Roseville Family Law Blog

On its face, divorce seems relatively easy. Two parties who were once in love decide to end their relationship, divide their property, and go their separate ways. Although some marriage dissolutions are that straightforward, the vast majority of them are much more complicated. One reason for these complications is the expansive use of technology, including cell phones and social media.

While our lives have become more interconnected with our family and friends, they have also become inextricably linked with our spouses via technology. Oftentimes electronic devices are synced, meaning that individuals sharing the same household may have access to each other's personal information, calendar, text messages and emails. Although this can give rise to obvious security concerns, it can also jeopardize one's legal position in a divorce.

Marriage dissolution can have serious financial ramifications for Californians. One reason is because what was once one household being supported on two incomes must become two households supported by the same income. This can be challenging for a number of reasons, and it can affect anyone. However, it can be especially painful for those who are either ordered to pay or receive alimony.

As we have discussed previously on this blog, spousal support may be ordered in instances where one spouse gave up his or her education and/or career in order to take care of his or her family. This may mean raising children or foregoing one's own education so that he or she can financially support the family while the other spouse furthers his or her education. These monthly payments are usually based on income and one's historical standard of living. This means that there can be a wide range with regard to the amount of alimony that is ordered from case-to-case.

Before tying the knot, Californians have a variety of matters that they need to carefully consider. Amongst these is the possibility of entering into a prenuptial agreement. These arrangements, entered into by parties on the verge of marriage, dictate how critical legal issues will be resolved in the event of a divorce. This most often applies to property division, but it can also address alimony. Although discussing a prenuptial agreement with a soon-to-be-spouse may be challenging, such an agreement can serve as a protective measure that allows couples to put their financial fears to the side, thereby allowing them to focus on their relationship.

But finances aren't the only matters that may require protection before an individual decides to get married. Social media clauses, for example, are becoming more common. As our world is becoming even more intertwined with the Internet, and an individual's personal life becomes more publicized, restricting a potential ex-spouse's use of social media can be powerful. Without such an agreement, slighted ex-spouses may turn to Facebook or Twitter with malicious intent. This, in turn, can ruin an individual's reputation and cause embarrassment, humiliation, and even job loss.

If you're reading this blog, then you're probably in the midst of, or considering, divorce. Merely thinking about taking such action takes courage and recognition that your relationship may not be best for you and your children. As you're probably well aware, though, initiating a divorce is just one step in what can be a long, conflict-ridden process where the stakes are high. When handled improperly, a divorce can leave you financially devastated, emotionally damages, and with a diminished relationship with your children.

This is why you need to carefully and legally analyze every decision you make throughout the process. That may sound daunting, but it's the truth. Foregoing one asset in favor of another during property division may have unwanted tax consequences, agreeing to a custody and visitation arrangement may negatively impact your child, and failing to adequately address a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can leave you financially reeling.