A talaq performed in California does not end a marriage, because only a court can, though some foreign talaqs may be recognized.

A nikah without a marriage license is generally not a civil marriage in California, so divorce protections don’t apply by default.

A Sanchez waiver lets both sides agree an expert may relay otherwise inadmissible hearsay when explaining an opinion.

A judge’s oral ruling is not an enforceable order until it is written, signed and filed as Findings and Orders After Hearing.

Family courts can sanction misconduct, frivolous conduct, discovery abuse and violations of court orders.

A motion for reconsideration asks the same judge to change an order based on new facts, evidence or law.

Posts, photos, videos and private messages can be used as evidence in divorce, custody, support and domestic violence cases.

Any party can disqualify a family law judge once by filing a sworn statement under CCP 170.6.

The date of separation is when one spouse has communicated intent to end the marriage and acts consistently with that intent.

January is known as Divorce Month, with the first working Monday called Divorce Day, as filings surge after the holidays.

An ex parte hearing lets a party seek emergency temporary orders without waiting for a regular hearing date.

Divorce after 50 centers on retirement, support and health coverage, and marriages of ten years or more are presumed long-term.

Privacy in a high-asset divorce comes from what you file, not from sealing records after the fact.

Bifurcation ends your marital status early while property, support and custody remain open for later resolution.

To change a custody or support order, you file Form FL-300 and show a material change in circumstances.

If your spouse doesn’t respond within 30 days of service, you can request a default and finish the divorce without them.

An annulment declares that a marriage never legally existed, unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage.

Legal separation divides property and sets support and custody, but it does not end the marriage, so neither spouse can remarry.