On this page are some longer descriptions of many of the services I provide.
Of course, if you have a question that isn't answered here, or need clarification, please contact us!
Nullity:

A nullity (formally called an annulment) declares that the marriage never existed. It has the effect of restoring the parties to single status and may make orders about children, support, and property. The nullity permits you to remarry immediately after the hearing. With a dissolution you sometimes have to wait a bit.

The grounds for nullity are more complicated than for a dissolution and courts tend to be more strict in having the grounds proven in nullity cases. Check with your court for specific requirements.

The grounds, as stated in the California Family Code are:
incestuous marriage
unsound mind
bigamous marriage
fraud
petitioner's age at time of marriage
force
time of marriage
physical incapacity
prior, existing marriage

Legal Separation:

A legal separation gets the spouses separated and makes orders about children, support, and property, but the spouses remain legally married. This is useful to couples who can't divorce for religious or moral reasons. If there are sizeable Social Security, Veterans', retirement, or health insurance benefits that would be lost if there is a dissolution, a legal separation could work better for everybody.

Also, both parties are responsible for community debts incurred by either spouse between the dates of marriage and separation. Filing for legal separation may protect you from liability for your spouse's debts even if you want to remain married.

Divorce/Dissolution:

Dissolution is a kinder, gentler way to say "divorce".

One spouse must be a resident of California for at least six months and of the county of filing at least three months just prior to filing the petition. 

The grounds for dissolution in California are "irreconcilable differences" and "incurable insanity" only. (Your spouse may seem weird to you, or even dangerous, but that may not be enough to be found legally insane.) If there is any reason at all for not continuing the marriage and you are sure there can be no reconciliation, then you have irreconcilable differences. Almost all dissolutions are granted on these grounds.

At the end of the six-month period, after the spouse has been served with papers, the husband and wife or no longer married to each other and are free to go their separate ways, and even remarry. In the meantime, the court has made orders disposing of the marital property, providing for custody, visitation and support of children, and maybe support of one spouse.

Summary Dissolution:

A summary dissolution is a simpler procedure than a regular dissolution if your situation qualifies.

First of all, one spouse must be a resident of California and both spouses must agree to file this way. The petition must be filed less than five years from the date of marriage. This method can be used only for short marriages. There can be no children of the marriage, neither spouse can own any real estate, neither spouse can ask for spousal support from the other, and there can be only limited community property and debt.

This method requires fewer forms and there is no court appearance, so it may be a fairly painless process. As in regular dissolution, the husband and wife are no longer married to each other at the end of six months. WARNING: The only drawback to this procedure is if one or the other spouse wants to revoke the paperwork, they can before the Judgment is entered and you will be required to start over with a regular dissolution.

Once you have decided that your marriage should end forever you have already made the most important decision.

Parental Relationship / Paternity:

Paternity is the procedure by which legal fatherhood is established through the courts. Often this also involves establishing custody, visitation, and support and obtaining orders regarding these issues. Paternity is a confidential proceeding and may be modified through the family law courts after the initial judgment is entered.

Lawsuits to prohibit Harassment:

Most people who are victims of harassment can ask the court for these orders. A person may seek protection under the law if:
The defendant's conduct is intentional; and
The defendant's has done a series of acts (more than one) which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the plaintiff; and
Plaintiff has suffered a lot of emotional distress; and
The defendant's conduct has no legitimate reason and is not protected by the Consitution

* Any services regarding child custody, visitation rights, and or child support, please contact us directly for more details.*

(All above text taken from: CALDA's public brochures)
Please contact us if you have any questions!