Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Riverside?

You may need a Riverside divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or a spouse who will not negotiate

• Real estate, retirement accounts, stock compensation, or major investments

• Business ownership or self-employment income

• Disagreements over alimony (spousal support)

• Domestic violence or need for a restraining order

• Suspected hidden assets, cryptocurrency, or cash income

• A case expected to require mediation, hearings, or trial

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

• Parenting schedules

• Child support & spousal support

• Division of all property & debt

• Retirement & pension splitting

• Real estate & marital home decisions

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Riverside divorce documents for far less than traditional attorney fees.

Where to File for Divorce in Riverside, CA

Riverside divorces are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside.

Primary Filing Location (Riverside Family Law Court)

Riverside Family Law Courthouse
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147

Additional family law cases may also be handled at the Indio or Hemet courts, depending on your zip code.

This courthouse oversees:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting plans

• Child support & spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Mandatory mediation

• Hearings & trials

California courts support online case access and electronic filing in most counties, including Riverside.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Riverside:

• One spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Must have lived in Riverside County for at least 3 months before filing

California is a no-fault divorce state, requiring only “irreconcilable differences.”

How Divorce Works in Riverside, CA

Here’s the typical Riverside divorce process:

1. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This officially initiates the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

You can use a sheriff, registered process server and certified mail (when approved). The main point here is that you have proof that your spouse received the petition for divorce. The petition for divorce is a lawsuit.

3. Mandatory Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must disclose all their finances to each other —

• Income & expenses

• Tax returns

• Bank statements — all of them

• Retirement & investment accounts — all of them

• Any real estate owned or leased

• Any and all assets and debts

States fall into one of 2 categories — community property and equitable distribution. California is a "community property state". Community property means the marital assets are split 50/50 unless both spouses agree

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

In Riverside County:

• Custody mediation (CMC/Mediation) is mandatory

• A detailed parenting plan is required

• Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) may be ordered

• Evaluations occur for high-conflict cases

5. Waiting Period

California requires a mandatory 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested cases move quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary orders hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Mandatory settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Judgment

A judge signs the final judgment, ending the marriage.

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

Attorney fees in Riverside are all over the place.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $275–$450

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,000–$7,000

• Contested divorce: $12,000–$30,000+

• High-asset divorce: $40,000–$100,000+

Custody disputes and real estate valuation heavily influence cost. Frankly, the more fighting and disagreement greatly influences the cost. Divorce attorneys generally charge by the hour.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Riverside, CA

Here are respected Riverside divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. RM Law Group, LLP

https://www.rmlawgroupllp.com

2. Law Office of Heath L. Baker

https://www.heathbakerlaw.com

3. The Grey Legal Group, APC

https://www.thegreylegalgroup.com

These firms specialize in high-conflict custody, mediation, complex asset division, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Riverside divorce is uncontested, you may not need a traditional attorney.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all California divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with the Riverside Family Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These services provide a faster, easier, and more affordable option than hiring a law firm.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Riverside divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist. Divorce.com nor mediation is appropriate if domestic violence or safety issues exist.

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• A trial is likely — i.e. it is very doubtful that you might reach resolution with your spouse.

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Riverside Couples

• California-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com helps Riverside families move forward with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Riverside Divorce Today

Whether you hire a divorce lawyer or choose an online divorce service, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, affordable, and supportive option for Riverside couples. People often underestimate how important this first step can be in letting your spouse know you want a divorce.