Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. For those who have uncontested divorces, it can make the entire process easier on everyone involved. An uncontested divorce is a divorce where you and your spouse agree on all major issues during divorce proceedings. Even in these cases, it’s important to work with an experienced Corona uncontested divorce lawyer to ensure your rights are being protected.
At Najera Law Group, APC, we prioritize our clients’ needs during the entirety of any case. Our founding attorney, E. Steve Najera, has over 20 years of legal experience, and our firm provides free consultations to residents of Corona and surrounding towns.
While an uncontested divorce seems simple, it can easily lead to disagreements without proper legal counsel, especially when issues such as child custody, child support, property division, domestic violence, and other family law matters arise. Even in cases where both parties initially agree, disputes can quickly surface, and you may not realize when your rights are being violated.
As of 2023, 6% of men and 11% of women in Corona were divorced. In an ideal world, everyone would have an uncontested divorce, where all major issues are agreed upon. This includes agreement on:
Since there is no dispute, the process is usually faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a contested divorce. There are two main ways to get an uncontested divorce:
You don’t have to go to court if everything is agreed upon and your paperwork is correct. Even though an uncontested divorce is simpler, it still involves legal steps that can affect your future. It’s important to hire an uncontested divorce lawyer to ensure a smooth, legally compliant process.
In California, you don’t need to prove anyone did anything wrong to get a divorce. California is a “no-fault” divorce state. You can also get divorced even if your spouse doesn’t agree.
Before you file, at least one spouse must have lived in California for the past six months and in the county where you are filing for the past 3 months. One spouse starts by filing completed forms with the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, located at 4175 Main Street in Riverside. The spouse who files must serve copies of the papers to the other spouse through a third party. Once served, your spouse has 30 days to respond.
After that, both spouses exchange financial information and sign a written settlement agreement. The court reviews all the forms and, if everything is in order, will finalize the divorce after California’s required six-month waiting period.
To finalize your divorce, both spouses must share financial information and try to agree on all issues relevant to their marriage. As long as both spouses sign a marital settlement agreement, the judge can approve the divorce without a court hearing.
Even in an uncontested divorce, a lawyer can play a beneficial role, such as:
Even if you just need help with document review, an attorney can be essential. What happens during divorce proceedings can affect the rest of your life. Najera Law Group, APC, is here to help make sure your path forward is in your interests.
A: If either person changes their mind about the terms of the signed settlement agreement, the divorce may no longer be considered uncontested. The court will likely treat it as a contested case. This means the process could become longer and more expensive. The judge will no longer approve the agreement automatically. Instead, the court may decide the unresolved issues.
A: Even if you and your spouse agree on most things, you should not share the same divorce lawyer. Lawyers must represent their clients’ interests, and you and your spouse are on opposite sides. This creates a conflict of interest. Divorce often involves tough topics such as money, property, and children. These issues can become heated, so you want a Corona uncontested divorce attorney who advocates just for you. A lawyer cannot fairly advocate for both parties.
A: The cost of an uncontested divorce in Corona can vary. To start any divorce case, you must pay a filing fee to the court. This fee usually ranges between $435 and $450. Then, you will have your lawyer’s fees to consider. During your free consultation, our team can provide transparent pricing expectations so you know what to expect. As long as the divorce remains uncontested and doesn’t require any mediation, there shouldn’t be any more unexpected divorce costs involved.
A: Mediation is a way to settle your divorce without going to court. Instead of arguing in front of a judge, you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator. This person helps you both talk through and agree on all major issues, making your divorce uncontested. Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and less stressful than a traditional court divorce. The mediator does not take sides or give legal advice. Instead, they guide the discussion and help find fair solutions.
Najera Law Group, APC, is proud to serve California residents during some of the most challenging times in their lives. We know no two cases are the same and strive to provide a custom legal strategy. Our firm offers free consultations to residents of Corona and the surrounding areas. Contact our office today to learn how we can provide help during your divorce.