QUESTION
How long does it take for a divorce case to expire in California?
Asked on Aug 30th, 2012 on Divorce - California
More details to this question:
I'm wondering how long until the divorce case would be dropped, with or without activity from either side. I filed in April 2011, he responded Feb 2012. I've been having some trouble with the paperwork, and can't afford lawyer costs. What should I do?
7 ANSWERS
Family Law Attorney serving Calabasas, CA
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Shulman Family Law Group
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Five years without a child support order. See if your county has a family law facilitator in the court house. Most counties do and they will help you with your paperwork.
Answered on Sep 06th, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Fremont, CA
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Steven J. Alpers, A Professional Corporation
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Cases will be dismissed after 5 years. Try a self-help clinic at your court or legal aid.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 8:25 PM
You should seek the assistance of the family law facilitator to determine what you need to do to complete the dissolution. You can then consult a family law attorney if needed to assist you in understanding how to do the paperwork without the expense of retaining that attorney. Most attorneys have low or no cost consultations available.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 4:30 PM
Have you considered contacting Legal Aide to assist you with the paperwork.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorney serving Ventura, CA
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Zahn Law Office
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Go to the family law self help center in your area for assistance. There is at least one in each County at one of the courthouses (and often more than one court will have one).
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Calabasas, CA
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Law Office of Bernal P. Ojeda
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You have 5 years to finish the case.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Family Law Attorney serving Petaluma, CA
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Law Office of Erin Farley
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Call the clerk of the court and ask for the status of your case. Have your case number handy. Generally, the court will have automatically set some kind of case management conference - find out when that date is, and make sure you are present in the courtroom. These are not scary hearings, it is just a chance for the judge to check in and see what is happening. If the judge asks, be honest and say you do not know what to do next. The court can then point you toward resources. As a bonus, at these appearances, many courts will also have volunteer attorneys to help unrepresented litigants proceed.
Answered on Sep 04th, 2012 at 9:15 PM