Divorce Document Preparation Services

California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date the Respondent is served with divorce papers until the divorce can be finalized. However, the actual timeline depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces can be finalized as soon as the 6-month period ends, while contested divorces may take 12-18 months or longer.

Yes! If your divorce is uncontested (both parties agree on all terms), a Legal Document Assistant is an excellent, affordable alternative. We prepare all the legal forms accurately and provide filing instructions. However, we cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. If you have a complex or contested case, you may need an attorney.

Our fees are transparent and affordable, typically 50-70% less than attorney fees. Pricing depends on the complexity of your case. A simple uncontested divorce with no children starts around $500-800, while divorces with children and property division may range from $800-1,500. We'll provide an exact quote during your free consultation. Court filing fees (approximately $435) are separate and paid directly to the court.

Both involve similar paperwork for property division, support, and custody. The main difference is that with legal separation, you remain legally married and cannot remarry. Some couples choose legal separation for religious reasons, to maintain health insurance benefits, or if they're unsure about divorce. You can convert a legal separation to a divorce later if you choose.

In most uncontested cases in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, you do NOT have to appear in court. If all documents are properly completed and both parties agree to the terms, the judge will typically sign the judgment without requiring a hearing. We'll guide you through the entire process and let you know if a court appearance is necessary in your specific situation.

We'll provide a complete checklist, but generally you'll need: marriage certificate, Social Security numbers for both spouses, information about children (if any), list of assets and debts, income information, and details about property you own. If you don't have everything at your first appointment, that's okay – we can get started and you can provide missing information later.

In California, you don't need your spouse's permission to get divorced. If your spouse doesn't respond to the divorce papers within 30 days, you can proceed with a default divorce. If your spouse contests the divorce (disagrees with the terms), this becomes a contested case and you may need to consult with an attorney. We can still help with the initial paperwork and explain your options.