The California Pro Bono Divorce Process
In California, marriages can end in one of three ways: divorce, legal separation or annulment. If you decide to get a divorce, you will need a lawyer to help you through the lengthy and complicated process. Many lawyers, offer pro bono (free) services to needy clients. In addition, California courts also offer special assistance to clients pursuing family law matters. These resources will help you navigate the California divorce process in a relatively smooth manner, but you should always contact a lawyer to answer your questions and represent your interests.
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Pro Bono Legal Services
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Divorce can be a costly process, especially if a custody battle is involved. Fortunately, most lawyers provide some amount of services annually on a pro bono basis. Pro bono means that the lawyer will work on your case without charge to you. However, not all lawyers provide pro bono work, and may offer free work only to the neediest clients. In order to find pro bono representation, contact your local legal aid officials first. If they are unable to help you, they may refer you to a private lawyer who can take your case.
Meeting Your Lawyer
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Bring any important documents to your first meeting with your attorney. Such documents range from proof of your spouse's infidelity to documentation of monthly expenses supporting a potential request for alimony. Before leaving this meeting, make sure you have a solid understanding of the divorce process and any next steps you will need to take.
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Initiating Your Divorce
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Once it's been determined that divorce is the best option for you, your lawyer will complete a petition and summons requesting a divorce. These documents, along with any custody documents, will be filed with the California court system. Your spouse will have 30 days to respond to your petition. If your spouse does not respond, the California courts will grant a divorce by default judgment. California is a "no fault" divorce state, which means you do not have to prove fault on your spouse's part in order to finalize your divorce.
Completing Your Divorce
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Even after the court has granted you a divorce judgment there may be many issues left for you and your ex-spouse to resolve. For example, you may want to alter your will. Any credit cards that are held in both your names will need to be cancelled. You may also need to change the title to any family vehicles. Your lawyer will be able to help you with the details of these transactions. Finally, you may find it necessary to change the terms of your divorce judgment or child custody arrangements. In order to modify the judgment and custody arrangements, your lawyer will need to file a modification request with the court.
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