Also known as a dissolution of marriage - divorce in California does not need to be difficult, time consuming or a final struggle with your spouse. It can be an experience where all parties involved continue on with their lives in harmony while remaining friends.

However, at the same time, you should make sure that your legal rights are maintained and you are not taken advantage of by an overaggressive spouse concerned more with "their assets" rather than the "community property" that both of you have acquired during the marriage.

If children are involved, things get a bit more complicated, but they do not need to become an issue that requires the parties to increase the hostility level. The biggest factor the Court will apply in a child custody or support issue is what is in the "best interest" of the child. Please visit our Child Custody page for more information.

 

How long does a divorce typically take when filing in California?

An uncontested divorce (one where you and your spouse agree on the distribution of assets and any support payments) can be completed in just a few months. If the divorce is contested, you can still obtain a "status only" divorce which means in the eyes of the law you are divorced. However, the court will retain jurisdiction until a determination is made concerning any community property and support obligations.

How much are the legal fees when filing for divorce in California?

Every case is unique. A simple uncontested divorce in California with no children could be as little $750 to $2,500. When children are involved and there are numerous contested issues expect to see legal fees over $5,000.

In all cases though, if you and your spouse work together and use common sense to agree on the division of assets, custody or support obligations, the amount of legal fees when filing for divorce in California can be drastically reduced.

Contact us for a free 30 minute consultation to obtain a more detailed estimation of the costs associated with how to file for divorce in California. Our goal is to make sure that your legal rights are protected - the amount of our fee should not be the deciding factor that may prevent you from obtaining a fair and equitable divorce.