Divorce can be expensive. You have options for quality legal assistance outside of the traditional, full representation, retained lawyer.
Read on to learn when you can collect reimbursement for attorney fees, when you should consider hiring an attorney to represent you, how to keep costs down and how to prepare for your meeting with a legal coach to get the most out of it.
For the uninitiated, the idea of representing yourself in family court seems outrageous. Why wouldn’t you hire a professional? Well, there are a number of reasons self-representation might be right for your subjective situation. Whether...
So, you have spent months (or maybe even years) reaching a resolution in your matter, but the process is not over yet. If you received a money judgment against your ex-spouse as part of your...
I want to get my divorce resolved with as little expense possible, and have decided to represent myself to avoid lawyer’s fees. How much will it cost me to get this done? To initiate your...
Our exhaustive list of California divorce forms with links to download them.
Divorce can be stressful enough without the additional burden of being expensive too, but divorces don’t have to break the bank. There are a few small things you could do to keep costs down which...
I am often the first person that people talk to when setting up meetings with their lawyer or when they have a quick non-legal question that I can assist with. While they are always very...
Legalese made easy. This document has all of the terms you’re likely to hear and their definitions in plain English. Join us and download this free glossary of legal terms.
1. Spousal Support (Family Code Section 4320): While pre judgment spousal support is generally calculated using a formula, long term spousal support is determined by review of various factors. Some of the factors the court...
Use our convenient child support calculator to determine an estimate of California child support. Enter in all of the requested information below, and the results will help inform your position for mediation and/or negotiation with...
This worksheet breaks down all of the things you need to think through and resolve before you can finalize your divorce.
A declaration is a written statement made under the penalty of perjury. If you are filing a “Request for Order” (or responding to a “Request for Order”) asking that the Judge enter orders providing you...
It’s no secret that hiring an attorney is expensive. Even if you are using a lawyer on a ‘limited scope’ basis to help you only with strategy or to review and revise your forms, it...
First things first. If you want to negotiate an agreement with your spouse, you have to remember (and accept) the following principles: • Be mindful that your purpose is to avoid arguing and to be...
Most people (even some lawyers) don’t expect the Evidence Code to apply in family law in the same way that we see it used in Criminal or Civil Law. The fact is that it most...
Mediation, whether through Hello Divorce, with a trained mediation counselor or a divorce financial planner, can be a great option for resolving the issues pertaining to your divorce. At Hello Divorce, we not only guide...
As a general rule, you should think of the courtroom as a formal environment. Dress as you would when going for an important job interview or to church. You can be barred from the courtroom...
The most common type of hearings in Family Court are related to child support, spousal support and/or child custody. These hearings are scheduled after one spouse files a “Request for Order.” Depending on the complexity...
In the course of your divorce, the family court may issue a range of orders, including visitation and custody determinations, orders to pay attorney’s fees, and divisions of property. When an ex-spouse (or soon to...
Understanding when to communicate with your lawyer can save your divorce case time and money. You know that advice your best friend gave you about writing a scathing note to your ex when you are...
Filing fees can be costly, but in certain cases you may qualify for a fee waiver based on your financial situation. When you file your petition or response form, you will need to pay the...
When you file your petition or response form, you will need to pay the filing fee with the court. This is normally $230 if you are filing the petition and $116 if you are filing...
How to File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage? It can be done in one of two ways: jointly or separately.
Filing for divorce can seem scary and difficult, but we’re here to make it easier. Let’s walk through the process of an uncontested divorce in Utah, from start to finish. As well, please note that...
In Colorado, both parties to a family law case are required to complete mandatory financial disclosures. This is true for divorces, child support modifications, allocation of parental responsibilities matters, and the like. So, what does...
You may have already heard me say it before: Divorce is both Procedure & Substance. Procedure = forms, processing with the court, “service of process” (delivery of documents to your spouse). Substance = the issues...
Filing for divorce seems scary and difficult, right? We’re here to make it easier and less stressful. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of an agreed divorce with minor children in Texas, from start...
Filing for divorce seems scary and difficult, right? We’re here to make it easier and less stressful. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of an uncontested divorce in Texas, from start to finish. Just...
Spousal maintenance, also called spousal support or alimony, is either something agreed upon by both parties or is ordered by the court, depending on the circumstances of the marriage and consideration of various factors. It...
If you are served with an Original Petition for Divorce in Texas, you are considered the Respondent spouse. The Petition is the document your spouse has filed with the court to initiate divorce proceedings. The...