Providing The Support You Need In Sensitive Matters
The dissolution of a marriage comes with an immense emotional weight and an overwhelming slate of legal matters to resolve. Facing a divorce or a separation means navigating a complex family law system while trying to work through one of the more difficult transitions any family will face.
Attorney Patricia D. Clark strives to provide Sacramento-area families with both the legal prowess and the compassionate care needed to get them through difficult family law matters. Ms. Clark is one of few California attorneys certified by The State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization as a family law specialist.
The Requirements Of Divorce In California
California, like many states, adheres to a “no-fault” divorce doctrine. Put simply, an individual seeking divorce does not have to prove any wrongdoing on the part of their spouse in order to file for divorce. California accepts two legal grounds for divorce: irreconcilable differences and incurable insanity.
Given the high burden of proof necessary for the grounds of incurable insanity, many divorcing couples cite irreconcilable differences as the legal grounds for their divorce.
The state requires that one of the individuals in the divorce must have lived in California for six months before filing for divorce. One party must have lived in the county where the divorce proceedings are initiated for three months.
If neither party meets the requirements for residency, they may file for a legal separation.
Understanding Legal Separation In California
A legal separation carries many of the same challenges as a divorce but does not legally end the marriage. Individuals who have undergone a legal separation in California are not able to remarry without filing for a divorce.
When filing for a legal separation, couples may choose to ask the court for the same orders a divorce might initiate, including:
- Child support, custody and visitation agreements
- Spousal or partner support
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Asset division
A legally separated couple may choose to divorce once the state residency requirements are met.
Overcome Legal Obstacles With The Help Of Patricia D. Clark
Attorney Clark’s family law expertise has benefited many families throughout the greater Sacramento area and Placer County. An excellent negotiator, Ms. Clark provides efficient mediation services for separating couples seeking to resolve their legal matter outside of the courtroom. If litigation becomes necessary, you can rely on Ms. Clark for steadfast representation that allows you to focus on your emotional well-being and not the complexities of state divorce law.
From dividing complex assets to modifying post-judgment child support agreements, the expertise and experience of the Law & Mediation Office of Patricia Clark, PC, can help you reach resolution.
Contact the firm in Roseville at (916) 472-6232 or by email.