How to file for divorce in California?

Question

I am contemplating to file for a divorce. I am in SoCal. Do I need to get a lawyer (there's not much to divide). How much will it cost? How long is the process?

Answer 1

I got divorced last fall, so I know a little bit about the divorce process. For the most part my lawyer helped me through the tough times. The rules are most likely different in California than Alaska (where I used to live) so I don't want to give you bad advice. Try calling a California divorce lawyer for help. http://www.legaldivorcelawyers.com/Calif...



Good Luck

Answer 2

You may not need a lawyer if there's not much property to divide and you don't have children.  The following is a link to the California Court's self-help page on divorce.  It will provide you with much of what you need:

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/fam...

If you want more, you should check out books on divorce at Nolo Press:

http://www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/B...

Answer 3

You start by filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the superior court of your county. Then other party has 30 days in which to answer the petition. If the other party does not answer you get what is called a default judgment. If there is an answer you go to court. In California couples who both consent to the divorce can enter into a stipulated judgment submit to finish the matter uncontested. You can usually only do this if you agree on all aspects of the divorce such as martial property, support, and custody. Some states also allow you to get a divorce even if some issues are not in agreement. Some time it pays to get your divorce done by a Legal Document Preparer (LDP) and not a Lawyer. A LDP can usually do it cheaper ($200-$300)because they only prepare the paper work and do not go to court. That is where lawyers charge you the most court appearances ($2,000- up). It could be a lawyer is padding his bill by wanting to make an appearance. To be fair your state may make it procedurally necessary to go in front of a judge even in a no contest situation as a safe guard against fraud or duress in the divorce process. It may pay to consult another attorney or go online to the National Association of Legal Document Preparers (NALDP) to find a LDP who may be able to answer your specific question.

Answer 4

This will get you started-

http://www.ehow.com/how_4483776_plan-pre...