Anaheim Family Lawyer

Anaheim Family Attorney

Family law issues are known to be emotionally taxing and extremely complex. To simplify the process for yourself, be sure to work with a qualified Anaheim family lawyer. Consider consulting with the seasoned legal team at The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton to discuss your case.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

The area of family law encompasses numerous different issues surrounding marriage, divorce, child custody, and other domestic matters. Here are some of the most common types of family law cases our firm regularly handles:

• Marital agreements: A prenuptial agreement is an official document that addresses various concerns in the event a divorce transpires in the future. A postnuptial agreement is a similarly binding document created after the spouses have wed.
• Divorce or legal separation: A divorce is the dissolution of a marriage, meaning spouses are no longer married in the eyes of the law. A legal separation is a nearly identical process, but the spouses are still technically married, despite living apart from one another with separate assets.
• Mediation and collaborative divorce: Some divorce proceedings are conducted in court, but through alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, spouses can keep their cases private. This approach also tends to be less expensive and quicker than traditional methods.
• Division of marital property: Property division is an essential component of the divorce process that entails spouses equitably dividing their shared assets, including various assets and financial obligations.
• Spousal support: Also referred to as alimony, spousal support is sometimes awarded to one of the spouses when they are in need of financial assistance during divorce proceedings (temporary) and/or following the divorce decree (permanent). Spousal support is not a mandatory element of divorce and is approved by the judge.
• Child custody and support: If a couple has children under the age of 18, an important part of divorce proceedings is determining child custody, including the spouses’ parenting plan and visitation terms. Child support orders outline how much either parent must pay the other in order to help provide for their minor child(ren).
• Court order modification and enforcement: If your ex-spouse or co-parent isn’t adhering to the terms of a legally enforceable court order, a qualified family lawyer can help you navigate the steps to hold them accountable. Additionally, your family law attorney can assist you in filing to modify a previous court order, such as a spousal support arrangement or child custody order.
• Domestic violence: Whether you’ve been victimized by domestic violence or your life has been impacted by allegations of domestic abuse, it’s crucial that you work with a skilled family law professional.

How Much Does a Family Law Case Cost?

It’s difficult to estimate exactly how much your family law case may cost since each person’s circumstances are vastly different. The complexity of your situation can have a significant impact on the timeline of your family law case. For example, an uncontested divorce is likely to require less time to complete than a highly contested divorce. When a divorce is contested, the spouses disagree on how to settle one or more issues.

The longer that both parties take to reach an agreement on the different aspects of the divorce—such as property division, spousal support, or child custody—the longer the case takes to progress. Additionally, a couple’s divorce or separation may be complex due to having shared high-value assets or a relatively large marital estate.

When one or both spouses have significant wealth or complex assets, property division proceedings may take more time to effectively divide the community property appropriately. That’s why it’s important to work with a qualified divorce attorney who has significant experience handling cases similar to yours. Furthermore, you may want to ask your lawyer if an alternative dispute resolution method may be feasible for your case.

Advantages of Divorce Mediation in CA

Many people go through the family courts to address their various legal matters, which can often be a lengthy and costly process. This approach also frequently results in at least one of the parties involved feeling dissatisfied with the court’s ruling. For these reasons, alternative dispute resolution methods have become increasingly more appealing as a practical option. Mediation and collaborative divorce are some of the most popular approaches.

Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods are most notable for being conducted outside of court. This means that all proceedings are carried out in private, outside of the courtroom setting and the court’s oversight. Mediation proceedings are facilitated by a professional mediator or a family law professional with experience in the area.

The process is generally cheaper, smoother, and quicker than traditional methods. Moreover, mediation is typically ideal for the family dynamic. Mediation allows spouses to work together to find creative solutions that work for both parties and are tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and needs. Alternative dispute resolution also tends to bring about a healthier environment for any children involved since it’s easier for the parents to negotiate civilly.

Benefits of Hiring a Family Lawyer in Anaheim, CA

There are many benefits of hiring a family lawyer in Anaheim, CA, to assist with your divorce, or other important family law matters. A family law attorney is a trained and qualified legal professional who has a deep understanding of the court system, including its procedures and expectations. Their familiarity and experience allow them to help you avoid mistakes and delays in addition to streamlining the entire process.

Your family law attorney should also listen to your story and advocate on your behalf, but they are not only there for moral support and guidance. As a legal professional, they provide you with sound legal advice. With your needs and goals in mind, your family lawyer can explain your legal options, recommend courses of action, and help craft an effective approach to the case. Finally, your counsel is responsible for representing you in court and fighting for your rights.

FAQs

Is Spousal Support Guaranteed in California?

No, in California, spousal support is never a guaranteed part of a divorce. Spousal support is only awarded when it’s been agreed upon between spouses as part of the divorce settlement or when it’s been ordered by the court upon the spouse in need’s request.

When deciding whether an individual qualifies for temporary or long-term spousal support, the judge considers numerous factors such as age, health, current income, potential earning capacity, and needs of each spouse.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Divorce in CA?

In California, you’re not required by law to obtain an attorney. However, for family law cases, it’s highly recommended that you retain qualified legal counsel. No matter your circumstances, divorce, and various other family law matters can be incredibly overwhelming, complex, and time-consuming.

By working with a family lawyer, you can avoid making mistakes and streamline the legal process. Your family law attorney is also there to provide insightful counsel, represent your goals, and advocate for your rights.

How Long Does Divorce Usually Take in California?

How long your California divorce may take to settle is difficult to estimate, as there is no “average” timeline. Since every spouse’s circumstances vary widely, it’s nearly impossible to provide an accurate approximation of your divorce timeline without considering case details. It’s recommended that you consult with a skilled family law attorney to get a fair estimate of how long you can expect your divorce to take.

Is Property Division Equal in California Divorces?

Yes, property division is relatively equal in California divorces due to the state’s community property laws. When spouses divorce, the courts aim to divide their community property equally between them. This method differs from that of equitable distribution states, where the division of property is meant to be equitable but not always necessarily “equal.”

However, spouses may not be able to split each asset or the entirety of their marital estate 50/50 since not everything can be equally split, such as the family house. Still, it’s always the goal for each person to walk away with property of roughly equal net worth.

What Is the Average Cost of a Family Lawyer in CA?

There’s no “average cost” of a family lawyer in California since every individual has different needs, goals, and problems. What’s more, each client requires the help of a family attorney for a different reason.

For example, the legal costs for counsel and representation in a comprehensive divorce case will be significantly more than the expenses for simply updating a previous child custody order. The complexity of a family law issue has a significant impact on costs since complicated cases require more time and work from your attorney.

Experienced Family Lawyer for All Your Legal Needs

At The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton, we understand how stressful and pressing family law issues can be. That’s why our team of legal professionals is here to help simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to schedule a meeting with a kind and seasoned family law attorney.