Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: is there a way to court order a domestic partner to respond to a notice attesting to their status on the relationship

they have not spoken with me in months and ive been told to just move on but the thing is if I do that and then they decide to come back and im with someone else, then id be considered cheating? even though its been moths, so id want an official statement or something

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, there isn't a specific court procedure to compel a domestic partner to respond to a notice about the status of your relationship. If you're concerned about the implications of moving on, it's important to understand that being in a domestic partnership or a similar... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: My baby momma doesn’t want me to see my daughter we don’t have a court order but I have her for a week out of the month

And I give her 400 a month for my baby but she got a new boyfriend and things are getting complicated and I’m scared if I go to court I won’t have my week

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, if you're facing issues with child custody and visitation, it's important to know that the court's primary concern is the best interest of the child.

Without a court order, both parents have equal rights to the child, but this also means there’s no legal...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Am I required to wait for 30 days if I want to request a default divorce if my spouse is already in agreement with me?

I've looked at both processes for a default and default with agreement and they both have a requirement that says my spouse should not have filed a response in 30 days. If we are already in agreement to have a default divorce, can I not wait for the 30 days and just finish the rest of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, the law requires a waiting period of at least 30 days from the date the divorce petition is served before you can proceed with a default divorce. This period allows the responding spouse time to file a response. Even if you and your spouse are in agreement about the divorce, this... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Am I required to wait for 30 days if I want to request a default divorce if my spouse is already in agreement with me?

I've looked at both processes for a default and default with agreement and they both have a requirement that says my spouse should not have filed a response in 30 days. If we are already in agreement to have a default divorce, can I not wait for the 30 days and just finish the rest of the... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Nov 17, 2023

Yes, you are required to wait for 30 days if you want to request a default divorce. You husband's assurance to you that he won't file a response means nothing to the court. It would be advantageous to file an agreement signed by both of you acknowledging the terms of the divorce. It will... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: My soon to be ex s Lawyer is asking for new copies of all of the divorce/ response paperwork. Do I need to provide this?

He is military and didn’t take the paperwork with him. Dealing with it overseas

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 16, 2023

In California, during a divorce proceeding, both parties are generally required to share relevant documents and information. If your ex's lawyer is requesting new copies of the divorce and response paperwork, it is typically part of the discovery process in which both parties exchange... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Is it possible to file for divorce without a lawyer?

My spouse and I don't have kids, debt, or property together and we are fairly in agreement about separating. We wish to do this ourselves since we don't have any disputes so we're expecting to not have trials or hearings anymore. Can we do this ourselves? What would be the most... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

In California, you can file for divorce without a lawyer, especially in cases like yours where there are no children, debts, or properties involved, and both parties are in agreement. This is often referred to as a "summary dissolution" or an "uncontested divorce."

To...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Where can I get a reputable agreement template for divorce?

My spouse and I plan to file for divorce ourselves without a lawyer as we are in agreement with everything. We have no children, debt, or properties together. Where can we get a reliable agreement template for our case?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

In California, for a situation like yours, a reputable divorce agreement template can be obtained from the California Courts official website, which provides various forms and resources for self-represented individuals in divorce cases. Additionally, local law libraries and some county court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Is it possible to have a divorce without going through trials or hearings?

There are no disputes between me and my spouse when it comes to divorce since everything is settled between us. We just want the most seamless process possible. Can a divorce proceed without having any trials or hearings? Also, is an uncontested divorce the same as a default divorce?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

In California, a divorce can proceed without trials or hearings if it's an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody and support. This type of divorce is often more streamlined and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can I go back to my home country after filing for divorce?

I am an immigrant and I plan to go back to my country after divorcing my spouse. We will have a default divorce with agreement and I will be the petitioner. As soon as I file everything with the court, can I move back to my home country after and just wait for the judgment from there?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Under California law, you can generally return to your home country after filing for divorce, especially in a default divorce with agreement where you are the petitioner. However, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and that you have made arrangements to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I still live with my spouse while filing our divorce. Do I disclose her as a person who lives with me in form FL-150?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

In California, when completing form FL-150 in the context of a divorce, it is important to accurately disclose all individuals residing in your household, including your spouse, even if you are in the process of divorcing. This disclosure is part of providing complete and truthful information about... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: I am looking for a pro bono lawyer to help with a name change. I resident in the LA area.

I was given my bio father's last name, but I have no connection to him, like nothing. I am a college student, full time, I am also on calfresh and cash assistant aid, I can't afford to get my name changed. So trying to see who can help me out

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

In Los Angeles, there are several legal aid organizations that might be able to assist you with a pro bono (free) lawyer for your name change. You could contact the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Public Counsel, or the Los Angeles County Bar Association, all of which provide free legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Got a paper saying AMENDED REQUEST TO ENTER DEFAULT what does that mean
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Under California law, an "Amended Request to Enter Default" typically indicates that a party has updated or corrected a previous request for a default judgment in a court case. This often happens when the original request had errors or omissions. When a party fails to respond to a lawsuit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Are we allowed to not declare a property for summary dissolution?

My spouse and I fit all the requirements for summary dissolution, but unfortunately her family's house had been turned over to her name. Are we allowed to not declare this property so that we can proceed with summary dissolution instead of divorce? We do not have any disagreements about the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Under California law, when pursuing a summary dissolution, full and honest disclosure of all assets is required. This includes any real property, regardless of how it was acquired or whose name it is in.

Failing to declare a property, such as a house turned over to your spouse's name,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I use an address outside the US when I file for summary dissolution?

I am currently living with my spouse and we plan to get a summary dissolution soon. Our arrangement is that after we file it, I will go back to my home country since I am only a green card holder. I will not have a separate address of my own in the US as we are arranging the forms. What address... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Under California law, when filing for summary dissolution, you are required to provide a current address. It is permissible to use the same address as your spouse if that is your current residence at the time of filing.

However, if you plan to move to your home country shortly after...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: After the waiting period for summary dissolution, can I complete the dissolution even if I am out of the country?

I read that after the 6 month waiting period for summary dissolution, we have to complete the procedure by filing the judgment forms with the clerk. I will be moving out of the US as soon as we file for summary dissolution and I am unsure if my STBX is willing to do it herself afterwards. Is it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Under California law, completing the dissolution process after the 6-month waiting period for summary dissolution can be managed even if you are out of the country.

You have the option to file the necessary judgment forms with the court clerk electronically, depending on the county's...
View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: My daughter wants to get a divorce from her husband his been emotionally, verbal, and mentally abusive to her.

they been married for a 1 year, and he just got a green card couple of months ago.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

In California, your daughter has the right to file for divorce regardless of the duration of her marriage or her husband's immigration status. She can initiate the process by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the county where she resides. California is a no-fault divorce state,... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: My daughter wants to get a divorce from her husband his been emotionally, verbal, and mentally abusive to her.

they been married for a 1 year, and he just got a green card couple of months ago.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Your daughter can definitely file for divorce from her husband, even though they've only been married for a year. Emotional, verbal, and mental abuse are all grounds for divorce in California.

As for her husband's green card, it's important to note that getting a divorce does...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Do the both of us need to be present together when we file for summary dissolution at the courthouse?

My spouse and I have agreed to do summary dissolution but they are busy and might not be available on weekdays when the courthouse is open. Once we fill out the forms and gather the requirements together, can I be the only one who will file it with the courthouse? Does it also have to be in person... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 13, 2023

Under California law, both parties are not required to be present together at the courthouse to file for summary dissolution. One of you can file the necessary paperwork. However, ensure that all forms are completed and signed by both parties before submission.

It's important to check...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Re CA Code GOV 68093, if the fee and mileage is requested pre-trial and not paid, does the witness still have to appear?

The request for the witness fee and mileage was requested in writing, via email to the subpoenaing attorney, a week prior to the civil trial date. An acknowledgement from the attorney's office receiving the request was received but no further response has been provided. if the fee and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 13, 2023

Under California Government Code Section 68093, when a witness is subpoenaed for a civil case, they are entitled to a witness fee and mileage. If you have requested these fees in advance and have not received them, you are still obligated to appear in court as directed by the subpoena.

The...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can a CA judge make visitation orders before we even see a mediator?

The first time we went before a judge it was supposed to be about temporary spousal support. The next date a month later was for mediation and then we’d go before the judge again. Well the judge made visitation orders before we went to mediation. The other party and the attorney made false... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 12, 2023

Hi, happy late Sunday to you!

Under California law, a judge does have the authority to make temporary visitation orders before mediation in a family law case, but there are some important caveats:

- The court can make emergency temporary orders to establish custody and visitation at...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.