Best Divorce Lawyers in Chino Hills, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chino Hills, California?

  Call 909-364-2000 to report non-emergencies in Chino Hills on weekdays and 909-465-6837 for after-hours or weekends.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chino Hills, California?

  Call the Records Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at 909-888-5916 and press 7 to request the police report for incidents in Chino Hills. Online requests may also be sent to https://publicrecords.chinohills.org/requests/new.

• What is the process for filing divorce papers in Chino Hills?

  To file for a divorce in Chino Hills, one of the couples must fill out forms, submit them to the clerk of court in San Bernardino, and pay fees. However, the petitioner can ask the court to waive the fee if they can't afford it. After the clerk has stamped the papers, the petitioner needs to give a copy of the forms to the other spouse.

• What can one do to address divorce issues that the parties can't agree on in Chino Hills?

  A person can get temporary orders in divorce cases in Chino Hills to address issues like custody, support, and property division that the parties can't agree on. One must file a Request for Order to do this, which helps speed up the process rather than waiting for the final judgment. It can also address issues like remarriage.

• Is a biological father who is divorced in Chino Hills still obligated to pay child support even if another man has established paternity?

  No. If another man has legally established paternity for a minor in Chino Hills, the biological father who is divorced from the mother does not have to pay child support. Under state laws, the person who establishes paternity becomes the legal father, which means they are responsible for supporting the children regardless of their biological relationship. Additionally, DNA testing is not always necessary for the court to establish paternity.

• How can LGBTQ couples dissolve a domestic partnership in Chino Hills?

  LGBTQ couples can dissolve a domestic partnership in Chino Hills by filing a notice of termination with the state secretary or petitioning a dissolution from the Superior Court. A couple can file a notice of termination if their relationship lasted for less than five years and they don't have children and shared properties. Otherwise, they must seek a divorce to address property division and child support matters.

• What can grandparents do if the custodial parent doesn't want them to visit their grandchildren in Chino Hills?

  The grandparents can file an application for visitation rights with the family court in Chino Hills if the custodial parent doesn't want them to visit their children. The court will decide based on whether the grandparents and grandchildren have a good relationship and if it's best for the child to see them. If the parents still say no, the court may think that it's not a good idea for the grandparents to visit the child.

• 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.