The Divorce Filing Process
The decision to file for divorce is probably one of the most emotionally draining situations a family can face. Divorce changes the family dynamic, at least on a temporary basis, and ultimately affects the finances and relationships of all the individuals involved. Due to its sensitive nature, filing for divorce should not be taken lightly. Each party should take steps to have his or her affairs in order prior to filing. Here are steps to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible: Residency Requirement. To file a petition for dissolution of marriage in California, either the petitioner or the respondent must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months and of the county in which the petition is filed for three months before the date the petition is filed. A person who does not satisfy that requirement can file a petition for legal separation and later amend it to petition for dissolution once the residency requirements...
