Santa Rosa Stay-At-Home Spouse Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Stay-At-Home Spouse Divorce Attorney in Santa Rosa

Getting divorced can seem like an insurmountable situation, especially if you are not the one who initially files. You may not even realize that your spouse is unhappy and wants to end your marriage. If you’re a stay-at-home spouse, you may feel like a divorce is an impossibility. You may feel you don’t have assets worth protecting, or you may be worried you’ll lose everything. It’s important to consult with a Santa Rosa stay-at-home spouse divorce lawyer for help.

The legal team at the Carroll Law Office knows how hard stay-at-home spouse divorce cases can be on spouses who aren’t the primary breadwinner in the household. California’s stay-at-home spouse divorce laws can be complex to navigate alone without the help of a Santa Rosa stay-at-home spouse divorce attorney. James Carroll can devote decades of hands-on experience to your case. His team has a plethora of diverse knowledge that’s at your disposal.

Getting Divorced in California as a Stay-At-Home Spouse

If you choose to move forward with your divorce in Santa Rosa, regardless of whether or not you are a stay-at-home spouse, your case is handled in the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma. Specifically, you need to go to the Civil and Family Law Courthouse on Cleveland Avenue. Being a stay-at-home spouse has no influence on the location of the court or your community property rights under California state law.

California has a fairly low marriage rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people, as well as a fairly low divorce rate of 7.1% for men and 10.1% for women. These numbers apply to stay-at-home spouses as well. It’s important to remember that your employment status or your decision to leave the workforce to be a homemaker has little influence over what you are owed in a California divorce. You should hire a stay-at-home spouse divorce lawyer who can help you through it.

What Do You Have to Worry About?

Make no mistake about it. Divorce can be one of the hardest things you ever have to endure. It can get emotional, complicated, and personal. Your spouse may get underhanded and try to hurt you in ways you might not expect. Without the help of a skilled divorce lawyer, your spouse may be successful in preventing you from getting your fair share of marital assets. Here are some important things you should prioritize during your divorce as a stay-at-home spouse:

• Spousal support. One of the most important elements of your divorce may be filing for temporary spousal support. As a stay-at-home spouse, you may have little to no cash flow or savings, especially if your spouse was the breadwinner. Your lawyer can help you file for temporary spousal support and even child support right after filing for divorce. This way, you can keep paying the bills while your divorce moves through the court.
• Going back to work. Once the divorce is over and you can start moving forward, you are probably going to have to re-enter the workforce, which might not be easy. There may be significant gaps in your resume that could prevent you from getting a stable job. The court may order rehabilitative support to fund additional job training or even schooling to help you secure stable work to support yourself.
• Asset division. Under California state law, both spouses in a divorce are entitled to a fair split of marital assets. Any assets acquired during the marriage are considered community property and are subject to a fair asset division. This excludes assets owned before the marriage, gifts, inheritances, and anything earned by either spouse after the date of separation. Your lawyer can make sure you receive your fair share under state law.

FAQs

What if I Can’t Afford to Divorce My Spouse?

If you are unable to afford a divorce in California, you have many potential options at your disposal. There are court fee waivers you can apply for, self-help resources you can explore, and your lawyer can help you file for temporary spousal support during this ordeal. California judges may be willing to work with you if you are respectful and don’t do anything illegal, like try to hide assets.

What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?

The three C’s of a divorce are generally communication, cooperation, and compromise. To make sure your divorce goes relatively smoothly, each of these factors should be heavily considered and approached with care. You should maintain consistent communication with your spouse, cooperate with their legal team, and be open to compromise when necessary. Embracing these elements can sometimes help you avoid a messy, complex divorce.

What Is the Five-Year Rule for Divorce in California?

In California, the five-year rule generally refers to the option to get a summary dissolution instead of a divorce. This is an option if your marriage has lasted only five years or less, you have no children together, and you share minimal property and debt with your spouse. If you meet the requirements for a summary dissolution, you should ask your lawyer if it’s a viable option for you. It can be much faster and simpler.

Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a divorce lawyer. It’s always recommended that you have professional help during a time like this. Pursuing a divorce on your own can often result in an outcome less than favorable to you. By entrusting your case to an experienced divorce lawyer, you’re able to shift your own focus to taking care of your children, finding a new job, and other important elements outside of your divorce. Your lawyer can handle the case itself.

Hire a Stay-At-Home Spouse Divorce Lawyer

When your marriage ends, it’s important to know exactly what to expect. By hiring the right divorce lawyer, you can rest assured that things are being handled by the right people. At the Carroll Law Office, we can stand up for you, prevent you from being taken advantage of, and oversee your divorce from start to finish. Contact us to speak with someone who can help.