How to File for Divorce in California Book

Using Self-Help Law Books
Introduction
Chapter 1: Marriage Ins and Outs
Marriage
Divorce
Nullity (Annulment)
Legal Separation
Do You Really Want a Divorce?
Chapter 2: The Legal System
Theory vs. Reality
The Players
Divorce Law
Divorce Procedure
Legal Research
Chapter 3: Lawyers
The Need for a Lawyer
Deciding to Use a Lawyer
Selecting a Lawyer
Working with a Lawyer
Chapter 4: Evaluating Your Situation
Your Spouse
Financial Information
Property
Schedule of Assets and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Potential Problems
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Potential Problems
Which Divorce Procedure to Use
Chapter 5: General Procedures
An Introduction to Legal Forms
Filing with the Court Clerk
Notifying Your Spouse
Courtroom Manners
Negotiating
Chapter 6: Summary Dissolution Procedure
Requirements
Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution of Marriage
Request for Judgment, Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and Notice of Entry of Judgment
Notice of Revocation of Petition for Summary Dissolution
Chapter 7: Uncontested Divorce Procedure
Summons (Family Law)
Petition
Declaration under Uniform Child Custody
Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
Starting Your Divorce Proceeding
Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure
Schedule of Assets and Debts
Income and Expense Declaration
Serving Your Spouse
When Your Spouse Will Not Cooperate
Final Declaration of Disclosure
Stipulation for Child Support
Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
Responding to theDivorce Filing
Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution
Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers
Military Service Considerations
Judgment
Earnings Assignment Order for Spousal Support
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support
Notice of Entry of Judgment
Chapter 8: Domestic Partnerships
Declaration of Domestic Partnership
Exceptions from Marriage
Termination of a Domestic Partnership
Chapter 9: Contested Divorce Procedure
Collecting Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Chapter 10: The Court Hearing
Preparation
The Hearing
Public Assistance
Chapter 11: When You Cannot Find Your Spouse or Partner
The Diligent Search
Preparing and Filing Court Papers
Publishing
Chapter 12: Special Circumstances
When You Cannot Afford Court Costs
Protecting Yourself, Your Children, and Your Property
Temporary Support and Custody
Taxes
If Your Spouse Also Files for Divorce
The Future
Glossary
Appendix A: California Statutes
Appendix B: Forms
Index