Do I need a lawyer for divorce in California?

Do I need a lawyer for divorce in California?

You can get a divorce without hiring a lawyer in California but specific criteria have to be met. You must also file an uncontested divorce.

How much does divorce cost in California?

Average cost of divorce in California. At a minimum, you’ll need to pay the $435 filing fee to get divorced in California. The spouse that files a response to that divorce petition will also pay a $435 filing fee. You’ll also need to factor in photocopies and mailing costs.

Can you date while separated in California?

A commonly asked question about legal separation that I hear often is “Can I date while I am legally separated?” Technically the answer is yes because California is a no-fault state. However, if you have children, be advised that dating while legally separated could influence child custody arrangements.

Why does divorce take so long in California?

At the very minimum, divorce in California takes six months. That’s because the state requires a six-month waiting period for all parties seeking to dissolve their marriage. “This means that six months will pass between the time you serve the other party and your divorce becoming final.”

How long does divorce take in California?

6 months

Does California require separation before divorce?

Although California does not have a required separation period or trial separation period, it does have a waiting period for a divorce. While you may file for divorce as soon as you want, you must still wait 6 months before your divorce is final. This means that, for many couples, those 6 months are spent separated.

How long do you have to be married in California to receive alimony?

Under California Law, the general presumption for duration of support is “one-half the length of the marriage,” for marriages of fewer than 10 years. This means that if you were married for six years, the judge has the right to limit alimony for one-half of the marriage if the need exists (three years).

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in California?

Average total costs for divorce lawyers in California range from $12,500 to $15,300, but fees are usually lower in cases with no contested divorce issues and higher when cases go to trial. The divorce process in California typically ranges from 8 months for uncontested cases to 18 months or more with disputes.

Is CA a fifty fifty state when it comes to divorce?

Since California is a “Community Property” state, all marital property will be divided in a 50-50 fashion according to the court unless agreed to otherwise by the divorcing spouses. This means that everything that is considered “up for grabs” in the dissolution will be distributed equally to each spouse.