Your final decree of divorce is the formal order from the court confirming that your marriage has been terminated. If your divorce goes to trial and you receive a judgment, the judgment will become official when the divorce decree is dated and signed by the court clerk and judge. If you’re a California resident, here are some important things to know about your divorce decree.
Finalizing your divorce
When you’re going through your divorce, you’re likely wondering when the process will be final. There are several legal factors to consider before your divorce is complete. However, if you’re preparing to address your divorce decree, this means the process is almost over.
From a legal standpoint, you are not officially divorced until you sign the decree. The decree may also be called a “judgment for dissolution of marriage” or divorce judgment. Your judge will give the document a seal of approval as well.
Understanding your divorce decree
Divorce decrees usually cover spousal support, debt division, and property division. If you and your ex have children, the divorce decree will also address parenting time, custody, and child support.
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is the money that one spouse must pay the other. This is often the case when one spouse was the primary breadwinner and the other spouse was a stay-at-home parent.
If you and your spouse can’t agree on who will receive which assets, you’ll have to allow the courts to intervene so you can fairly divide your property. The judge will determine which assets are marital and which are non-marital.
The division of debt is also an essential part of your divorce decree. You can decide to pay off all debt until the divorce is final, or you’ll receive a payment plan that works for your budget.