CONTESTED VS. UNCONTESTED DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, PATERNITY

Mr. Lashlee has over 30 years experience handling both contested and uncontested family law matters including divorce, legal separation, annulments, paternity actions and related matters.

Talk to anyone who has been through a divorce, legal separation or a paternity action, and they will tell you that it can be a very expensive proposition.

Perhaps worse than the expense, is the animosity that may be created or exacerbated between the parties during a contested action. No one needs more tension in their life. If children are involved, it is even more important to keep the animosity level at a minimum. The best way to avoid unnecessary expense and to limit animosity is for husband and wife to cooperate in a "uncontested divorce."

The term "uncontested divorce" is something of a misnomer. Subject to very rare exceptions such as incompetence, either spouse may request and obtain a divorce. There is no requirement to prove fault of any kind. All you need to do is meet the limited residency requirements and follow the proper procedures.  Thus, it is not the divorce that is being “contested” in a contested divorce. Instead, it is the custody and support of children and the characterization and division of property and debts that are the subject of epic battles.

A contested divorce, legal separation or paternity action occurs because the parties are unable to agree on one or more issues relating to their relationship including custody of children, visitation, support, division of property and other matters.

FEES FOR UNCONTESTED ACTIONS:

Mr. Lashlee charges a flat fee of $2,000, plus the court filing fees (currently $320 in Los Angeles County).  There are rarely any other costs.

Some few uncontested actions become contested because the parties cannot agree. Your retainer agreement with Mr. Lashlee will provide for the $2,000 flat fee and $275 per hour for attorney services if the matter becomes contested. The $275 per hour will not be charged unless the matter becomes contested and notice is given to the client that it is contested.

FEES FOR CONTESTED DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, ANNULMENT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY MATTERS AND PATERNITY:

Mr. Lashlee charges $275 per hour plus expenses. An advance fee of $2,000 is required. This will be the minimum fee for the representation.

The client is responsible for all expenses (costs) of the action. Initial expenses include the filing fee $320 in Los Angeles County and service of process (approximately $50). In addition, there may be expenses for subpoenas, witness fees, depositions and other expenses.