California Divorce Laws – Changes for 2025

California divorce laws directly impact how difficult divorce can be for residents, which is why it’s important to stay aware of legal changes. Partnering with a lawyer who stays up to date on said changes can also be beneficial.

Getting divorced can be confusing, emotional, and overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to handle it all by yourself. Fortunately, you don’t need to. Hiring a California divorce lawyer can bring clarity to an otherwise confusing situation. Your lawyer can seek out ways to help you negotiate for and pursue your desired outcomes. While the law is ever-changing, you can find peace of mind in having an attorney walk with you through one of the hardest events of your life.

Divorce Statistics in the State of California

In 2022, 673,989 divorces occurred in the US. Approximately 1,166,642 women have been divorced in California, and the state’s divorce rate is estimated to be 6.5 per 1,000 women ages 15 and up, based on 2023 data from the US Census. California’s divorce rate is lower than that of many other surrounding states, including Nebraska at 9.5 and Arizona at 7.4. According to the Census data, Connecticut was the state with the lowest divorce rate, at just 4.7. Alaska’s rate of 12.9 was the highest.

What Is No-Fault Divorce in California?

“No-fault divorce” is an important aspect of the state’s civil law. In California, you do not have to show that your spouse did anything wrong to be granted a divorce. Under the state’s no-fault divorce framework, you can file for divorce whether or not the other party agrees, and you can do so without having to present evidence that your request is circumstantially justified. Rather than citing the actions of your spouse as the reason for your divorce, you can simply cite “irreconcilable differences.”

Why Do I Need a California Divorce Lawyer?

While it is perfectly legal in California for you to represent yourself in your divorce case, there are many benefits that come with hiring a skilled divorce lawyer to represent you. When complexities and emotions arise, your California divorce lawyer, as a mediation attorney guiding settlement talks, a parent coordinator crafting co‑parenting plans, and an advocate for child custody, child support, and child visitation, will be able to advocate on your behalf as you pursue the desired outcomes of your divorce.

Your lawyer will also be able to help you navigate the legal and administrative side of your case, as well as be a voice of compassion and reason when facing the emotional side. They can help you avoid common pitfalls, risky behavior, and potential burnout. A family law case is almost always a difficult undertaking, but with the help of your California divorce lawyer, you do not need to face it alone.

FAQs

Q: Is California a 50-50 State When It Comes to Divorce?

A: In the state of California, all property and assets gained during your marriage can be considered community property, meaning that everything you owe and/or own from the beginning of your marriage is usually split in half during your divorce. For property you owned before your marriage, there may be an increase in complexity. However, prenuptial agreements can clear up confusion and disputes, as well as the help of a divorce or a property division lawyer.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in California?

A: The overall cost of a divorce lawyer in California tends to vary. There are some common factors, however, that usually impact the final price. Examples include how complex your case is, how long your divorce case takes to resolve, and which attorney you hire to represent you. Often, attorneys in different areas charge different rates based on the local market. Price may also differ based on the types of fees; attorneys often charge hourly fees or flat fees.

Q: What Is the 10-Year Rule in Divorce in California?

A: The 10-year rule implies this basic concept: the longer you have been married, the longer your support may last. While it is not a guarantee, the court tends to approach marriages that have lasted less than 10 years with the understanding that support will last half as long as the marriage did. There are unique cases that may result in different outcomes, which your lawyer can advise you on if the need should arise.

Q: How Many Years Do You Have to Be Married in California to Get Alimony?

A: In the state of California, there is no set length of time that a person has to be married in order to receive alimony in the event of divorce. A skilled spousal support lawyer can help you understand how your marriage duration might impact the length of support you receive. If you have not been married long, you may receive alimony for a shorter amount of time. However, the duration and amount of spousal support payments depend on many other factors as well, such as income.

Get Representation Today: Contact a California Divorce Lawyer From TDC Family Law

Going through a divorce may be one of the hardest things you will endure. It can leave you feeling exhausted, confused, and isolated, but you do not need to shoulder this burden alone.

At TDC Family Law, you’ll find lawyers who are ready to help you handle your unique divorce case. Your lawyer can help you make important decisions, understand complex terminology, follow the various steps involved in the legal divorce process, and empower you in the pursuit of your desired outcomes. Having an advocate who can negotiate on your behalf may prove to be exactly what you need to get through this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a talented attorney.