Divorce: Known in California as "dissolution of marriage," this process addresses division of assets, debts, custody of children, child and spousal support and changing legal status from "married" to "single."
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Legal Separation: A process identical to divorce, the result of which is a Judgment of Legal Separation rather than dissolution of marriage. Parties to a legal separation may not remarry after the judgment is entered without obtaining a separate dissolution of marriage.
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Annulments: A legal determination that a marriage was not valid.
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Child Custody: Determination of physical responsibility for children of a relationship as well as the rights and responsibilities of decision-making for children. Includes visitation.
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Child Support: Determination of the appropriate amount of money to be paid from one parent to another for the financial support of children, including basic support, health insurance and medical costs, child care and related expenses.
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Spousal Support: Also known as "alimony" or "maintenance," the payment by one spouse to the other for financial support. Spousal support may be ordered on a temporary or long-term basis.
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Paternity: The legal determination that someone is the mother or father of a child and related issues such as child custody and child support.
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Domestic Violence Prevention: Actions to obtain restraining orders preventing harmful conduct against a person or child under the care of that person and related orders such as limiting contact, giving up weapons and paying restitution.
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Modifications: A formal change to a previous order of the court, such as a change in a custody arrangement or the amount of support to be paid.
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