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In California, a summary dissolution is a simple way to get a divorce with the possibility of not having to appear in court for a trial. However, not every couple can use a summary dissolution in California to get a divorce. Therefore, before you proceed with a summary dissolution in California you will want to determine if you qualify for a summary dissolution. Information related to the factors that qualify a couple for a divorce through the summary dissolution procedure in California can often be found through your local superior courthouse or through its website. In general, couples that meet the criteria, such as the following criteria, may be able to use a summary dissolution in California:

* Do not have children together

* Married for a short period of time

* Do not own a lot of property

* Do not have a lot of debt

* Agree on how property and debts will be divided after marriage

* Lived in California for the last 6 months

* Lived in county where you file for last 3 months

Once you determine that you qualify for a summary dissolution in California you will want to read the Summary Dissolution Booklet provided by the superior court in your county. The Summary Dissolution Booklet will help you to understand the summary dissolution process and provides that you swear under penalty of perjury that you have read and understood the material. After you read The Summary Dissolution Booklet you will want to identify the appropriate superior court in California which to file the summary dissolution. Typically, the appropriate court is determined by where you and your spouse currently live. To execute a summary dissolution in California the appropriate forms must be prepared such as the Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution of Marriage along with a property settlement agreement that describes how property and debt will be divided. Once the appropriate forms are prepared, it can be filed with the appropriate superior court clerk in your county. After filing the papers for the summary dissolution there is a 6 month waiting period before the summary dissolution can be completed. Once the waiting period is up, you can finish your summary dissolution in California by completing and filing a Request for Judgment with the court.

Whether you are planning to retain an attorney to do a summary dissolution or planning to do a summary dissolution yourself in California, you would be wise to consult a California divorce attorney or California family law attorney to make certain you meet all the criteria to use a summary dissolution in California, are completing the appropriate forms, and are following all the proper procedures to start and finish a summary dissolution in California.

© 2006 Child Custody Coach

By: Steven Carlson

Filing a divorce can be both stressful and expensive. Before both parties should come into a conclusion as to whether or not to proceed with the divorce, there are several things that should be considered. There is not really a so-called perfect way on how to divorce but there are certain ways that can make the event less stressful on both parties. The data on public divorce records show that lesser couples are making that sudden decision of just filing a divorce just to get rid of the partner they no longer desire.

So you may ask – what is the first step on how to divorce?

The very first thing that a couple needs is a divorce lawyer. When choosing your divorce lawyer, it is important that you choose one that is experienced on such matters. And because you are choosing an expert on the field, you will have to pay for the price. Divorce lawyers have a high asking fee and you will have to prepare yourself financially for this.

Another thing that needs to be considered is what to do with the children after the divorce. Those who are childless do not have to worry about this one. The custody of the children is often one problem that is faced by most couples, based on public divorce records statistics. Child custody becomes a problem when both parties cannot come into an agreement on who should have custody of the child. Child support is another thing that must be discussed. Since raising a child can be a heavy burden financially, child support also needs to be discussed, as well as visitation rights of the parent who will not have the custody of the child.

Division of conjugal property is another thing that needs to be properly discussed. It is important that both parties can come up with an agreement on who gets the properties that they both own. It isn’t necessary that the properties will be equally divided as long as they come up with something that they both with agree on.

A divorce is not only stressful and expensive but can also be emotionally traumatic to the family, especially the children. So now that you know how to divorce and you know that it isn’t an easy process, then perhaps you will have to think twice and as much as possible find ways to patch things up so you do not end up resorting to a divorce. Remember, once you get divorced, the public divorce records will show it and it can be an issue to your next potential partner if you should decide to have a new one.

By: Tessa Watson

With the rise of divorce in the United States, it is time to take another look at what may be some of the implications of this trend. The breakdown of marriage is resulting in some real implications for the labor force as well as traditional family roles. This also means that Americans are beginning to redefine the way that they look at the typical American family.

Historically, this was not very common phenomenon in the United States until the twentieth century. Despite its existence dating back to years of Roman Empire, many of the cultural norms in the US were tied to religious beliefs, which tended to look down upon couples that decided to legally separate.

More recently, shifts in the workforce have shifted some of the family roles in the US. In the United States, it is estimated that almost half of all marriages are composed of one or both spouses who were previously married. Approximately forty percent of marriages ended in divorce as of 2008.

During the latter half of the twentieth century, more women began to work and take on roles outside of the traditional household. It is not immediately evident whether the participation of women in the labor market created tension in the household that led to separation. It is also possible that the need for more income in the family is to explain for the increased participation of women in the workforce.

With many families traditionally constructed in a two-parent household, the departure of one parent can result in big changes for both the parents and children, if any. The law tends to side with mothers when it comes to two parents separating but even this is not an ironclad rule, as more fathers are taking lead custody.

Whereas there used to be a very clear delineation between the role of women and role of men within the household, it is now fuzzier. Combined with more women working, some children are taking on more household responsibilities at an earlier age. This can lead to tension in the household over parenting decisions.

In America, divorce can be expensive and complicated process. Many financial planners now advise couples to consider a prenuptial agreement. While not a romantic way to begin a marriage, financial planners favor them because they allow better protection of assets in case of separation. In particular, it can protect the spouse who has the more assets and also allow couples to avoid extensive legal fees.

By: Deborah Page