Resources for a Cheap Divorce in California
Is A DIY, Cheap Divorce Possible for Me?
Depending on the type of divorce and whether there are minor children involved, a cheap divorce can be possible. It is important to note that agreement has to be reached on various issues for the spousal divorce process to be cheap and quick. Agreements about separation, custody, parenting plans, division of debt from credit cards or loans (if any), marital property, settlement, and all other basic aspects must be documented in the agreement form to make for a cheap, quick, and stress-free divorce process.
Also note that basic requirements, including residency requirements, must be met for an online divorce or a divorce filed in person. Filing fees also must be paid unless you qualify for aid. Here are a few further resources from A People’s Choice on some cheap divorce options:
- Uncontested divorces
- No-Fault divorce
- Simple divorce
- Amicable divorce
The Difficulties of DIY Divorce
Not every self-help divorce solution is ideal. Here are some thoughts to consider if you’re planning a DIY divorce.
Are You Aware of Divorce Details in California?
Although a DIY divorce option may be the cheapest option to divorce in California, it’s also the most difficult for someone who is uneducated in the aspect of divorce. This difficulty, plus the stress of property division, often adds to the existing stress and anxiety provoked by filing for divorce.
Do You Understand Divorce Cost and Filing Responsibilities?
Do You and Your Spouse Get Along?
Are Your Collaborative Divorce Resources Out of Date?
Using a Legal Document Preparation Service for a Cheap Divorce
California allows professional legal document assistants or a divorce paralegal to help you with the divorce petition, divorce process, and divorce forms. This is often the best option between a total DIY divorce and hiring a pricey divorce attorney.
Legal document preparation assistants typically offer legal assistance on an hourly rate or flat-fee basis ranging from an average cost of $350 to $600. This fee covers the entire process of a complete divorce except in special circumstances. Costs usually depend upon whether the parties have child custody (especially if they are minor children) or division of property (marital property or marital assets) aspects to the divorce.
California legal document assistants are familiar with the divorce process in the county where you live. Plus, they are experienced in properly completing legal requirements required in the dissolution of marriage as well as the required court forms. A qualified legal document assistant can help you with any forms you need for marital settlement agreements, no-fault divorce filing, a divorce with children, uncontested divorce forms, and more.
Most legal document assistants also file your paperwork with the court. Therefore, you will not have to worry about which form to file, and your divorce case can quickly proceed to a final conclusion. You simply need to provide financial documents and other information needed to fill out the forms.
Hiring a legal document assistant to help you with your California cheap divorce is certainly than using an expensive divorce attorney, and will make your divorce cheap, easy, and hassle-free without costing a lot of money. The services of a legal document assistant typically include:
- providing customers with a self-help book that explains the California average divorce process;
- filling all required divorce paperwork and divorce documents from beginning to end, including a marital settlement complete agreement, online divorce papers, and online questionnaire if needed;
- monitoring the case to ensure timely progression; and
- filing the various divorce papers and documents with the court at the proper time until the final divorce judgment.
Misleading Online Divorce Services
If you are trying to tackle your own cheap divorce in California using one of the services listed above, you have to do your homework! Many misleading online divorce services offer customers the same package of legal forms they can obtain from the local court clerk’s office. However, these affordable divorce documents are often not in compliance with the court’s local rules. Plus, in some cases, these services do not even complete the documents for you!
The filing fees from these online services often seem inexpensive until an unsuspecting consumer signs up. Then, they realize the packages do not include everything they need to get the paperwork ready and finish the divorce properly. The customer is then left incurring additional court charges.
Therefore, if you are searching for a cheap divorce in California that will save you considerable time, remember to watch out for fraud. ALWAYS check out references and reviews and seek basic advice before you pay any money.
Cheap Divorce in California With A People’s Choice
A People’s Choice can help you prepare and file for divorce if you or your spouse live in any county in California.
Hi, I wondering if I could get help with legal separation or what my options are if I want to get a divorce. I’m in an emotional and verbal relationship and it’s not getting any better. I suggested couple therapy which still not helping. Please I need help to see what my options are or if I can get a free family lawyer consultation. Thanks
Hello,
We cannot give legal advise as we are not a law firm. However, we can assist in creating your divorce or legal separation documents. If you feel you are in need of a consultation before you take any action. You should google “Divorce Attorney with Free Consultation.” Once you know what actions you would like to take, feel free to call us a 800-747-2780 and we can assist you in preparing your documents.
Thank you,
I haven’t seen or heard from my wife who lives in Utah for over 20+ years. I’ve decided to remarry and need to divorce her. I don’t know an address, we never had children, I am on disability and have been for 2 decades. Will be for life. I survived the campfire in Paradise Nov 2018. How do I divorce her?
Hello,
If you cannot find your wife there may be alternative service options for you. I would get a free consultation with a family law lawyer. Once you know the steps to take, you can call us to create those documents for you.
Hello , I would like to obtain a divorce from estranged spouse of 9 years. We have not lived together in nearly 8 years. What is the cheapest way to go about this? I do not know where they live
The need to be served either personally or by publication. Give us a call and we can review the process with you. 800-747-2780.
Do i get part my wife’s 401k if we divorce? I have a pension plan also
Accumulated retirement benefits during marriage is typically considered community property and would be divided.
Hello I am a a pro se litigant, filing an uncontested divorce in Houston, TX. However, I am unable to proceed because California appears to have current jurisdiction over our first two children. We were married in California in 2005, divorce in 2007, and remarried again in California in 2010. We both moved to Texas in 2017, and I filed for divorce Dec 28, 2018. Although we both reside in Texas, our final divorce decree from 2007 does not appear to nullify despite our remarriage. We are hoping to file a motion for the presiding judge in California to concede jurisdiction to our current Texas judge so that we may move forward with the divorce. Is this something you are able to help us with?
You may want to talk to an attorney. I’m not sure if you guys could stipulate to having the other court have jurisdiction over this matter. If so, you may simply need to prepare the documentation and file it with the court..