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About Divorce Proceedings In family law, divorce (sometimes called "dissolution") is the legal process by which a valid marriage is ended and the judge distributes the marital (and sometimes the non-marital) property owned by the parties, orders spousal support if appropriate, makes child custody orders, and orders child support by one or both parents. Divorce is also different from legal separation. In a legal separation, the property and support rights of the husband and wife are decided, but they remain legally married. If you want to remarry, you must get a divorce - a legal separation will not allow you to remarry. Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer? A divorce lawyer is not legally required for a divorce, but it's a very good idea, to make sure that your rights are fully protected. It is easy for non-lawyers to make technical mistakes or overlook ways to save money that a divorce lawyer would avoid. Also, during divorce proceedings sometimes one spouse will take advantage of the other spouse. An experienced divorce attorney can help you in many ways. Learn About Spousal Support In family law, when a person files for divorce, the judge will often order one spousal support the other during the lawsuit, and may also require that spouse to pay the other's legal expenses. And at the end of the lawsuit, the judge might order one spousal support the other in the future. Most couples (working with their lawyers) try to come to some agreement as to how property will be divided and how much support (if any) one will pay the other and for how long. If the parties can't agree, the judge will decide the issues of property division and support rights, and spousal support. Family laws governing these issues varies among the states, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot, particularly if the states are operating under different property systems - "common law" systems as opposed to "community property" systems. Since the division of property and determination of support obligations are extremely important matters, it is critical that you be represented by a family law attorney who is familiar with the particular system in your state. If you have questions about spousal support, contact an attorney in your area. Liscensed to appear in all the courts of general jurisdiction in the State of California and the Federal District Courts in the State of California as an accomplished civil litigator. 20% reduction in fees if you mention our website prior to your first consultation Please call 818-501-7777 Copyright ©2001 Rita Ann Kahlenberg, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy