Questions & Answers

California Divorce Questions

Real questions, plain answers. For the full reasoning behind each, see the textbook.

Question #1

Pay alimony? Oh no!

Question #1

Will I have to pay alimony because my soon-to-be-ex-spouse has not worked since our children were born?

Answer

Probably, yes.

Question #2

Paying child support

Question #2

Can I avoid paying child support by quitting my job?

Answer

No. If you quit your job, you will have to pay the same amount of child support as when you were working. California courts look at your earning capacity, not just your current paycheck.

Question #3

It's my retirement

Question #3

If I divorce my spouse, can I keep all of my retirement without sharing it since I earned it while my spouse stayed home?

Answer

No. You will most likely have to share it with your spouse. Retirement earned during the marriage is generally community property.

Have a different question?

California Family Law by LW Greenberg, Esq. covers hundreds of common questions in depth.