Best Divorce Lawyers in Lancaster, CA

Lancaster, CA Divorce 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.