SBEMP Attorneys has released The California Divorce Survival Guide, a practical new resource by Carolyn A. Martino, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Family Law Department.
Divorce is not just a legal process. It affects identity, finances, children, and long-term stability. For many, it feels overwhelming. Ms. Martino wrote this guide to replace confusion with clarity and help individuals make steady, informed decisions during one of life’s most difficult transitions.
“If you or a loved one is facing divorce, you’re likely overwhelmed,” Martino said. “When people understand the legal and financial realities, they make better decisions. They protect themselves and their children. And they can start focusing on what comes next.”
Drawing on decades of experience in complex and high-conflict family law matters, the guide walks readers through every stage of a California divorce. It explains property division, financial disclosures, support, and custody standards in straightforward language, without legal jargon. Just as important, it addresses the emotional side of divorce, urging readers to stay disciplined, avoid impulsive communication, and protect their long-term interests.
The guide includes practical tools for financial preparation, including budgeting guidance and insight into asset division, retirement accounts, and the realities of supporting two households. It also addresses special considerations for LGBTQ+ divorce and gray divorce (long-term marriage dissolution after age 55), where retirement, healthcare, and long-term planning carry added weight.
Throughout the publication, Martino emphasizes a clear theme: focus on the future. Divorce is a turning point. The choices made during it shape what comes next.
The California Divorce Survival Guide is available through SBEMP Attorneys. For more information or to download a copy, visit https://sbemp.com/publications/.
About Carolyn A. Martino
Carolyn A. Martino is a Partner at SBEMP Attorneys and Chair of the firm’s Family Law Department. She represents clients throughout California in complex divorce matters, including high-asset property division, custody disputes, and supporting litigation. She can be reached at martino@sbemp.com.
About SBEMP Attorneys
SBEMP Attorneys is a full-service law firm serving businesses, public agencies, individuals, and families across California, Texas, New York and New Jersey, with comprehensive representation in complex divorce and family law matters.