Commonly Asked Questions About Divorce
How long does it take to complete the paperwork for a divorce?
How long does it take to get the actual divorce decree?
Is there a filing fee due to the Court when I submit a petition for divorce or separation?
What different kinds of Divorce are there, and which kind does Go Divorce Clinic Do?
What is an uncontested Divorce?
What is a contested divorce?
What is a true default divorce?
Do we need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
What is a Legal Separation, and why do Couples choose it instead of Divorce?
How is Go Divorce Clinic different than other document preparation services?
Can parents agree to a child support amount different than the Dissomaster guidelines?
What is Dissomaster?
When do Couples need a mediator?
Robert Revel is a mediator, but the Go Divorce Clinic site says ‘no mediation fees’?
I see attorneys advertising attorney-free divorce. How is that attorney-free?
How long does it take to complete the paperwork for a divorce?
Go Divorce Clinic has prepared all necessary documents and agreements for a divorce in less than a week. However, this kind of timeframe is rare because it requires that the Couple already be in total agreement about all aspects of the divorce when they walk in my office and can very quickly provide to Go Divorce Clinic all the information required to complete the necessary documents. Current caseloads also affect when we are initially able to begin a new client paperwork.
How long does it take to get the actual divorce decree?
The soonest in California will be 6 months and 1 day after the Respondent is served by the Petitioner with the notice of Petition for Divorce that has been filed with, and endorsed by, the Court of competent jurisdiction.
Is there a filing fee due to the Court when I submit a petition for divorce or separation?
Yes. In Sonoma County that fee is $435.00 for the Petitioner. If the Respondent files a response with the Court, they will pay another $435.00 filing fee to respond to the Petition.
What different kinds of Divorce are there, and which kind does Go Divorce Clinic Do?
There is an uncontested divorce which we do at Go Divorce Clinic. There is a contested divorce which we do not do at Go Divorce Clinic. And there is a Default divorce which we do not do at Go Divorce Clinic.
Back to the top
What is an uncontested Divorce?
When a couple cooperates to find agreement about all the matters of a divorce proceeding they can conduct an uncontested divorce, which can conclude without hearing or trial.
What is a contested divorce?
When a couple cannot agree on the terms of divorce they are said to be "contested” before the Court. Some Parties represent themselves, and some retain Counsel.
What is a true default divorce?
A true default divorce can occur when the Respondent does not make an appearance, or participate at all in the divorce proceeding.
Do we need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
The use of an attorney is not necessary to complete an uncontested divorce. However if there are significant asset, debt or support considerations, we like the idea of attorney review of the Settlement Agreement we draft together, especially if you feel any lingering uncertainty or apprehensions about your rights and can afford that. There are fair and competent attorneys that Go Divorce Clinic can refer you to for such consultations.
Back to the top
What is a Legal Separation, and why do Couples choose it instead of Divorce?
Sometimes a couple needs to cease conducting themselves as a married couple because they need to separate but choose to not divorce at that time. The decision can be a financial one, sometimes it is logistical, and sometimes it is simply an emotional one based on a drastic need for change, but an overwhelming uncertainty about committing to the idea of divorce. For whatever reason it is undertaken, a legal separation allows each party to function in the legal capacity of a single person with all the rights and responsibilities thereof, without the marriage being terminated.
How is Go Divorce Clinic different than other document preparation services?
Go Divorce Clinic provides much more to its clients than just a legal document preparation service. With 12 years of Mediation and Conflict Resolution experience, we help you sort out issues of your estate, and child custody. For the same low flat fee we provide consultation regarding asset and debt allocation, child parenting plans, child evaluations if necessary, as well as important information and emotional support that serves as a helpful guide to both parties, and all just a visit, phone call, or email away.
Can parents agree to a child support amount different than the Dissomaster guidelines?
Yes, but the Court can overrule your agreement. The Court has a mandate to oversee what is in the best interest of the minor child in any given divorce proceeding. However, if your stipulated child support amount reflects truly what is in the best interest of the child with all things considered, the Court may likely share your judgment on the matter if you disclose your prudent reasoning for the off-guideline stipulation.
What is Dissomaster?
Dissomaster is an industry utilized computer software program that can calculate child and spousal support guideline amounts.
When do Couples need a mediator?
Couples can benefit from a Mediator when they are represented by attorneys and are stuck on issues that they have not been able to find resolution for. Nearly all of Go Divorce Clinic formal mediation has been attorney referred to us from contested divorces being conducted outside of our offices with lawyers. Rarely is formal mediation ever necessary with our clients at Go Divorce Clinic.
Robert Revel is a mediator, but the Go Divorce Clinic site says ‘no mediation fees’?
Robert Revel’s formal training and background are as a Mediator, Paralegal, and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He uses this combination of skills to conduct a comprehensive divorce program for one flat fee that usually never requires formal mediation. Because of his training, most client issues never become "stuck” enough to warrant going into mediation over.
I see attorneys advertising attorney-free divorce. How is that attorney-free?
Some law school graduates do not take the state bar exam to become practicing attorneys, and some may choose to enter into a field like mediation or legal document preparation. Some law school graduates do take the bar exam and although they may even be practicing attorneys, some will do mediation and may possibly state that they are offering “attorney-free” divorce.
Sometimes individuals with law degrees (they have a “JD” after their name) advertise that they do “attorney-free divorces”. All this can be confusing for those seeking alternatives to expensive attorney fees. Completing law school is often expensive. Acquiring a law degree takes time and money. Attorneys often charge at rates that are commensurate with the standards of their divorce attorney peers, and that is regardless of whether you get mediation for your divorce or fight it out in Court. At Go Divorce Clinic when we say Attorney-Free Divorce we mean exactly that. No attorneys, lawyers, or anyone hodling a law degree work in our office, and so we offer an amazingly low flat-fee for processing your divorce. We do not legally "represent" individuals, so we are free to work with both Parties together.
Back to the top
