Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my divorce is truly uncontested?
Your divorce is usually uncontested if you and your spouse agree on property, support, and, if you have children, parenting arrangements. We can review your situation, identify any open questions, and explain whether those can typically be resolved within an uncontested framework.
Will I need to go to court for an uncontested divorce?
Many uncontested cases in Los Angeles County resolve mostly through paperwork, although requirements can vary. Whether you must appear in person depends on the court’s current procedures and your specific circumstances. We explain what to expect for your case and prepare you if an appearance is needed.
Can you help if my spouse and I disagree on one issue?
Yes. Many couples are close to agreement but still differ on one or two points. We use our mediation-focused training to help you explore options and work toward a resolution, so you can often keep the case on an uncontested path instead of turning it into full litigation.
How much does an uncontested divorce typically cost?
Costs depend on factors like how complex your finances are, whether there are children, and how prepared you are with information. During a consultation, we can discuss your situation, outline the likely work involved, and provide a clearer sense of expected fees and court-related costs.
Will I work directly with Attorney Bigler on my case?
Yes. Our office is structured so that clients receive direct attention from Attorney Bigler, not just support staff. You will meet with him to discuss strategy and review key documents. Our goal is for you to feel informed and supported from the first meeting through the conclusion of your divorce.
Why Work With Our Lancaster Divorce Firm
Choosing the right guide for your uncontested divorce is about more than filling out forms. You are trusting someone with your rights, your financial future, and often your parenting arrangements. At Law Offices of John C. Bigler, we take that responsibility seriously. Our firm combines decades of family law experience with a hands-on approach that keeps you connected to your attorney.
Attorney Bigler’s background in family law, along with extensive training in mediation and arbitration, supports a practical and low-conflict approach to uncontested divorce. We focus on what matters most to you, whether that is protecting children from unnecessary stress, preserving important assets, or moving forward without drawn-out disputes. We work with you to align the legal strategy with your goals and to explain your options in everyday language.
Clients who come to us from Lancaster and the surrounding Antelope Valley area often tell us they want answers, not more confusion. We strive to be accessible and responsive, returning calls and emails and keeping you updated as your case moves through the system. If you are ready to explore whether an uncontested divorce is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation so we can review your situation together.
To talk with our trusted uncontested divorce lawyer in Lancaster about your options and next steps, call (661) 368-1181.
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"He listened to every word I said, and had such a kind heart and kept it real with me"
I give this firm a five star all the way across the board and let me say the staff was excellent, thank you so much.- S. Curry -
"He is a true professional who takes pride in his work and always puts his clients' needs first."
Not only was he incredibly thorough in his work and a great advocate to have in the courtroom, but he also made sure to keep me informed throughout the entire process.- T. Stern -
"Trust him and his staff; they really do know what they are doing."
They knew exactly how to prioritize their work at the office to make sure this was taken care of with the courthouse that morning.- A. Raper
Commonly Asked Questions
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What is a first right of refusal?
A first right of refusal in a family law context is the opportunity to care for your children when your ex is unavailable to care for them. Family code section 3040(a)(1) sets out the 'priorities' when a Court makes a custody order. The family code states that if both parents are adequate parents the court must order custody to both of them. The Court is forbidden from awarding custody to a third party in this circumstance.
It is this 'parents get priority' policy that drives a first right of refusal order. The idea that if you are unable to care for your child due to work or other responsibilities, then you must offer the child to the other parent first before handing the child over to a third party for child care.
The court typically sets a time limit (I recommend 6 hours or more) that you can be away from your children before having to offer the other party the opportunity to care for them. This is not a mandatory provision. The Court has the discretion to make this order only in appropriate circumstances.
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Who can receive visitation rights?Visitation is ordered when it is the best interest of the child in California. Supervised visitation is imposed when one parent is abusive or neglectful to the children. Visitation can often be supervised by an agreed upon family member or a professional monitor if the parties cannot agree.
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Who can receive spousal support?
Spousal support, formerly known as alimony, is a set amount of money that is paid by one spouse to another in the case of divorce or a legal separation. Whether you are the husband or the wife, you can apply for spousal support, depending on certain factors. The purpose of alimony is to even out the financial futures of each party. We can fight for your right to spousal support or against the other party's request for spousal support.
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What if I was married in another state but I want to file for divorce in California?If you and your spouse were married in another state, you can file for divorce in California. The only requirement is that either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the United States for three months.