If you are one of the many people in Lake Forest, CA who is facing a divorce, you need solid, competent legal representation of a Lake Forest, CA Divorce lawyer. Divorce can be a tricky process, and mistakes can have lifelong consequences. With our high divorce rate (one of the highest in the nation) we stay busy trying to help people navigate one of the most stressful periods of their lives.

We also help our clients deal with other tricky family law issues, which extend way beyond the arena of divorce. Paternity cases, for example, are not strictly a divorce issue, though paternity issues can and do come up during divorce cases.

A picture of a divorce certifcate being stamped in Lake Forest, CA.

How much does it cost to get a divorce in Lake Forest, CA?

Basic divorce fees start at $435. This is the filing fee for either the petition or the response. You should also plan for attorney’s fees and other expenses which the divorce might generate.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Lake Forest, CA?

You should plan for your divorce to take a minimum of six months. That is if everything goes smoothly. Many divorces take much longer than that.

While divorce is nerve-wracking and stressful, you should avoid adopting an “I just want to get this over with” mentality. Impatience will cause you to make mistakes. Give yourself the time you need to allow the process to work.

A photo of a man holding a pen signing some documents in Lake Forest, CA.

I’m involved in an uncontested divorce. Do I really need a lawyer?

Uncontested does not mean what most people think it means.

An uncontested divorce does not mean both you and your spouse want the divorce. It means you and your spouse have come to a full, complete agreement about the major issues that drive a divorce case: division of assets, the division of debts, child custody, child support, and spousal support.

Even if you think your spouse is presenting you with an agreement you can live with you should really make sure a good attorney looks over the offer. Some marital property can be tricky to divide up. For example, dividing a retirement account is not straightforward, and neither is putting the legal protections into place you’d need to ensure you actually get the money when the time comes.

In short: yes, you need a Lake Forest, CA divorce lawyer.

Do I need my spouse’s cooperation if I want to get a divorce in Lake Forest, CA?

Your spouse cannot stop you from initiating a divorce. Your spouse can’t even stop you from having the divorce finalized. A spouse who refuses to sign any papers could be a spouse setting himself or herself up for a default judgment of divorce.

Indeed, if your spouse doesn’t deal with the issue he or she could lose the right to have any say in how the major issues of the divorce process are decided. That’s not very smart on his part or her part, but it more or less works in your favor.  

A photo of Santa Monica Pier in Orange County.

How soon should I contact a lawyer about my divorce?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you’ve been served with divorce papers, or as soon as you know you intend to pursue a divorce. Making sure the entire process is handled properly from start to finish is the best way to protect yourself.

Contact the Law Offices of John A. Bledsoe today to get started, or visit our convenient location on Lake Center Drive.