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Divorce Information
Divorce is defined as the legal dissolution of a marriage. There are two types of divorce: absolute divorce
and limited divorce.

Absolute Divorce

The most common form of divorce is legally termed absolute divorce. In this form of divorce, marriage is
completely dissolved. California uses a system called no fault divorce in which marital infidelity and other
related problems are not required to seek divorce.

No-Fault Divorce - This describes any divorce where the spouse filing for divorce is not required to
prove misconduct on the part of the other partner. Suitable grounds for no-fault divorce include
incompatibility and irreconcilable differences. No-fault divorces are still subject to legal battles over
property distribution, child custody, child support, and alimony.

Limited Divorce

In certain situations where absolute divorce is not desired, limited divorce may be an alternative. Also
known as legal separation, a limited divorce means that spouses no longer live together but remain
married to each other. Some couples decide to legally separate on a trial basis to determine whether
divorce is the best solution to their marital difficulties. Undergoing a legal separation involves taking many
of the steps required for absolute divorce. It is more common for those in troubled marriages to have an
informal trial separation, but this requires some cooperation to create a suitable working arrangement.

For more specific divorce advice that applies to your situation, please contact a divorce lawyer today. Our
attorneys are experienced with divorce procedures and can help you get a fair settlement.

Annulment

In addition to divorce, there is another option for dissolving a marriage, which is to revoke it by annulment.
Similar in some ways to a Catholic annulment, a legal annulment means that the marriage is determined
not to have been valid in the first place. Therefore, the marriage is treated as if it never existed. Acceptable
grounds for annulment vary by jurisdiction, but typically include:

Misrepresentation - One example of misrepresentation is lying about an existing marriage in order
to enter into a new marriage (bigamy).
Concealment - Some possibilities of concealment include non-disclosure of a sexually transmitted
disease, felony conviction, or drug addiction.
Non-Consummation of the Marriage - This refers to the refusal or inability of one party to engage in
sexual intercourse with the other once married.
Misunderstanding - Examples of misunderstanding include one party thinking that the other
wanted children when he or she did not.

Other Divorce Issues

Other issues associated with divorce law include property division, alimony, child custody, child support,
and paternity. These topics are individually addressed on subsequent pages.

A divorce lawyer can provide excellent advice on divorce procedures and help you achieve the best
possible settlement given your particular situation. If you are considering divorce, please contact our office
for more information on divorce laws today.