What are the grounds for divorce in California? California recognizes only two legal grounds for divorce under Family Code § 2310: (1) Irreconcilable Differences and (2) Permanent Legal Incapacity. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing, infidelity, or misconduct to end your marriage. If one

How is debt divided in a California divorce? In California, most debts incurred during the marriage are considered community debt and are generally divided equally (50/50) between spouses under Family Code § 2550. Courts divide the “Net Community Estate,” meaning all community assets minus all community debts. However, the specific allocation of

Can my spouse and I file for divorce together in 2026? Yes. Beginning in 2026, California law allows many spouses to file a Joint Petition for Dissolution together using Form FL-700. Under SB 1427, this option is no longer limited to “summary” dissolutions and may be available to couples with children, real

How do I start a divorce in Sonoma County? To start a divorce in Sonoma County, you must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Sonoma County Superior Court at the Civil & Family Law Courthouse, located at 3055 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, California. The process begins by filing

When parents in Santa Rosa or anywhere in Sonoma County find themselves in a child custody dispute, one phrase often causes immediate anxiety: Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC). For many parents, this mandatory step feels intimidating, confusing, and deeply personal. Understanding how the process works—before you walk into the courthouse—can significantly reduce

Domestic violence restraining orders are among the most serious and emotionally charged legal matters handled by Sonoma County courts. Whether you are seeking protection or defending against allegations, understanding the local DVRO process in Santa Rosa is essential. Where DVRO Cases Are Filed in Sonoma County All domestic violence restraining orders are

Navigating child custody matters can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of family law. In California, the primary focus is always on what serves the child’s well-being above all else. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation, or establishing parentage, understanding how custody decisions are made can empower you to

Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, is a critical component of many divorce proceedings in California. It provides financial assistance from one spouse to the other to maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. But one of the most common questions we hear at Conway Law Practice is: How long does

Fair Division of Assets: Understanding California’s Community Property Laws in a Santa Rosa Divorce For couples in Santa Rosa facing a divorce, one of the most significant and often most stressful tasks is the division of their assets and debts. California is a “community property” state, which means the law assumes all

The “Move-Away” Dilemma: Navigating a Parent’s Right to Relocate in Santa Rosa Divorce is often a difficult process, but the legal challenges don’t always end when the final judgment is entered. For many parents in Santa Rosa, a new job, family emergency, or romantic relationship can necessitate a move that puts them