Articles

divorce budget, monthly income, monthly expenses paperwork everywhere in law office with people

Your divorce budget guide

From choosing cost-effective divorce services to cutting unnecessary expenses, every step you take is a step towards independence and stability.

 

divorce support group helping

Are divorce support groups helpful?

Support groups offer invaluable emotional solace, guidance and a sense of community, for individuals going through divorce or separation.

 

therapist and a spouse consoling the other spouse sitting on couch

How mental health issues contribute to divorce

Mental health and divorce calls for a comprehensive support system that considers the emotional, psychological and legal dimensions of marital dissolution

 

political building different colors red and blue

How political differences can lead to divorce

When political discussions turn into personal attacks or when one partner feels alienated or disrespected for their political views, the marriage can suffer irreparably.

 

couple with different religious beliefs

How religious differences can lead to divorce

It is not uncommon for one partner to become more religiously observant or to adopt a new faith after getting married.

 

woman divorce advice online tablet

How you can get divorced remotely

Now more than ever, getting divorced remotely is an accessible and affordable option for couples who want to end their marriage amicably and efficiently.

 

divorce costs wedding rings and cash

What makes divorce so expensive?

Understanding what makes divorce expensive involves recognizing the various components contributing to the costs. From legal professionals to emotional tolls, divorce encompasses a spectrum of expenses.

 

a woman representing herself in divorce

Tips for representing yourself in divorce

From the initial paperwork to ongoing communication via mail and email, each phase of the process requires a methodical approach. 

 

man reviewing financial adjustments after divorce

Adjusting financially after divorce can be difficult

Key considerations and insights to help you adapt to the financial shifts that accompany the end of a marriage.

 

cost of divorce

The average cost of divorce in California

Let’s delve into the factors that contribute to the high expenses associated with divorce in the Golden State.

 

paternity help

Establishing Paternity and DNA testing

Navigating the complex world of paternity can be overwhelming, especially when questions about who the father is linger in the air.

 

divorced in your 20s

Getting divorced in your 20s

Many individuals who divorce at this stage find that it becomes a valuable learning experience. Here are some reasons for that.

 

Divorce and holidays

Should you start the divorce process before or after the holidays?

As you can imagine, there are pros and cons to each side. Let’s look at the benefits of divorce before and after the holidays.

 

domestic violence divorce

Nearly 25% of divorces stem from domestic violence

When analyzing the various reasons for divorce, it becomes evident that domestic violence is a critical factor. According to recent divorce statistics…

 

divorce papers and wedding rings

Is divorce contagious?

Studies have revealed a fascinating aspect of divorce dynamics: it can spread among friends, siblings and even coworkers.

 

summer vacation to separation

From summer vacation to separation

Vacation periods and time off can be both emotionally charged and stressful for many, exposing cracks in the marriage.

 

Age to divorce

The average age to get divorced

Divorce stats from a variety of studies suggest there are two periods in a marriage when divorce is most common.

 

Married Too Fast

Signs you got married too fast

When you think of reasons for getting a divorce what comes to mind? Here are surprising things couples who rushed into marriage have in common.

 

divorce process

California’s 6 month divorce process

The “6 month rule”, as it is also known, is a “cooling-off” period to allow the parties involved to stop the divorce process if they decide to reconcile and remain married.

 

Divorce consultation questions

Divorce consultation questions

Finding the right professional service can save time and money on parts of the legal process that can quickly rack up thousands of dollars, often in a matter of days or weeks.

 

parenting plan

Preparing a parenting plan for mediation

By effectively crafting a parenting plan for your upcoming mediation it allows you to have your preferences clearly established beforehand will make the mediation smoother.

 

divorce decree

Pitfalls and potential legal consequences of a DIY divorce

Are you prepared to make a wide array of life-changing decisions on your own, without professional insight as to the potential legal ramifications in California?

 

Choose a mediator

How to choose the right mediator for your divorce case

Even the most amicable divorces can turn ugly when communication breaks down. A qualified divorce mediator can help you and your spouse settle issues without fighting.

 

How to talk to your teens about divorce

How to talk to your teens about divorce

Usually teens are old enough to understand some aspects of divorce but most still have questions.

 

Preparation is key for a quick divorce

Preparation is key for a quick divorce

If you want to speed up the divorce process there are steps that can be taken, especially if you will be having an amicable break-up with your spouse.

 

navigate the divorce paperwork maze

Options for navigating your divorce

Our affordable pricing options could be the thing that helps you divorce and begin the next chapter of your journey.

 

The benefits of an uncontested divorce

The benefits of an uncontested divorce

For one, an uncontested divorce is easier if you live in a no-fault divorce state such as California. Let’s review the other benefits in this weeks’ blog.

 

How to keep your divorce private

How to keep your divorce private

Keeping the divorce agreement private benefits you and your entire family. Let’s review how to take the necessary precautions to ensure as little information as possible is exposed.

 

Can you afford the house after divorce?

Can you afford the house after divorce?

Consider the assets and debt in the divorce settlement, anticipated income, alimony or child support if applicable and then there is the tax effects. Do you need the house?

 

How to go through divorce gracefully

Going through divorce gracefully involves respectful communication as well as actions. The focus of a graceful divorce is on compromise and working towards an outcome that is feasible for both.

 

Double Income, No Kids (DINK) Divorce

Double income, no kids (DINK) divorce

When a DINK couple decides to divorce it is less complicated because kids are not involved and often the parties are self-supporting.

 

Easy divorce paperwork FAQs

Easy divorce paperwork FAQs

Many online divorce services offer DIY divorce options or alternative non-litigated options for couples looking for a fast and efficient way to divorce. 

 

Short term marriage divorce

Short term marriage divorce

In the state of California the divorce process takes time. How long it takes to dissolve your marriage depends on several factors…

 

Can you really file for divorce online?

Can you really file for divorce online?

Is it possible to file for divorce online without an attorney? Short answer? Yes, but there are valid reasons to consult with a divorce consultant before doing so. 

 

How to get divorced after 1 year of marriage

How to get divorced after 1 year of marriage

No matter how long or little you have been married, getting divorced is difficult. In some cases, couples that have been married for a year can ask for and are granted an annulment.

 

Consultants for amicable divorce

Consultants for amicable divorce

Green Giraffe is a consulting firm that offers flat fee divorce services. Our one-on-one support works with you and our guided marital dissolution approach can save you money, time and stress.

 

Divorce without kids or property

Divorce without kids or property

A divorce with no children or property and no other issues like division of debt or spousal support could be what is referred to as amicable, uncontested or cooperative. In other words, a simple divorce process.

 

The final step of divorce

The final step of divorce

You may feel a mix of emotions as you and your ex-spouse discuss things such as child support or alimony. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), or divorce agreement, can help make the process less overwhelming.

 

Quotes about Co-Parenting

Quotes about Co-Parenting

Always remember that your kids come first and that you are not alone. Reading inspirational quotes from other co-parents can relieve stress, be a comfort, or even just help you see the humor in an often-difficult situation.

 

Being friends after divorce is possible

Being friends after divorce is possible

We understand that all couples and all divorces are different. Here are some words of experienced advice before you embark on a friendship with your ex.

 

Is there such a thing as a "perfect divorce"?

Is there such a thing as a “perfect divorce”?

No, probably not. But a healthy breakup and amicable divorce and you can be friends with your ex. So, let’s work through the divorce process together for the emotional well-being of the family.

 

Divorce strategies to defend against

Divorce strategies to defend against

Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful events in an individual’s life. Many couples strive for an amicable divorce, so they can stay friends and co-parent their children. However,…

 

Pay-as-you-go divorce advice and coaching

Pay-as-you-go divorce advice and coaching

Ready to start the divorce process but money is an issue, a pay as you go or flat fee divorce are options to keep control of the legal costs. 

 

Three ways that your second divorce will be easier than your first

Three ways that your second divorce will be easier than your first

Second time around is easier because you know the divorce process and the type of help you need, plus the emotions that incur. Our team offers additional ease with affordable divorce options.

 

Common Do It Yourself Divorce Mistakes

Common DIY divorce mistakes

Seeking help for your divorce with the right professionals is key.  Not all mediation is done by attorney’s and most paralegals assisting with the process do not have attorney support.  Ask questions before hiring a professional.

 

California has a 6 month waiting period to get divorced after being married. Why?

California six-month waiting period for divorce: Is there a faster way?

At Green Giraffe Legal, specializing in mediation and flat fee divorce, we walk most of our clients through the divorce process in 3-4 months’ time.

 

Forgiving your former spouse has it's benefits

Forgiving your former spouse has its benefits

Forgiving your ex is not the same as forgetting all of the frustration, pain, and heartache that was a part of both your marriage and your divorce – nor does it condone any bad behavior on the part of your former partner.

 

Stressed out woman thumbnail

Why to avoid “Do-It-Yourself” divorces

Unfortunately, automated divorce processes are not at the point where an online one-time fee will truly get you the information needed to make informed decisions. Find out how the help of an experienced professional can save you time, money, and stress.

Stressed out man thumbnail

What you don’t know can hurt you

“You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!” Since most couples considering a divorce don’t know what they don’t know, our guided marital dissolution approach can save you thousands of dollars. Our goal is to minimize your expenses while avoiding dangerous unknown pitfalls.

 

divorce basics, unhappy couple

Divorce basics from the California Courts system

There are 3 main ways to end a marriage or registered domestic partnership in California: divorce, legal separation, and annulment. It is not necessary for both spouses or domestic partners to agree to end the marriage. Either spouse or partner can decide to end the marriage.

 

SSA Retirement, shown with a piggy bank

Retirement benefits planning information from the SSA

Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount (or disability benefit) if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. The benefits do not include any delayed retirement credits your ex-spouse may receive.

 

Custody and visitation, showing dad with kid

Custody and parenting time (visitation) overview

Here you can learn about child custody and parenting time (also called “visitation”) cases, how to prepare a parenting plan for you and your children, and how to get or change a court order. You can also find many resources to help you and your children through your separation or divorce.