Answers to common questions on Divorce by Family Law Attorney

Thomas Chase Stutzman, A Professional Corporation, has been practicing and specializing in family law for over 35 years. In the process, we have handled thousands of cases, have experienced numerous variations and complexities, and therefore are able to handle everything from simple cases to very complex cases efficiently, for a very reasonable fee and usually achieve a result fair and favorable to our clients. Here our professional divorce lawyer answering your basic question regarding divorce:

How long does it take to get a divorce in California?

California law generally requires a minimum of six (6) months between service of the initial papers on the Respondent and the entry of a Judgment, albeit in complicated cases it may take longer.

How long do I have to live in California before I can get a divorce?

California law requires that either the Petitioner or the Respondent has resided in California for six (6) months and in the county you file in for three (3) months prior to the filing of the Petition.

Can the court order my spouse to pay all of my attorney fees?

There are several statutes that allow the court to order your spouse to pay part or all of your attorney fees. Caution, this is, in the vast majority of situations, totally discretionary with the court; i.e. it is totally dependent upon the facts of your case and the court has, for all practical purposes, absolute discretion in deciding whether or not to award attorney's fees.

Are you required to have an attorney?

No, one can represent him or herself, but it is generally advisable to be represented by counsel if you can afford it, particularly if the other side has an attorney; otherwise, you will be at an extreme disadvantage.

If I desire an attorney, but cannot afford one, will the court appoint one?

No. Courts appoint attorneys only in criminal and/or quasi-criminal [e.g. contempt] cases.

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