorce may be necessary. At the Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi, our qualified and experienced Westlake Village divorce attorneys are ready to help you get through this emotional process. There are five major elements of the divorce you will want to focus on with your attorney.
Property Division is often one of the most complicated parts of a divorce. California is a community property state, meaning that all assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital property and subject to division between both spouses – regardless of whose name the property is in.
Marital property includes a variety of things, including the marital home, bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, furniture, real estate, and more. Also included are debts acquired by either party during the marriage.
Spousal maintenance (alimony) is a complex issue in California and there are various types that may be awarded by the court. It could be permanent. However, alimony may be temporary, lasting only a certain number of years or long enough for the receiving spouse to get an education or vocational training so they can support themselves.
When parents divorce and there are minor children involved, both parents are required to support their children. How much each parent contributes will be outlined in a court order as part of the finalized divorce.
This could end up being a highly charged part of the divorce. When it comes to child custody, two types need to be settled – physical custody and legal custody.
Legal custody can be shared or joint and refers to who gets to make important decisions in the child’s life (school, religious upbringing, medical, etc.).
Physical custody refers to where the child will reside. When there is shared custody, the child spends equal time with each parent. When only one parent has custody, the child lives with only one parent and usually has visitation with the other.
You are going to need documents. Bring all of the following, and any other relevant documentation that you may suspect is relevant:
If you are about to go through a divorce, we know this is an emotional and complicated time in your life. That is why we want to be by your side. At the Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi, you can count on a compassionate and experienced team that will guide you through every aspect of your divorce. When you need a Westlake Village divorce attorney, you can contact us for a consultation by clicking here or calling 805-379-4550.
