how to file for divorce in los angeles without a lawyer

by Maybell Hackett Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 9 min read

Once you decide to file for divorce without an attorney, you will need to gather the required judicial council and local court forms. The main form for filing for divorce is the Petition- Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-100). In this form, you will need to answer basic questions about yourself, your spouse, and your marriage.

Full Answer

Can I get a divorce without a lawyer in California?

How to File for Divorce. Filing for an uncontested divorce is easy. You may not even have to appear in court. First, you must satisfy the residency requirements mentioned above. Next, you will need to complete the following forms (our course will show you how to fill out these forms): FL-100 – Petition; FL-105 – UCCJEA (if there are children)

Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce?

How To File For Divorce Without a Lawyer. Call 1-844-REAL CHEAP to Speak to Your Local Legal Document Assistant. LDA's Apply Here. See How Online Divorce PRO Works. As you do your research on how to file for divorce without a lawyer in Los Angeles and check into various online divorce providers, you may wonder why none of those online divorce ...

Where can I find a lawyer in Los Angeles?

Dec 18, 2020 · These are some of the most important forms you will need to file with the court to finalize your divorce: Petition for divorce – In this form, you inform the court that you want to dissolve your marriage and start the division of assets that got jointly owned. You don’t need a lawyer to prepare your divorce paperwork.

What do you need to know about divorce or legal separation?

In Step One, you create an account. In Step Two, you answer questions at your own speed. In Step Three, you print and sign the paperwork and file it at your local Los Angeles courthouse. Some of the Los Angeles divorce forms must be signed by both you and your spouse. Others by just you, and some by just your spouse. Some must be notarized.

How much does a divorce cost in California without a lawyer?

How much does a divorce cost in California without a lawyer? The basic cost of filing divorce forms in California is $435, but you may have to pay additional court filing fees for a more complicated case, or if your county charges additional fees. Getting divorced with It's Over Easy starts from as low as $9 per month.Apr 29, 2021

How can I get a free divorce in California?

To apply for a fee waiver for a free divorce in California, you must first obtain all relevant forms and provide all requested information. You will then have to provide a notarized financial disclosure to prove your need. A court clerk will then review the paperwork and approve the waiver if you meet the requirements.Jun 28, 2021

Can you divorce in California without going to court?

Fortunately, California state law does not require you to appear in court for a divorce. You can get divorced without ever setting foot in a courtroom. But even if a court appearance may not be necessary, you should have an attorney to protect your interests.Nov 18, 2020

How can I get a divorce for free?

Legal Aid Divorce Help

Call your city or state bar association to ask for contact information or do an internet search to find them. These organizations provide no-cost (and also low-cost) legal assistance. If you are indigent, they may represent you at no cost and will file all fee waiver papers on your behalf.

How can I get a quick divorce in California?

How To Expedite A Divorce In California. One way to get divorced faster is to opt for a summary dissolution. To qualify, your divorce must be uncontested, you must be married for under five years, have no children together, have limited shared debts and assets, and both agree to waive spousal support.Apr 29, 2021

How long do you have to be separated to file for divorce in California?

In California, there is no required separation period before you can get divorced. That means that you and your spouse are able to decide you want to get a divorce and, on the same day, file for divorce.Jun 3, 2019

How can I get a quick divorce?

Divorce by mutual consent is considered to be the quickest and the easy way to get a divorce in India, under Section 13 B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The process under mutual consent divorce is considered to be inexpensive and non-tortuous.Jan 18, 2019

What forms do I need to file for uncontested divorce in California?

If you are not able to use the summary dissolution procedure, then the California uncontested divorce forms used to begin a divorce case are the Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) of Marriage/Domestic Partnership (Form FL-100), and Summons (Form FL-110).

Can you divorce without a lawyer?

Divorce is of two kinds - Mutual consent divorce and contested divorce. A mutual consented divorce is an easier and faster way you can get a divorce without a lawyer. For obtaining a divorce mutually, both the parties must agree that the divorce should take place, and decided on other relevant factors.

Can you get a divorce without the other person signing the papers?

While you do not have to obtain your spouse's consent, you are still required to notify your spouse of your intention to get divorced.Aug 7, 2019

Can you get divorced online?

At eDivorce because every divorce is different, each document is personally tailored according to the client's specifics. eDivorce provides an efficient and cost effective service of obtaining divorce papers online.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in California?

In California, a wife may be entitled to 50% of marital assets, 40% of her spouse's income in the form of spousal support, child support, and primary child custody. These entitlements are based on the marriage's length and each spouse's income, among other factors.Aug 10, 2020

How to get divorced from a spouse?

You simply specify the terms (in your service of process notice) on which you want your marriage to end, such as which items of marital property you want to keep and how many days of parenting time you want per year, for minor children. When the court receives the divorce petition, it will assign a case number to your divorce. You can also notify your spouse by the publication about the divorce if you don’t know their whereabouts.

How to respond to a divorce petition?

Response to divorce petition – If your spouse files for divorce, he or she must formally notify you, and you have a chance to submit a response to the divorce petition based on the state’s divorce law. Mostly, the divorce petition can get passed to you through a sheriff, constable, or a private process server. You can also receive a petition from your spouse by publication. Like the Petition, you don’t need a lawyer to prepare this document or any additional steps. In your response, you simply state your requests that differ from the ones your spouse listed in the petition for divorce through the legal notice.

What happens when a divorce petition is received?

When the court receives the divorce petition, it will assign a case number to your divorce. Response to divorce petition – If your spouse files for divorce, he or she must formally notify you, and you have a chance to submit a response to the divorce petition. Like the Petition, you don’t need a lawyer to prepare this document.

What is annulment in divorce?

While a divorce or legal separation may be completed without a court hearing if the parties can agree on the issues at hand, an annulment always requires a court hearing.

What is a settlement agreement for divorce?

Marital settlement agreement – You and your spouse develop a formal settlement agreement on all financial matters relating to your divorce. If you have children, you will also need to draft and sign a parenting plan, which deals with all non-financial aspects of parenting after the divorce settlement. The settlement agreement typically outlines what each party is supposed to do. This may also entail handling child custody issues through an adequate custody arrangement. Child support guidelines also state that mediation negotiations between the parents can help determine how the children will get handled through a proper custody arrangement. This helps the minors cope with any emotional issues following the divorce.

What is divorce in law?

Divorce, or the process of terminating a legal marriage between two parties, results in the cancellation of all legal duties and responsibilities between a married couple.

What is the process of terminating a marriage?

Divorce, or the process of terminating a legal marriage between two parties, results in the cancellation of all legal duties and responsibilities between a married couple. Additionally, legal divorce includes a formal and final division of all community property or property acquired by the couple during their marriage.

How long do you have to be married to get divorce in California?

If you and your spouse agree to terms of the divorce, have been married less than 5 years, and do not have a child, you may file for a summary dissolution. This is the quickest method of obtaining a divorce in California.

Can you avoid a divorce trial in Los Angeles?

In a best-case scenario, you will be able to avoid a courtroom divorce trial and resolve the divorce process through mediation. However, recognize that the relationship you have with your spouse will determine how lengthy and complex the mediation process will be. Most Dissolution of Marriage cases in Los Angeles County are settled prior to a trial.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

An uncontested divorce can be just a few hundred dollars if the couple reaches an agreement themselves. In addition, you can save time off work and eliminate the stress ...

Why do couples work with mediators?

This can save you a lot of time and stress in the end. Some couples work with mediators to reach an agreement regarding property and any custody matters. In addition, if either spouse has retirement benefits, it is a good idea to hire an actuary.

What is a paralegal?

A paralegal or a legal document preparer will help you with divorce filings for the court. They provide you with the proper documents and file court papers and pleadings, but they cannot advise you legally, in any way.

Can a paralegal file for divorce in California?

You Don’t Have To Do It Alone: Certified Paralegals Can Help You File for an Uncontested Divorce in California. Some couples can handle the uncontested divorce without help, however, that is not always the wisest way to do it. Even if you have few debts or assets, and no minor children, decisions still have to be made and put in writing for ...

Do paralegals in California have to file documents?

When you hire a paralegal in California (though they cannot provide legal advice), they know exactly which required documents to file with the court, when to file them, and help ensure it is done properly. The paralegal fees are low in comparison with the cost of hiring an attorney.

Can a paralegal review a settlement agreement?

You can review our services and fees here. In addition, a paralegal can review the settlement agreement, which is particularly important if the couple has minor children, substantial assets, and/or outstanding debts. If you do have children under 18 years old, but few debts or assets, getting the help of a paralegal is wise ...

Should a couple decide on divorce before proceeding?

If it is at all possible, before proceeding with a divorce, a couple should decide on whether they can agree on some issues outside of court. Key point is try resolving things first… a drawn out court battle and litigation is expensive.

How to get divorce in California without a lawyer?

The answer to the question, "How to get a divorce in California without a lawyer," is to use divorce mediation and work with an experienced, professionally trained and highly skilled divorce mediator.

How much does a divorce attorney cost in California?

And you've heard that a divorce in California using attorneys can cost $25,000 or more! You’d rather spend your hard earned money on your kids and your future.

How does a divorce mediator work?

The mediator will review your financial discovery and will then schedule a time to meet with you and your spouse either in-person or in an online divorce mediation format.

What is the process of discovery in divorce?

After you've hired a mediator and started the divorce mediation process, you’ll commonly complete what’s referred to as “discovery,” which is comprised of gathering a series of financial documents and completing various forms and worksheets specifically to help both you and your mediator prepare for your negotiations.

What is a mediator?

Mediators enable the parties to come to an agreement each spouse finds fair and equitable. Instead of settling for one that’s been hoisted upon you by your lawyers or a family law judge. In other words, you'll be in complete control of your settlement agreement.

What is mediation in divorce?

On the other hand, divorce mediation is focused on helping both parties (you and your spouse), work together and arrive at mutually agreeable solutions.

How many ways can you file for divorce after mediation?

When mediation is concluded, you will file your divorce papers in one of four ways (two involve lawyers and two do not).

What Is a Divorce?

Los Angeles has three different ways to end a marriage or domestic partnership: annulment, divorce, or summary dissolution. This article will focus mainly on divorce, however it is important to know which process may apply to you, if any.

Do I Need a Reason for Divorce in Los Angeles?

California has what is called a “no fault” divorce, meaning you don’t have to prove that your spouse did anything wrong in order to get divorced in L.A.

How Can I File for Divorce?

The process in Los Angeles begins with a Petition you can file with the court that gives it some basic information about your marriage. The Petition can also ask for orders regarding your shared property and children, if any. Los Angeles also requires you to file a Summons along with the Petition.

What Can I Expect After I File For Divorce?

Before the divorce can be granted in Los Angeles, all child support, child custody, and property division issues will need to be settled either by a trial or by an agreement you reach with your spouse. L.A. also has a mandatory 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.

Supplemental Resources

Going through a divorce is never easy, and the legal process in Los Angeles can be complex. Meeting with an experienced divorce attorney or finding free legal aid in Los Angeles may help dealing with both your spouse and the paperwork. There is also more general material on this topic in FindLaw’s divorce section.

Need Help with Your Divorce in Los Angeles? Contact an Attorney

The divorce process is rarely simple and usually involves raw emotions and complicated matters of property and (often) child custody. If you're thinking about divorce or would like help with the process, it's a good idea to consult with a divorce attorney near you today.