Cindy J Hopper worked as a Family Law Court Commissioner for the Fresno County Superior Court (Ret.) and presided over two different family law departments in the Fresno County Superior Court. Cindy J Hopper is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She has a working knowledge of the law, real court room application and 25 years of experience handling divorces.
The rate of divorce has increased over the years, and much of it has to do with social acceptance of it. Social acceptance, however, does not make the dissolution of a marriage in Fresno any easier. When a marriage ends, you have decisions you need to make that will affect your future and the future of any children you may share with your ex-spouse. Getting the right information can help you make informed decisions.
At Law Office of Cindy J. Hopper, in Fresno California, our divorce lawyer knows you have questions. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities during this particularly difficult time. You do not have to endure a divorce alone. Get answers to your questions today and contact us online or at 559-396-4777 to schedule a consultation.
Uncontested and Contested Fresno and Madera Divorces
The divorce process is dependent in part on whether it's contested or not. Uncontested divorces can move along rather quickly when the divorcing couple agrees on property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. When one spouse challenges any of these matters, the divorce becomes contested.
The process will proceed to trial unless the soon-to-be ex-spouses can come to an agreement. Sometimes mediation or another alternative dispute resolution process may be used to help them come to that agreement.
Common Grounds for Divorce
In California, you do not have to show fault in order to get a divorce. All divorces in California today, in fact, are no-fault divorces.
No-fault Divorces
When a marriage is deemed irretrievably broken or the spouses claim there are irreconcilable differences, a no-fault divorce may be sought. An irretrievably broken marriage simply means the couple is unable or refuses to cohabit, and no prospects for reconciliation exist.
Some locations that allow divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences may require separation for a certain time period.
Property Division
Property division is a key part of any divorce and involves marital property. Marital property is property acquired or obtained during the marriage as opposed to separate property that the spouse had prior to the marriage.
Types of marital property include:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Investment property
- Vehicles, boats
- Furniture
- Artwork
- Pensions
- Securities
- Retirement accounts
- Debt
There are two ways this property is split, and it depends on your jurisdiction:
- Community property where assets are split 50-50; and
- Equitable distribution where assets are divided fairly and not necessarily equally.
Spousal Support in California
Spousal support, also commonly referred to as alimony, is not awarded as often as it was in the past. Its purpose is to make sure the divorce does not result in an unfair economic situation for the dependent spouse. The couple can agree to alimony or the court can order it. Decisions about alimony are made based on many factors, but the more common factors include:
- Age
- Health (physical, mental, emotional)
- Education
- Potential to earn
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Length of the marriage
- Difference between earning capacities
Child Custody in California
Child custody is one of the most contentious areas of a divorce. It's highly emotional and can cause serious bitterness. Courts prefer both parents partaking in a child's life and, as such, accommodate joint custody, which includes physical and legal custody. In some situations, one parent may have sole custody while the other may have visitation rights. Courts determine child custody based on what is in the child's best interest.
Child Support in California
Both parents are required to provide financial support for their children. When a parent has primary custody and the financial circumstances require it, the court may order child support. Most courts will use a child support calculator to help determine the amount.
Contact a Divorce Attorney in Fresno California Today
There's a lot to consider when you are going through a divorce. The decisions made during this time will impact you and your family's life for quite a while. It's important to get guidance from a family law attorney who will advocate for you and your family. Contact us online or call us directly at 559-396-4777 to schedule a consultation.
As a retired Family Law Court Commissioner with the Fresno County Superior Court Cindy J Hopper has a working knowledge and real world experience with divorces. She has the expertise as a Certified Family Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and can assist you with your divorce.