Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when you’re unsure of the legal steps involved. Here at BruegelPC, we’ve helped countless people in Kern County navigate the challenging path of filing for divorce. We understand the emotional turmoil and confusion that often come with this process, and we’re here to make it as straightforward as possible for you. Allow us to guide you through each step so you can focus on starting your new chapter with peace of mind.
From the point of view of filing for divorce in Kern County, you need to fill out divorce forms from the Kern County Superior Court website. Then, file these forms in person at the court clerk’s office. Lastly, serve your spouse the papers following court guidelines.
Steps to File a Divorce in Kern County
Kern County requires that at least one spouse has lived there for a minimum of three months before filing for divorce.
In other words, you or your spouse needs to have lived in California for at least six months and in Kern County for at least three months before you can file for divorce there.
First, you need to fill out some forms like a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons. These forms are available at the courthouse or online.
After filling out the forms, you must submit them to the clerk at the Kern County Superior Court and pay a filing fee. If you can’t afford the fee, you might qualify for a fee waiver.
Next, you need to give your spouse copies of the divorce papers. This can be done by a process server, a friend, or by using certified mail.
Your spouse will have some time to reply to the divorce papers. If they don’t reply, the divorce might move forward without them. If they do reply, the case might go to court, where a judge will decide on things like dividing property, child custody, and support.
It’s important to follow all court rules and deadlines, and you might want to get legal advice to make sure your rights are protected.
Required Forms for Kern County Divorce
In Kern County, mandatory divorce documents range from the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to the Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act for cases involving children.
Primarily, you might need extra forms for your divorce depending on your situation, like financial details, splitting property, child support, and spousal support.
Make sure you fill out and send all the needed forms to the right court in Kern County to start your divorce.
When it comes down to it if you don’t, it could cause delays or problems. It’s a good idea to get help from a lawyer or a self-help center to make sure everything is done right.
Following the rules and filing the right forms is very important to getting a legally valid divorce in Kern County that covers all important issues.
Filing Fees for Divorce in Kern County
In the preceding section filing fees for divorce in Kern County often vary and are set by the court, making it essential to check for updates.
If you think about it, filing for divorce costs $435 right now. You might have to pay more for things like delivering papers to your spouse or asking for a trial date. You need to pay these fees when you start the divorce process. Sometimes, you might not have to pay if you can show you don’t have enough money.
Let me explain, it’s a good idea to talk to the court or a lawyer to know exactly what you’ll need to pay. If you don’t pay the fees, your case might get delayed or dismissed. Make sure you plan for these costs when thinking about getting divorced in Kern County.
How to Serve Divorce Papers in Kern County
Using previous discussions, serving divorce papers in Kern County requires adherence to the court’s specific procedural rules.
To simplify, usually, you need someone else, who is at least 18 years old, to give the papers to the other person in person. You can hire a professional to do this, or you can ask a friend or family member for help. The person who delivers the papers has to fill out a form to prove they did it and give that form back to the court.
Typically, if you can’t find the other person, you might be able to mail the papers or publish a notice in a newspaper, but you need the court’s permission first. It’s important to follow all the rules for serving divorce papers in Kern County to make sure everything is done legally. Talking to a lawyer can also help you understand and follow the right steps.
Finalizing Your Divorce in Kern County
Adding to past comments, in Kern County, finalizing your divorce requires navigating a series of intricate steps.
In other words, first, you and your spouse need to agree on important things like who will take care of the children, how to split your property, and if anyone needs financial support. If you can’t agree, the court will decide for you. After agreeing, you’ll need to fill out and submit forms to the court. These forms include asking for the divorce, sharing financial details, and listing your agreements. You’ll also need to pay a fee.
After submitting the forms and paying, you must give your spouse the divorce papers. Largely your spouse then has a chance to reply. If they don’t reply, you might get a divorce by default. If they do reply, you might need to go to a court hearing to finish the divorce. During the hearing, the judge will check your agreements to make sure they’re fair. If the judge agrees, they’ll sign a final divorce paper, ending your marriage.
Remember, getting a divorce can be complicated. It might be helpful to talk to a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
In the End
In the preceding section in Kern County, filing for divorce involves several steps such as preparing and filing the necessary forms, serving the other party, and attending court hearings.
What BruegelPC is advising you to think about is, it is important to follow the guidelines set by the county to ensure a smooth and successful divorce process. Remember to seek legal advice and support to work through this challenging time efficiently.
References
- California Family Law Basics, CEB, John P. Keleman
- How to Do Your Own Divorce in California in 2019: An Essential Guide for Every Kind of Divorce, Nolo Press, Ed Sherman
- California Family Law for Paralegals, Cengage Learning, Marshall W. Waller