California Divorce

The Unauthorized Tell-All Of The California Divorce

It seems like every other week that the tabloid and entertainment magazines are blasting the news of another high profile couple are calling it quits. The hush-hush settlements total in the millions and the drama can drag on for months. More times than not, there is a third party involved in the bust-up; fingers and accusations are pointed in every direction. For many, this seems to be the normal proceedings for a California divorce: rich and messy.

The broken marriages heard around the world make up only a very small percentage of divorces conducted in California. Most are carried out without any media scrutiny whatsoever. The vicious shark-like lawyers are almost an urban legend (or they moved to Las Vegas), and any property is decided and divided up faster than candy shooting out of a PEZ dispenser. Not to say any part of a divorce, be it in California or anywhere else, is easy; but the screaming matches and diva antics belong in a Dynasty storyline with Rocky Mountain-esque shoulder pads and too much mascara.

It Is Not Like Hotel California...

There are plenty of couples who chose to be married Vegas style ; is there such a thing as a California style divorce? Are there any special stipulations that set Hollywood Land apart from anywhere else? There are some California divorce laws that are similar, is not the same as in other states. No fault divorces can be granted almost anywhere in the country. Usually there is a waiting period involved of at least several months.

The state of California legally allows a divorce for two reasons: irreconcilable differences and incurable insanity. And telling the judge that your spouse has driven you crazy will not cut the mustard. A complete and competent psychological evaluation will be required for the court. There are no incompletes when it comes to filing for a divorce in California. You must state the grounds, or reason(s) for wanting to terminate the marriage.

If the courtroom can be avoided, it is widely recommended that you do so. Not only is it more expensive, but also more emotionally and psychologically taxing on everyone involved. Many times, the spouses can reach the same agreements that they would ask a judge to rule on. In California, a marriage of five years or less can be put to rest with a summary of actions. If you have been married for at least ten years, be prepared to deal with a fifty percent split of your assets.