Orange County divorce rates are some of the highest in the country. Approximately 72% of marriages in the county end in divorce compared with the national average of about 50%. This begs the question: why are so many Orange County marriages ending in divorce?
Many factors contribute to divorce rates, including income, education, race, and age. In Orange County, the median income is higher than the national average, so more couples in Orange County are able to afford a divorce. As the economy started to get stronger after the last recession a number of couples who had put off filing for divorce became more stable and moved to a financial position that enabled them to do so. Divorce is no longer viewed as being taboo; in fact, it’s become an increasingly acceptable way to deal with marital issues.
The divorce process can be overwhelming and stressful. Every divorce is unique with its own set of issues and complications. Therefore, it’s important to have the help of a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer that specializes in divorce and family law to ensure that you end up with the best possible outcome to your case.
California Divorce Law
California, like other states, has its own laws governing divorce. Dissolution of a marriage can’t be pursued until either party has been a resident of California for a minimum of six months before filing. You have to file for divorce within a specific county within the state. To be eligible to do that, at least one of the parties must have lived in that county for three months before filing.
California is a no-fault divorce state which means that the person filing for the divorce doesn’t have to prove that it was the other party’s fault which resulted in the breakdown of the marriage in question. Judges do not consider fault when dividing property or determining support, although a variety of factors including child custody, spousal support, and property division, need to be assessed and decided upon in order to develop a divorce agreement.
In light of the fact that the divorce rates in Orange County are so high, if you’re filing for divorce within the county, you should obtain a consultation with an experienced lawyer for that can handle all of the facets of family law that could possibly arise as a part of your divorce.
What Option is Right for You
At Buncher Family Law firm of Orange County divorce attorneys, our goal is to help create an easier transition from your divorce to a new beginning. While protecting your interests and those of your family, we’ll discuss all of your options for dissolving your marriage. Your best option may be to start mediation for divorce in which a neutral third-party will lead you through a non-adversarial, cooperative process. Or, another option is a lawyer-driven case in which you and/or your spouse hires a lawyer to help you complete the divorce process.
Our attorneys will work with you to explore all of your choices to determine how to proceed to minimize your stress, time, and fees. Call our office to schedule a consultation today.