What are the basics about Divorce?
- Divorce, or dissolution, is the termination of two parties' lawful marriage. Besides dissolving the marital status of the parties, the court will also divide the community property, make orders regarding custody and visitation, and determine child and spousal support. California is a no fault state, and either party may obtain a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. It takes a minimum of six months from the date the Petition and Summons is properly served on the other party before the marriage can be dissolved and you are free to remarry. To commence an action for a dissolution, one party must be a resident of the State of California for at least six months and of the county where filing the action for a minimum of three months. If you do not meet the residency requirement, you can file for a Legal Separation and then amend the action into a dissolution later.
How much will a divorce cost?
- It depends. Every case is different and I cannot guarantee how much the total cost will be. Mediation is the most cost-effective way to obtain a divorce. On average, a litigated divorce can cost from $5,000 -$15,000 per person depending upon the complexity of property, custody and support issues. Mediating the divorce significantly reduces the cost. Often times, if the parties have reached agreements on their own, I can prepare the forms and settlement agreement/judgment at a much lower cost than a case that requires my full involvement.
