Chula Vista Family Law and Divorce Lawyer
About half of the residents in Chula Vista are married. Only 11% are divorced. Both figures suggest that Chula Vista marriages are more stable than the California average.
On the other hand, the percentage of married residents of Imperial Beach is lower than average, while the percentage of divorced residents is higher. The same is true in National City, while Bonita has an average percentage of divorced residents but a higher percentage of married residents.
Of course, where a couple lives cannot predict the fate of their marriage. Infidelity, economic stress, domestic violence, and different perspectives on life can all contribute to a marital breakdown.
Spouses who know their marriage is ending need to protect their rights. Parents want to make a plan that will be best for their children. Protecting financial security in an uncertain economy is a goal of every divorcing spouse. Chula Vista Divorce Attorney Michael Rehm can help spouses make a smooth transition to a new life.
Child Custody Arrangements in South Bay Divorces
Parents of minor children need to make a plan that addresses both legal and physical custody. Legal custody grants the authority to make decisions about a child's education, religious upbringing, elective medical care, and other important matters.
Chula Vista courts encourage parents to opt for joint legal custody if they are capable of making those decisions together. If one parent is unreasonable, violent, or obstructive, the other parent may need to fight for sole legal custody.
Physical custody addresses where the child will live. If circumstances allow the child to spend about the same amount of time living with each parent, joint physical custody is a good option.
In most cases, however, it is necessary to make a plan that gives physical custody to one parent while granting the other parent visitation. A visitation schedule can be fixed or flexible, depending on how well the parents are getting along. If a parent is abusive toward a child, it may be necessary to seek supervised visitation or — in extreme cases — to deny visitation entirely.
Financial Arrangements in Chula Vista Divorces
Spousal and partner support, formerly known as alimony, is available when a divorcing spouse has a need for continuing income. When it is needed, spousal support is usually ordered for a limited time to allow a spouse to rejoin the workforce. An older spouse with little earning ability may be entitled to a permanent award of spousal support.
Unless a couple entered into a prenuptial agreement, the assets either spouse acquired during the marriage are community property. At the time of divorce, spouses divide community property equally while keeping the property they acquired before the marriage or after separation.
Spouses often disagree about the value of community assets. Disputes also arise when property that was acquired before marriage gains value during a marriage, or when contributions are made to separate property from community earnings. Unraveling these complex issues requires the assistance of a Chula Vista Divorce Lawyer.
Representation
Chula Vista Family Law Attorney Michael Rehm provides effective, reasonable representation on Divorce and Family Law issues in Chula Vista, CA. For more information on what he can do for your case, call (619) 787-3456.
South County San Diego Family Law Resources: