Things to Find Before you File For Divorce in California

Filing for divorce may not be a simple matter in California. Under California Family Law, you have to account for every asset and liability at the time of the filing, regardless of whether you think it is property of the marriage (called Community Property under California Family Law) or your individual property.

You have to account for your income as well. Further, if you can provide a list of what your spouse might be holding separately and his/her income, that will help too.

Some things you should gather up before you file include:

Name, address and date of birth for you, your spouse and any dependents
How long you, your spouse, or both have lived in California and Santa Clara County
If the children have resided in any other place in the last five years, where, when, and who did they live with
Any assets (cars, boats, jewelry, furniture, etc) that might be affected by the divorce, regardless of whether you think it is community property or not, and value information if you have it
Any bank accounts in your, your spouse’s name, or both, regardless of whether you think it is community property or not, and value information if you have it
Any accounts you and/or your spouse owe money on (credit cards, medical bills, car payments, house payments, etc), and balances if you have it
An idea of what your living expenses might be after the divorce
Any other sources of income for either party
Locations of retirement accounts, in whose name and approximate value if you have it

For more information on preparing for a divorce proceeding, and how you can protect yourself and your assets, talk to a divorce lawyer licensed to practice in California.

From the author: Santa Clara County Divorce Law Firm

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