Divorce FAQ

Answers from a Rancho Cucamonga Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce can be complicated, confusing, and a little overwhelming at times—especially when you aren’t sure where to turn for answers. The good news is that our Rancho Cucamonga divorce lawyers at Quinn & Pulley, APC are here to help. We provide answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the divorce process.

How Much Will it Cost to Get a Divorce?

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. We know that many of our clients would like to have a clear idea of what to expect when it comes to divorce and their checkbook, but the process isn’t that simple. The cost of your divorce can depend on a number of different factors, including whether or not it is a contested divorce, you will need to resolve child custody matters, and if there are other complex legal issues involved.

The court filing fees stay the same, so you can plan for those. The filing fee in California’s superior courts is $395, with motions and additional court fees costing around $20 to $60 following that. Attorney fees can range greatly, so it is best to set up a consultation to discuss an attorney’s pricing before moving forward.

Do I Need to Live in California to Divorce My Spouse?

Yes. If you want to file for divorce in California, you or your spouse must qualify under residency requirements. Under the law, one spouse must have been living in California as a resident for at least six months. They must also be a county resident in the same county where you plan to file for the last three months prior to filing.

Am I Allowed to Travel With My Children?

Yes, however, you will need to make sure any far distance or out of state travel is approved by your spouse or the court. If you fail to inform your spouse of an out of state trip, it could result in serious legal complications. This may impact the child custody ruling and hurt your chances of getting more time with your children down the road and result in a restraining order. Always make sure to review your travel plans with your spouse or get a court order if necessary.

The Dissolution Case Is Filed. Now What?

Once you file the divorce petition and it has been served to your spouse (or vice versa), it will take at least six months for your divorce to be finalized. Depending on the court’s backlog and the complexity of your case, it may take longer to get the official finalization of your marriage.

What Happens to Our Property in a Divorce?

This depends on a number of factors, including whether or not all your property was owned together or kept separate. In California, community property is divided equally—this includes debts. You and your spouse will need to account for all community property and debt to ensure that it is divided equally between you both. If you feel like your spouse is hiding or holding back assets, you may need to take depositions, send interrogatories, or even submit an inspection demand to ensure your spouse has provided all the information on your community property that is necessary for an equal property division to be made. This is especially important in high net worth divorces.

Can Spousal Support Be Awarded in California?

Yes. Also referred to as alimony, spousal support may be awarded if the court determines that it is necessary for one spouse following a divorce. The judge will review factors such as the standard of living during marriage, earning capacity, age, health, length of the marriage, and job histories to decide on if and how much spousal support should be awarded.

I Think My Divorce Will Be Pretty Simple. Do I Need an Attorney?

You and your spouse may be on the same page right now regarding your divorce, but that doesn’t mean you will agree with everything as you move through the divorce process. Having a skilled, understanding, and compassionate divorce attorney in Rancho Cucamonga by your side can ensure your rights and best interests are protected every step of the way. You don’t want to risk your future being impacted by a divorce disagreement you weren’t prepared to handle. From child support to spousal support to property division, even the smallest of disputes can turn an amicable divorce into a contested divorce. Make sure you have an advocate you trust by your side.

What Makes Your Firm the Right Choice for My Divorce?

Our attorneys bring over 70 + years of combined legal experience to the table. That’s close to five decades of insight, knowledge, and proven practice. Not only that, but our founding lawyer is board certified Family Law Specialist, making her highly qualified to provide guidance on even the most complex and intricate family law and divorce cases. Our firm’s extensive litigation experience makes us a team you want on your side when your future is on the line. We proudly provide free case evaluations, so do not hesitate to reach out. Spanish-speaking services available!