Lathrop, CA asked in Divorce for California

Q: Hi my name is Lory, I don’t know where to start on how to file a divorce, I want to put an end to my relationship.

We are separated many years already, he moved in with me and my kids from LA, first I agreed to him moving in with us, knowing that he already moved on and accepted that it’s over between me and him, but now i am having trouble living with him, I just want to be free from him legally but I don’t know where to start and I don’t have enough money to pay for an attorney. I hope you can help me

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2 Lawyer Answers
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Your county Superior Courthouse will have a family law division where there are judges who specialize in hearing this kind of a case. Before Covid there were offices you could go to for assistance in filing your own documents. The dissolution petition is online and pretty self explanatory. If you cannot afford an attorney, there are often Legal aid offices your county. You need to file a petition for dissolution of marriage, a summons and a cover sheet. Check your county court's website for forms and instruction packets. Good luck

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Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
Answered
  • Culver City, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You can file a request for order with the court asking for an order that your spouse pay or contribute towards your legal fees. If you insist on representing yourself, the Superior Court has a self-help link on its website. https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-divorce.htm Good luck.

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