Divorce Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Bakersfield, California can make a major difference in your financial future, your parenting arrangements, and the overall stress of the divorce process. Whether your situation involves child custody, property division, or an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Bakersfield — including local court details, residency rules, attorney fees, and more affordable alternatives to traditional legal representation.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Bakersfield?

A Bakersfield divorce lawyer may be necessary if your case involves:

• Custody disputes or disagreements about parenting time

• Significant conflict or difficult communication

• Multiple properties, businesses, or complex financial assets

• Disputes over spousal support

• Domestic violence or need for protective orders

• Suspected hidden assets or income

• Litigation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Custody and visitation

• Child support and spousal support

• Division of assets and debts

• Division of retirement accounts

• Who remains in the marital home

In uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Bakersfield divorce documents for a fraction of the cost of attorney-led divorce.

Where to File for Divorce in Bakersfield, CA

All divorce cases in Bakersfield are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern.

Primary Filing Location

Kern County Superior Court — Metropolitan Division, Justice Building
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-4800

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce and legal separation filings

• Custody and parenting plans

• Child and spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Mediation through Family Court Services

Kern County also supports e-filing, which simplifies the filing process for uncontested divorces.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Bakersfield (Kern County), you must meet statewide requirements:

• Lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in Kern County for at least 3 months

If residency requirements are not met, you may file for legal separation and convert it later.

How Divorce Works in Bakersfield, CA

California is a no-fault divorce state, so couples only need to cite “irreconcilable differences.”

The Bakersfield Divorce Process:

1. File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110)

This starts your case in Kern County Superior Court.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Your spouse has 30 days to respond.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Declaration of Disclosure

• Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150)

• Schedule of Assets & Debts (FL-142)

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Kern County requires:

• Mandatory custody mediation if parents disagree

• Filing a parenting plan

• Potential parenting classes

5. Settlement or Litigation

Uncontested cases may proceed directly to judgment.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Mediation

• Settlement conferences

• Discovery

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the judgment, officially ending the marriage.

California’s 6-Month Waiting Period

No divorce can be finalized until 6 months have passed from the date of service, even if uncontested.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Bakersfield, CA?

Bakersfield divorce lawyers are typically more affordable than California’s larger metropolitan areas, but costs vary based on conflict level.

Typical fees:

• Hourly rate: $250–$450

• Uncontested divorce with a lawyer: $3,000–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or high-conflict cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody disputes or complex financial matters significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

Here are trusted Bakersfield divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. The Gorski Firm, APC

https://www.gorskifirm.com

2. Law Offices of Kyle J. Humphrey

https://www.kylehumphreylaw.com

3. Thompson Law Office

https://www.thompsonlawofficebakersfield.com

These firms handle contested divorces, custody cases, mediation, and complex property division.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need a lawyer at all.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare every California form required for your case.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with Kern County Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A specialist helps you with your entire divorce from start to finish.

These options are significantly more affordable than hiring a traditional divorce attorney.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Bakersfield divorce attorney if:

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You expect contested custody issues

• Domestic violence is involved

• You own significant assets or property

• You suspect your spouse is hiding money

• The case may require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Bakersfield Couples

• California-specific forms

• Affordable flat-fee pricing

• Filing options available

• Professional divorce specialists

• Faster, simpler, and cheaper than traditional representation

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com helps Bakersfield couples divorce with clarity, confidence, and affordability.

Start Your Bakersfield Divorce Today

Whether you choose a lawyer or an online divorce service, taking the first step is the most important part. Divorce.com makes the process simple, efficient, and stress-free for Bakersfield families.