The dissolution of marriage in the State of California is otherwise known as a divorce, which is a legally binding document that entails a number of steps before the process is actually finalized. The following information will explain the procedure itself, as well as the legal responsibilities involving both parties.FilingPetitioning for divorce in California can be filed alone, or with the assistance of a California family law attorney. Normally this is done in person through the County Clerk's office, yet printable versions are also available online. In terms of residency, one or both parties must have lived in the state for a minimum of 6 months, as well as a minimum of 3 months of residency in the county in which the divorce is filed. Legitimate grounds for dissolution must also be indicated; in many cases, California divorces have been granted under the conditions of "irreconcilable differences." No-fault divorces are similar in the sense that no wrongdoing needs to have taken place in order to justify the petition.CircumstancesCertain conditions also apply to each respective situation. The spouse receiving the divorce papers is also known as the respondent; as part of the completion process, the spouse or respondent must comply with the request for divorce, but also concur to the terms and conditions of the agreement. In cases where children are not involved, the issue of spousal support often arises. If children under the age of 18 are part of the equation, suitable visitation arrangements and the question of both spousal and child support may factor in as well. The duration of any given marriage may also play a significant role in terms of capital; the 10-year rule in California implies that the spouse who earns less money may be eligible for part of the other spouse's Social Security benefits. The court also recognizes this as a long-term marriage, where material assets are divided more evenly.Sometimes these situations can become emotionally draining for all parties involved, not to mention the amount of time it takes to resolve these issues. Aside from additional forms being filled out to complete the process, both parties must sign all the necessary documents issued by the court. Divorce proceedings in California take a minimum of 6 months before finalization, which serves the main purpose of possible reconciliation.