For couples with no children or children over 18 years of age, there are two (2) main issues that need to be mutually agreed upon: Spousal Support & Assets/Debts. For couples with minor children, there are four (4) main issues: Spousal Support, Assets/Debts, Custody and Child Support.

#1 The Parenting Plan

A parenting plan covers where your children will spend nights, weekends, and holidays (referred to as physical custody), as well as decision making on matters such as education, religion, and medical issues (referred to as legal custody). The more thorough the parenting plan is the less conflict between you and your ex - and the less stress on your little ones.

#2 Child Support

Child support is based off California’s child support guideline, which takes into account each parent's income, financial obligations, custodial time, and other factors. Child support may be ordered on a temporary basis until there is a final judgment and may be modified by court order after your divorce is finalized.

#3 Alimony

Unlike child support, there is no guideline for spousal support. However, factors the court may consider when calculating the amount and length of spousal support is the parties' income, assets, health, age, and length of marriage, among others. In California, affairs do not impact the amount of spousal support, unlike other states.

#4 Community Property

California is a “community property state,” meaning marital assets and debts are split 50-50, unless the parties come to agreement otherwise. What is community and what is separate is a complicated and lengthy answer, which is why it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable mediator or attorney.