FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How much does it cost to get divorced?
Filing the initial paperwork to start the family law divorce process in California requires a $435 fee.
From there, it all depends on the individual case and what issues can be agreed upon. Contested divorces (where the parties cannot agree on certain aspects of the case and require the Court to decide the dispute) are certainly more expensive than uncontested divorces (where the parties agree on issues).
Typical areas of dispute that drive up divorce attorney's fees include child custody disputes, property characterization and valuation, and support. While some aspects of the divorce will require time and effort to resolve (for example the valuation of a business or income from as business), as a general rule, the more the parties can agree upon, the less fees will be incurred. That being said, the general answer is that a divorce is very expensive and can easily cost thousands of dollars.
How long does it take to get divorced?
The general belief in California was that a divorce would take just over six months complete. That is not the case anymore. While that is still the law, it is almost never the actual timeframe in which a divorce is resolved. In practice, divorces can take several months, and in rare instances, years to resolve.
The primary factors affecting this are the parties' commitment and desire to finalize the process quickly, the working relationship with the opposing party, financial ability to continue to pay for legal services, providing all of the proper documentation necessary to settle a divorce, and confirming financial information and verifying information provided all factor in.
Does the Pai Law Firm accept credit cards?
We certainly do. All major credit cards are accepted for both the initial retainer fees and ongoing bills.
Who will be working on my case?
At the Pai Law Firm, Anil Pai, the founding member and principal attorney, will be working on your case personally. He will personally meet with you initially, prepare you for all mediations, hearings and court proceedings and will be there by your side for any court proceeding you have to attend. Additionally, you can call or email Mr. Pai anytime you have a question or concern.
Making sure that every client's questions are answered in a timely manner is a priority at the Pai Law Firm. Mr. Pai will make every effort to return all phone calls and emails within 48 hours. Additionally, we understand that most of our clients have busy lives and jobs, so we are more than willing to meet after normal hours, or even Saturdays, at no extra charge to our clients. We simply ask for advanced notice to schedule such appointments.