Ladera Ranch Family Law Attorney

Ladera Ranch Family Law Lawyer

When legal issues arise between members of a family, challenges can occur, and emotional tensions are common. There are many aspects of family law that can cause people to feel overwhelmed and stressed and overlook the need for experienced and skilled legal. Family law cases, however, can be quite complicated, and it is wise to proceed only with the legal assistance of a professional Ladera Ranch family law attorney.

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, our team of family law attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience assisting clients who face a wide range of issues. From divorce to child custody and support arrangements to domestic violence, the lawyers at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP are here to fight for you and seek the most favorable outcome possible in your family law case.

Defining Family Law in California

In California, family law is an area of practice that pertains to the legal challenges that may arise between members of a family unit or household. For many individuals, this might be the first time they will ever step into a courthouse, which can be a daunting experience. Whether your family law matters deal with a divorce, a child custody battle, or a legal separation, it can help to understand how family law cases are defined in California.

The most common areas of family law the attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP have experience handling include the following:

• Divorce. One of the most common areas of family law is that of divorce. When a couple decides to seek a divorce in California, at least one of the parties must be a resident of California for at least six months prior to filing. There are many areas of contention that can arise in a divorce case, which is why it is wise to seek a lawyer. Even if your divorce is amicable, an attorney’s assistant can prove essential in your case.
• Child custody. When a couple divorces, legally separates, or simply no longer wishes to be in a relationship anymore, they must come to a decision regarding the custody of any minor child shared between them. These can be difficult legal battles, and having an attorney on your side is key to ensuring your parental rights are protected and your child’s interests are advocated for.
• Property division. In a divorce or legal separation, the parties involved will need to come to an agreement regarding how their shared marital property will be divided. California operates as a marital property state, meaning that property and debts that were acquired throughout the course of the marriage will be subject to an equitable split. The assets most often involved include the family home, vehicles, bank accounts, and any debts.
• Child support. In cases where the parents of a minor child are splitting, whether they are divorcing, legally separating, or no longer in a domestic relationship with one another, child support orders may come into play. These orders will most likely be based on the best interest of the child, which parent makes a higher wage, and the amount of time each parent shares with their child.
• Spousal support. In a divorce or legal separation, the issue of spousal support may arise. Typically, the deciding factors of a spousal support order and the required payment amount include the length of the marriage, the age and health of the involved spouses, the incomes of both parties, and the educational or employment opportunities available for the lower-earning spouse.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence is a rising issue in California and can occur between spouses, partners, or those in other close family relationships. Actions of domestic violence can include punching, throwing objects, hitting, hair-pulling, emotional abuse, financial abuse, using threats or intimidation, and pushing. Oftentimes, domestic violence can come into play during divorce or child custody proceedings.
• Legal separation. For some married couples, divorce is not the solution they wish to seek for their situation. For certain legal and financial reasons, a couple may instead seek a legal separation. However, it is vital that you retain the services of an attorney, as they can guide you through all the areas of contention, such as property division or child custody, that might arise in a California legal separation.

FAQs About Ladera Ranch, CA Family Laws

How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in California?

Since every family law case is different, and so is the way each attorney structures their fees, it is difficult to offer an exact estimate as to how much an attorney might charge in California. However, there are certain variables involved in every family law case that can influence your attorney’s final cost analysis. These variables include the complexity and duration of your case and the experience of your lawyer.

Why Might I Seek Modification to a Family Law Court Order in California?

There are many reasons why an individual may seek a modification to a family law court order in California. These reasons can include a job loss or other significant change in income, the discovery of information that should have been involved in the original family law case, medical emergencies, such as catastrophic injuries or illnesses, or any recent criminal behavior on the part of either party.

What Is Considered to Be in the Best Interest of the Child?

Often, in a child custody case in California, the judge will make their final order based on what they believe to be in the best interest of the child. There are many factors taken into consideration when making this determination, including the age and health of the child, the parents’ ability to care for their child, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse on the part of either parent, and the child’s ties to their current community.

Why Do I Need a Family Lawyer?

Having a family lawyer on your side during a family law matter can prove to be essential to the outcome of your case. Your attorney can walk you through all the legal aspects of your family law case, provide you with an objective perspective on your case, enter negotiations with the other parties involved to reach a fair settlement and take your case to court before a judge if necessary.

Speak with a Family Law Attorney Today

If you are dealing with an area of family law, such as a divorce or a child custody battle, the team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP is here for you. Contact our offices today to learn more about our services and to schedule your initial consultation.