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CALIFORNIA NO FAULT DIVORCE LAWYERS

Helping You
Start Fresh
In California

CALIFORNIA NO FAULT DIVORCE LAWYERS

Helping You
Start Fresh
In California

NO FAULT DIVORCE ATTORNEYS
IN CALIFORNIA

No fault divorce is a legal framework that allows couples to dissolve their marriage without placing blame on either party. Instead of assigning fault, no fault divorce focuses on the irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship as the sole ground for divorce. In California, this approach is embodied in the state's Family Code, which permits couples to file for divorce on the basis of irreconcilable differences.

If you're considering a divorce in California, it's important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process. Modern Family Law's California divorce attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights and interests, and ensure that your divorce is handled smoothly and efficiently. Learn about no fault divorce in California below including:

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Our experienced California divorce attorneys want to help you take control of your future. They are here to guide you through the dissolution of marriage process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected. Whether you're facing complex financial issues, child custody concerns, or other challenges, our attorneys can help you reach a fair and equitable resolution that allows you to move forward with your life.

WHAT IS A NO-FAULT DIVORCE
IN CALIFORNIA?

A no fault divorce in California is a legal process by which a married couple can end their marriage without placing blame on either party. It is based on the concept of "irreconcilable differences," meaning that the couple's marriage has experienced an irreparable breakdown and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation.

In California, the no fault divorce system is governed by the state's Family Code. Under this code, a spouse can initiate divorce proceedings by stating that there are irreconcilable differences, which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage. It is not necessary to provide evidence or prove fault, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment, in order to obtain a divorce.

This no fault approach aims to simplify and expedite the divorce process, as it removes the need for contentious and potentially damaging allegations of wrongdoing. It promotes a more amicable environment for resolving disputes related to child custody, support, property division, and spousal support.

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CAN MARITAL MISCONDUCT INFLUENCE ANY
DECISIONS IN A CALIFORNIA DIVORCE?

Although traditional forms of marital misconduct like adultery or abandonment may not be directly relevant to divorce proceedings in California, certain types of misconduct can still have an impact on how the court decides specific issues. For instance, when determining child custody or alimony, evidence of domestic abuse will be taken into consideration. If one spouse has engaged in child abuse, their custody rights may be limited or terminated altogether. Similarly, if a spouse has committed spousal abuse, the court may deny them the alimony they would have otherwise received.

While adultery itself may not typically affect a divorce, the court may consider whether one spouse utilized marital assets on an extramarital affair. If substantial marital assets were spent on vacations, gifts, dinners, or other expenses related to the affair, the court may take this into account when deciding the division of property. Moreover, if a spouse neglected their parental responsibilities or put their child in harm's way during the course of an extramarital affair, such conduct could influence the court's custody determination.

Misconduct during the divorce proceedings is also significant. Both parties are legally obligated to fully disclose all assets, including separate and community property. If a party hides assets or provides false information about income or holdings, the court may impose sanctions. Additionally, any deliberate dissipation of assets in anticipation of the divorce, such as giving away substantial sums of money or property to friends or family members to keep them out of the divorce settlement, may be taken into account. If a party purposefully squanders money to spite their spouse, such as by maxing out credit cards, they could face consequences. In response, the court may rule in favor of the other spouse regarding property division or spousal support as a form of retaliation. Disobeying a court order can also result in penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Although traditional marital misconduct may not be central to divorce proceedings in California, various forms of misconduct, such as abuse, asset dissipation, and failure to comply with court orders, can still have significant implications on the court's decisions regarding child custody, asset distribution, and spousal support.

WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS OF
NO-FAULT DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA?

Pros of No-Fault Divorce  


1. Faster & Easier: No-fault divorce is generally faster and easier than fault-based divorce since it doesn’t require proving marital misconduct, which can save time and money.

2. Reduced conflict: By eliminating the need to assign blame, no-fault divorce reduces conflict between spouses and promotes a more amicable divorce process.

3. More equitable: No-fault divorce can result in a more equitable division of marital property and assets since neither party is punished or rewarded based on their behavior during the marriage.

Cons of No-Fault Divorce  


1. Lack of Accountability: Some critics argue that no-fault divorce allows spouses to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and can lead to a decline in family values.

2. Unilateral Divorce: No-fault divorce allows one spouse to initiate the divorce without the consent of the other, which can be unfair to the other spouse who may not want the divorce.

3. Financial Impact: No-fault divorce can have a significant financial impact on one or both parties, particularly if there is a significant disparity in income or assets, and can result in an unequal division of property and assets.

Ultimately, the decision to seek a no-fault divorce is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration of the specific circumstances of the marriage and the potential implications of a no-fault divorce.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR
EXPERIENCED DIVORCE LAWYERS IN CALIFORNIA

David SandersDavid Sanders
21:37 21 Jun 22
Yes I want to thank all the staff at modern family law for all there hard work through this process I went through to win my case it was long but in long run I came out better with results then if I tried to do this on my own. I want to personally thank Chelsea Hillman And Patricia Wallace they went above and beyond to get me through all of this learning experience. I recommend them them personally and there staff to get you results. Thank you for your hard and dedication is this matter and I will be using you soon again into this matter as it's still a ongoing process.
Ceceilia ReedyCeceilia Reedy
17:04 14 Jun 22
Cynthia and her team are great! I hired Cynthia a week before my hearing and she made sure that she was prepared, up to date and knowledgeable about my case and handled everything in time for my hearing with very little time. Also she reached out with everything and responded quickly. She made sure that my concerns, my position and evidence were heard and having her at this hearing made all the difference for me. I’m happy I went with Modern Family Law and Cynthia, this has been mentally and emotionally draining for me to go through and as soon as Cynthia came abroad I was able to be relived of that and knew I was in good hands. My hearing went in my favor and I believe it’s because I had Cynthia. Now I can get back to my life and focus on other things and I’m just so grateful for Cynthia and her teams help.
Gina WarnerGina Warner
18:02 19 May 22
Brian Litzinger with Modern Family Law and I have been working together for about 4 years. He did an amazing job for me as I was going through a very difficult long custody battle for my Daughter. He helped keep me sane and is very kind and compassionate and understanding. He is the best attorney I have ever worked with and I highly recommend him. Oh, and I now have full custody of my Daughter.
Benji KelsoBenji Kelso
15:10 13 Apr 22
Brian and Yenesis were really great to work with. They are extremely thorough and know this area of law very well, and they won my case!
Devin RoybalDevin Roybal
18:53 01 Dec 21
Cynthia was absolutely amazing. We’ve been working together over the past year. She treated me with respect and professionalism. She would always get back to me in a timely manner and really believed in me. I couldn’t be more thankful for the things she did for me and showed me.I would recommend her to anyone. 5 stars all around. Thank you!!!!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
NO-FAULT DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA

Do Both Partners Have To Agree To A No-Fault Divorce In California?

No, both spouses do not need to agree. In California, only one spouse needs to state that there are irreconcilable differences in order to proceed with a no-fault divorce.

How Does Property Division Work In A No-Fault Divorce?

California follows the principle of community property, which generally means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally between the spouses. However, there can be exceptions and complexities based on specific circumstances.

OUR CALIFORNIA DIVORCE OFFICE LOCATIONS

OAKLAND
DIVORCE LAWYERS


1 Kaiser Plaza Suite 401,
Oakland, CA

(510) 619-2756

SAN JOSE
DIVORCE LAWYERS


3031 Tisch Way, 110 Plaza West,
San Jose, CA 95128

(408) 470-3791

PALO ALTO
DIVORCE LAWYERS


3000 El Camino Real Bldg 4, Suite 200,
Palo Alto, CA 94306

(650) 229-5376

CONTACT US



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