Going through a divorce can be difficult; people are often emotionally riled up, mentally drained, and in a tight financial space.
The divorce process is not always smooth, and mistakes come with significant consequences. Individuals who take the right steps often find themselves with a more agreeable arrangement.
These steps could include hiring an attorney on time, getting the financial records in order, proper documentation, and more.
Everyone sees LA as the entertainment hub, with beaches, happening nightlife, and loads of opportunities.
While this is true, it is also a hotspot for high-profile, "messy" divorces.
It has a divorce rate of about 8% among people aged 15 and older. Roughly 10% of women in the county are divorced compared to 7% of men.
So if you're in that boat right now, you're definitely not alone, and you also happen to be living in one of the most complex legal environments in the country to navigate.
Having an experienced LA attorney specialized in divorce can make a big difference as you work through the process.
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First Things First: Do You Even Qualify to File in Los Angeles?
Before anything else, you need to meet California's residency requirements.
At least one spouse has to have lived in California for the last 6 months and in Los Angeles County specifically for the last 3 months before you can file.
If you don't meet those requirements yet, your filing can get delayed or denied, so you first have to confirm this before you do anything else.
California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don't have to prove your spouse did something wrong to file.
Most people file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, which basically just means the marriage isn't working and can't be fixed.
That simplifies the legal grounds, but it doesn't mean the process itself is simple.
Tips for Navigating the Divorce Process in LA
If you’re going through a divorce, or maybe considering one, these tips can come in really handy for you:
Talk to an Attorney Before You Do Anything Else
Even if you're just thinking about it and haven't decided yet, a consultation gives you a clear picture of what your rights are, what the process looks like, and what you might be entitled to. People who go in informed actually make better decisions.
Get Your Financial Records Together Early
You need to gather tax returns for the last three years, pay stubs, bank and credit card statements, retirement and investment accounts, mortgage info, loan documents, and all of it.
Once the divorce starts, financial disclosures are mandatory, and having everything organized already takes a huge weight off.
Wait Before You Move Out
Don't move out of the marital home without thinking it through. It feels like the obvious thing to do when things are tense, but it can hurt your custody position and complicate your claim to the property. Talk to your attorney before you make that call.
Document Everything
If your spouse says something relevant, write it down. If something happens that feels significant, note the date and details.
If there's any kind of threatening or harassing behaviour, contact the police and look into whether a restraining order is appropriate.
Your safety and your kids' safety come first, and the law is on your side there.
Don't Settle Too Early
Don’t rush and say yes to a deal just because you’re tired and want it over with. That happens a lot. People just want to be done, and they agree too fast.
First, you've got to actually know what money there is, what debts there are, who gets what, and other things, such as the house, retirement, etc. If you don’t know yet, you shouldn’t be agreeing to anything.
Same thing with kids and custody. Don’t just guess or go with whatever in the moment. Make sure you really understand what the schedule and rules would look like long-term.
Build a Support System Around You
Get yourself a support system; it could be a therapist, a trusted friend, a financial advisor, or just whatever combination works for you.
Divorce is as emotional as it is legal, and being in a stable headspace helps you make clearer decisions throughout the process.
Key Takeaways
- Divorce happens to around 8% of people in LA.
- Before you even file, you have to live in California for 6 months and in LA for 3 months.
- California is a no-fault state, which just means you don’t have to prove your spouse did something bad. You can just say that the marriage is no longer working.
- Talk to a divorce lawyer first before you start the procedure.
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