10 Tips for the Self Represented in Family Court
Are you representing yourself? Are you scheduled to go in front of a judge? Follow these 10 tips before your court date: Be Prepared; Understand your judge (consider…
Fees
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.
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What is a Legal Coach and should I get one?
Depending on the complexity of your case and your financial circumstances, a legal coach (aka consulting lawyer) may be a great way to obtain assistance with your Divorce…
7 Tips for Collecting Your Family Law Money Judgment
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…
How Much Will a Divorce Cost?
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…
Complete List of CA Divorce Forms, with Links
Petition (FL-100): This is the document that initializes your divorce with the Court. It is the first thing you file and requires a $435 filing fee. Download Petition…
Small Ways to Save Big on Your Divorce Costs
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…
Musings from a Law Office Intake Specialist
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…
How to Prepare for Your Meeting with Your Lawyer or Divorce Coach
You have decided to take the next step towards your divorce and have scheduled a meeting with a lawyer or legal coach and are wondering what to do…
Glossary of Terms
Legalese made easy. This document has all of the terms you’re likely to hear and their definitions in plain English. Download Now
Ten Important Laws You Need to Know About (if You’re Getting a Divorce)
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.…
Child Support Calculator
Calculate an estimate of California child support by entering in all of the requested information below. The results will help inform your position for mediation and/or negotiation with…
The Hello Divorce Worksheet
This worksheet breaks down all of the things you need to think through and resolve before you can finalize your divorce. Download Now
10 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Family Law Declaration (to Attach to Your Request for Orders)
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…
Your Hello Divorce “Cheat Sheet” to Self Representation
If you’re navigating divorce without legal representation, we’ve got your back! Review this outline to understand what will happen throughout the divorce and what you need to do.…
When are Attorney Fees Awarded in a Divorce Action?
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…
How to Keep Your Divorce Conversations Productive
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…
Presenting Evidence in Family Court
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…
Tips for Getting Your Spouse On Board with Mediation
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.…
What to Wear to Court
Ok, we know our readers are smart and understand that appropriate attire is necessary for court. We’ve listed some suggested (and mandatory) guidelines below. Our readers also know…
What Are the Different Types of Court Hearings I Might Have to Attend?
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…
What is Contempt?
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…