2024
Last updated:
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lancaster Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.3 (77)
- Yelp
- 1.0 (5)
- 4.5 (1)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Jesus Zuniga partners with clients needing assistance in matters concerning divorce. For over two decades of experience, Jesus Zuniga has been conducting consultations with clients to help them make informed decisions regarding divorce proceedings and restraining orders. He is highly skilled in negotiations, but he also assists clients in trials if necessary. The divorce attorney has served individuals in cases involving child custody disputes, domestic violence, and other complicated family issues that affect children.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Jesus Zuniga - Principal | Active | 24 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Individuals who need a divorce attorney in Lancaster can contact the Jimenez Law Group. This firm handles all types of divorces, including contested and collaborative divorces and those that involve substantial assets and property. Managing attorney Chellei Jimenez is dedicated to providing compassionate, sensitive counsel to her clients while aggressively fighting on their behalf when needed. In addition to divorce, she also handles child custody, paternity, and guardianship matters. Service is available in English or Spanish.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Chellei Jimenez - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Daniel Hernandez features a family lawyer in Lancaster. Attorney Daniel Hernandez helps his clients navigate the legal process of divorce and provides representation in all related matters, including child custody, spousal support, and child support negotiations. He is certified in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. In addition to divorce cases, he also handles domestic violence restraining orders, guardianship agreements, and paternity cases.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Daniel Hernandez - Principal | Active | 25 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Richard P. Curtin Law Corporation provides legal direction on family law cases. It represents clients in marriage dissolutions, including same-sex divorces. The firm helps clients reach fair agreements for child custody, as well as spousal and child support. Additionally, it assists parties in obtaining restraining orders or establishing paternity. The law firm serves clients in Lancaster and throughout Los Angeles and Kern counties. Richard P. Curtin, the principal, has been practicing law for over four decades.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Families and individuals who need the assistance of a family lawyer near Lancaster can call the Law Offices of John C. Bigler. Attorney Mr. Bigler is certified in family law by the State Bar of California Legal Board of Specialization. He helps his clients directly, negotiating on their behalf when determining the outcome of issues such as child custody and property division. In addition to divorce cases, Mr. Bigler also handles paternity cases and domestic violence restraining orders.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
John Bigler - Principal | Active | 30 yrs |
Compare our Top Divorce Lawyers
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Law Offices of Jesus Zuniga | 43535 17th St W #402, Lancaster, CA93534 | View More | ||
The Jimenez Law Group | 1672 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA93534 | View More | ||
Law Offices of Daniel Hernandez | 42156 10th Street West Suite 203, Lancaster, CA93534 | View More | ||
Richard P. Curtin Law Corporation | 44323 Lowtree Ave, Lancaster, CA93534 | View More | ||
Law Offices of John C. Bigler | 1037 West Avenue N, Palmdale, CA93551 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lancaster, California?
You may call the Lancaster police at 661-948-8466 for non-emergency matters.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lancaster, California?
You may get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at the Lancaster Sheriff's Department.
Who pays for the lawyer’s fees in divorce cases in Lancaster?
Lancaster follows California law in that it does not require individuals to pay for their spouse’s attorney fees. In rare cases, judges will order one spouse to shoulder their partner’s attorney fees, which usually occurs when the couple’s finances are too one-sided so that the process of the divorce would otherwise be unfair. You may make your spouse pay for your attorney fees by asking your lawyer to file a motion in court.
How are properties and debts divided in divorce cases in Lancaster?
California law, which is followed by Lancaster residents, states that debts and assets that couples acquire during their marriage belong to both spouses equally, so that they should also equally divide them during divorce. These debts and assets are called "community property." California does not follow most states’ practice of dividing couples’ assets under principles of equitable distribution.
Is it beneficial to refuse to sign your spouse’s divorce papers in Lancaster?
No, because in California, whose laws govern Lancaster, a refusal to sign your spouse’s divorce papers within 30 days will give rise to a default divorce. This allows the petitioner to complete the divorce process more easily because they can have the case processed merely through mail or by meeting briefly with a judge. Because you, the respondent, did not contest the petition, then no trial can occur and the divorce request can easily be granted.
To whom does the custody of the family pet go in a divorce in Lancaster?
According to section 2605 of the California Family Code, which Lancaster residents are obliged to obey, a judge may, upon the request of the parties undergoing divorce, award joint or sole ownership of the family pet. In awarding custody, the judge will consider the care of the animal, which includes protection from cruelty and the assurance of food, water, safe shelter, and veterinary care.
Can I “appear” in court by phone in my divorce case in Lancaster?
California family law allows telephonic appearances in Lancaster divorce proceedings but the court still has the discretion of permitting it based on the state’s rules of court. You may appear by phone in instances when you are many miles away or are out-of-state, if you live in a different jurisdiction, in high volume cases of child support, in various civil proceedings, and if you are in extreme hardship.
What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?
The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:
- File the divorce petition
- Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
- Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
- Make financial disclosures
- Request discovery from your spouse
- Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
- Go to trial if necessary
- Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
- Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts
How much does it cost to get a divorce?
The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.
How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?
Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.
- Know your budget
- Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
- Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
- Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
- Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
- Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.
Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?
It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.
How to prepare for divorce?
It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:
- Interview attorneys
- Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
- Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
- Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
- Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
- Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
- Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
- Get support from friends and family
What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?
Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.
What is divorce mediation?
When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.
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