Getting a Divorce in Los Angeles California
Knowing in your mind that you are going through with a divorce is hard enough, but do you really want to do it without the advice of a divorce lawyer? Each state differs and each local county has their special forms and you need the expertise of a Los Angeles divorce attorney to help you muddle through the specifics of the what, where and how of the procedures of the county.
When filing for a divorce in Los Angeles, yes you can get the forms and fill them for yourself but there are so many other legal aspects to consider. There are California and county residency requirements, and whether or not you and your spouse contest the case regarding money, property or parenting if you have children together. This can be easy or complex but either way, it is highly recommended that you should get a competent divorce lawyer in Los Angeles. A good divorce lawyer can help you navigate the issues of child custody and support, spousal support and other division of property and debt along with other details. As mentioned in a previous post, this is why it’s important to keep organized and have personal papers ready when preparing to meet with a Los Angeles divorce lawyer.
When you start your divorce case, filling out the forms can be overwhelming. Note that depending on your particular case, not all the forms need to be filled. When in doubt with the forms, consult with your divorce lawyer.
The divorce proceedings start by filling a petition form to dissolve the marriage. Another form is filled to notify your spouse that a court case has started and they must respond in 30 days. If the spouse does not respond within the 30 days, you can file an entry of default whereby you can proceed with the divorce without their participation. If the spouse does file the necessary paperwork within the 30 days, the case will proceed as a contested or uncontested matter.
If the action is contested by your spouse and the issues cannot be resolved out of court, your attorney can represent you in a court trial. This is why you need a divorce attorney if things go contested. You do not need the stress and headache of going through a messy divorce. A good divorce lawyer in Los Angeles can save your sanity and help you get on with your life as a single person.