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In Elk Grove, as in all of California, you have two primary options: contested or uncontested divorce.

• Uncontested divorce: This is ideal if you and your spouse can agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. This is generally faster, less expensive, and less stressful than a contested divorce. You'll likely work collaboratively with your spouse and attorneys to create a mutually agreeable settlement.
• Contested divorce: If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on major issues, a contested divorce will be necessary. This involves a more formal legal process, potentially including court hearings, discovery (gathering evidence), and a trial. This can be longer, more complex, and more expensive than uncontested divorces.

Choosing between a contested and uncontested divorce depends on your specific circumstances. During your consultation, our experienced divorce lawyers can help you determine the best approach for your situation.

California is a "no-fault" divorce state. This means you don't have to prove fault or wrongdoing (such as adultery or abuse) to obtain a divorce. The only requirement is that irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Essentially, if you and your spouse have reached a point where you both agree the marriage is over, you are eligible to file for divorce.

California is a community property state. Community property is defined as any asset or debt acquired during the marriage by either spouse. In most cases, community property is divided equally between the spouses in a divorce. Separate property, which is defined as any asset or debt owned by one spouse before the marriage, or acquired during the marriage by gift or inheritance, generally remains the separate property of that spouse.

Elk Grove divorces often involve high-value homes and substantial financial assets, requiring careful valuation and division. Our legal firm has the experience to handle complex property divisions in Elk Grove, ensuring a fair and equitable outcome.

Child support calculations in California are governed by statutory guidelines, taking into account both parents' income, the number of children, and the parenting schedule (custody arrangement). Specific factors considered may include:

• Income of both parents: The higher-earning parent generally pays more in child support. This includes all sources of income, such as wages, salary, bonuses, investments, and self-employment income.
• Parenting time: The amount of time each parent spends with the children. More parenting time can affect the amount of child support awarded.
• Health insurance costs: The cost of health insurance for the children.
• Extraordinary expenses: Unusually high expenses, such as private school tuition or extraordinary medical expenses.
• Other factors: Additional factors, such as the specific needs of the children and the financial resources of each parent, may also be considered.

Our Elk Grove family law attorneys have extensive experience in child support calculations and can help you determine the appropriate amount of child support in your situation. Schedule a free consultation today!

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can petition the Elk Grove courts for a restraining order. A restraining order is a court order that prohibits an abusive spouse from contacting or coming near you or your children.

To obtain a restraining order, you will need to demonstrate to the court that you have suffered credible threats of violence or actual violence. We can help you gather the necessary evidence and file the appropriate paperwork to secure a restraining order.

Many Elk Grove divorces encounter issues with uncooperative spouses. We are experienced in using all legal tools to ensure compliance with the legal process, including:

• Discovery: We’ll utilize the legal process of discovery to compel your spouse to provide necessary information and documents.
• Court orders: We’ll obtain court orders to compel your spouse to comply with the legal requirements of the divorce process.
• Litigation: We are prepared to represent you aggressively in court if necessary to protect your rights.

Our team is prepared to handle even the most challenging divorce situations, protecting your rights and interests.