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Divorce mediation is often used as a first-step in trying to resolve disputed issues between divorcing couples. In most contested divorces, the parties are able to resolve their disputes using a divorce mediator, and they do not need to go to trial. Although mediation is arguably less painful than going to trial, it is not especially cheap. Sometimes couples don't actually need a divorce mediator but just a third-party helper to get them through the legal process. Instead of paying the cost of a divorce mediator, couples can spend a fraction of that money on document preparation services by a California legal document assistant and pocket the rest.

In California, spousal or partner support can be temporary or permanent. “Permanent alimony” can go on indefinitely. On the other hand, "temporary alimony" is awarded as a transitional stop-gap until the spouse receiving the alimony can get on their feet. Couples that are divorcing amicably can also agree to the amount and duration of the alimony in their marital settlement agreement. Alimony obligations usually have a pre-set end date. Sometimes, however, the obligation to pay divorce alimony is open-ended meaning the court retains the ability to modify or extend the support indefinitely.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for many unhappy couples to avoid the truth that they want to get divorced. If another stimulus check comes as the pandemic drags on, the amount will be more than enough to get your divorce process started.  The good news is that the court will waive the divorce filing fees if you can demonstrate financial need. The even better news is that you can avoid expensive lawyer fees by having a California legal document assistant, not a lawyer, prepare your divorce documents without charging too much money on top of the cost of divorce filing fees in California.

When you hire a divorce lawyer, you are probably not the lawyer’s top priority. In most instances, the person doing most of the work on your divorce papers is a California divorce paralegal employed at the law firm. Instead of paying inflated hourly rates to an attorney solely to work through their divorce paralegal, you should have a California non-attorney legal document assistant prepare your divorce documents.

Although all divorce cases start out with the filing of a divorce petition, sometimes the complexity or level of conflict in your case changes as the case progresses. If things start out amicably, but your divorce gets messier after you file the initial divorce petition, it does not necessarily mean that you need a lawyer. Even if your divorce changes course after the initial filing of the divorce petition, having a California non-attorney legal document assistant prepare your divorce documents is still the most cost-effective choice.

One of the best ways to ensure that you and your spouse have an amicable divorce and do not end up as enemies is to agree not to get lawyers involved. Whether your divorce stays completely amicable or even if you end up with a contested divorce, it is a better idea to work with a California legal document assistant instead of a divorce lawyer, unless you want to pay thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees.