DIY Divorce Not Going As Planned?
You started your California divorce on your own. Now things have gotten complicated.
Whether your spouse stopped cooperating, hired an attorney, your
paperwork was rejected, or new custody or financial issues have come up, you don't necessarily have to start over.
Already filed? That's okay. We can review where your case stands and discuss what comes next.
Can a Lawyer Step In After I Filed?
Yes.
Hiring an attorney after starting a divorce yourself doesn't necessarily mean starting over.
MLG can review:
- What you’ve already filed
- Existing court orders
- Financial disclosures
- Upcoming deadlines and hearings
- Agreements you’ve already reached
- Issues that still need to be resolved
Is It Time to Talk to a Divorce Attorney?
If any of these sound familiar, your divorce may have moved beyond what DIY was designed to handle.
- My spouse hired an attorney
- My spouse stopped cooperating
- I’ve been served with an RFO or other court papers
- We disagree about custody
- We disagree about child or spousal support
- We own a home or other real estate
- One of us owns a business
- There are significant retirement or investment accounts
- I think assets or income aren’t being disclosed
- My divorce paperwork or judgment was rejected
- I have an upcoming court hearing
- I’m no longer sure what I agreed to
Already Started? Start with a DIY Divorce Case Review.
You don’t need to figure out what went wrong before calling us. Bring what you have. An MLG family law attorney can review the status of your case and discuss the issues that may need attention.
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Petition and Response
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Any court orders
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Upcoming hearing notices
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Financial disclosures
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Settlement agreements or drafts
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Communications from your spouse’s attorney
A Message from Kathy Minella
“I started my divorce myself. Is it too late to hire a lawyer?”
Kathy Minella answers this common question and explains what to do next in this short video.
You May Still Be Able to Finish Your Divorce Yourself.
Not every DIY divorce needs to become an attorney-represented case. If you and your spouse remain in agreement, your finances are straightforward, you’ve completed the required disclosures and you’re comfortable handling the remaining procedures, self-representation may still be appropriate.
But when disagreements, complex finances, court hearings or unanswered legal questions arise, getting legal advice can help you understand your options.