The start of a new year often brings with it feelings of hope, renewal, and change. For many, it’s a time to reflect on the past and reassess their personal goals. Whether it's prioritizing health, advancing in your career, or improving your finances, the new year is a natural time for self-reflection. For some, however, the new year may bring up deeper questions about the state of their marriage: Is it time to divorce? Should I continue investing in my relationship, or is it time to acknowledge that it's no longer working?

If you're feeling uncertain about your marriage as the new year begins, you're not alone. Divorce is a significant life decision, and there are many factors to consider. In this post, we'll walk through some of the emotional, practical, and legal aspects of deciding whether it's time to move forward with a divorce. We’ll also explore how you can use the fresh start of the new year to make an informed, thoughtful decision for your future.

One of the most common divorce questions is whether the length of the marriage matters in a California divorce. The short answer is yes. The length of marriage is measured from the date of marriage until the date of separation. The date of separation is not the same thing as the date of divorce. This is because couples choose to separate and then go through the legal process of divorce. The length of marriage impacts spousal support and asset/debt division in California divorces.

It’s not uncommon for people to get hung up on their spouse’s wrongdoings during divorce proceedings. We get it - divorce and separation is extremely painful, and people do hurtful and even deplorable things to each other. We see cases involving infidelity, financial abuse, domestic violence, and more - deep and harmful betrayal and deception. But do California courts care if your spouse is to blame for the breakdown of your marriage? And why is no-fault divorce a hot topic in the news right now?