Mission Viejo Family Law Attorney

Mission Viejo Family Law Lawyer

In California, family law encompasses all legal matters that may arise between family members or those involved in intimate relationships. Many individuals may assume that family law is just another way of saying divorce; however, divorce is only one area of family law. Whether you are seeking a divorce or facing a child custody battle, a Mission Viejo family law attorney can provide you with legal assistance.

A Trusted Family Law Firm Serving Mission Viejo Family Law Attorney

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, our team of family law attorneys in Mission Viejo comes with over 150 years of combined experience. We are here to do everything within our power to make sure your case reaches the outcome that you most desire. While we can work to settle your case as quickly and efficiently as possible, we are not afraid to take your case to court and represent you and your interests before a family law judge.

Whatever your family law case entails, you can expect our team to treat you as our number one priority. As soon as you walk through our office doors for your initial consultation, we take the time to review your case, come up with a personalized strategy for your case, and help you through every legal aspect. Allow us to come alongside you during this difficult time and offer the legal support and counsel you and your loved ones deserve.

Common Areas of Family Law We Handle

Whatever area of family law you are facing, you need to find an attorney who comes with the experience and resources necessary to handle your case. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we have handled hundreds of family law cases over the years and are ready to put our experience and access to resources to good use to help you with yours. The most common areas of family law cases our team has had experience in handling include the following:

• Divorce. The most common area of family law concerns divorce, or the dissolution of a marriage. For some folks, this process might be extremely complicated, especially if there are areas of their divorce that the couple cannot agree on. It is vital to seek the assistance of an attorney during a divorce who can help make sure your rights are protected and that you have someone legally advocating for you.
• Child support. In California, when parents go their separate ways, either in a divorce or legal separation, or are simply no longer in a relationship with one another, the lower-earning spouse and/or custodial parent may request that the higher-earning spouse or the non-custodial parent be ordered by the courts to pay child support. Child support can help a custodial parent cover expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter for the child.

• Child custody. Both married and unmarried parents will need to come to a legal custody and visitation arrangement should they decide to go their separate ways. If the couple cannot reach this agreement on their own, a judge will have to make this determination for them. Often, the judge will make their decision based on what they believe to be in the best interests of the child.
• Property division. In a divorce or legal separation, the couple will need to reach an agreement on the division of their shared property. California is a community property state, meaning that all property and assets acquired during the marriage are subject to an equitable split. Property and debts involved in these divisions can include the family home, vehicles, bank accounts, and credit card debt.
• Modifications. Even after a final judgment has been made on issues such as child support or child custody, you have the right to seek a reasonable change to that order should a recent change to your life circumstances warrant such a change. Seeking family law order modifications can be difficult, however, and it is important to do so with the legal guidance and representation of a family law attorney.
• Legal separation. For some couples, seeking a legal separation is more appealing than pursuing an official divorce. However, even in a legal separation, areas of contention can arise, including topics like property division, child support, child custody, and spousal support. If you and your spouse decide to seek a legal separation in California, a family law attorney should be consulted.

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?

Family court cases are adversarial by nature, meaning both parties in a divorce use neutral court venues to make arguments that sway judges’ decisions. The outcomes of many court cases are shaped by the abilities of the attorneys representing clients to gather evidence and present compelling arguments.

The divorce rate in California is 5.88 per 1,000 residents, meaning many spouses end up visiting the Mission Viejo Justice Center, located at Civic Center, every year to dissolve their marriages. When representing clients, family law attorneys perform many crucial legal services. Family law attorneys are trusted advisors who can explain the family court process in simple terms and provide guidance on the steps to take throughout the divorce.

Local Statistics

In a city where 20% of the population is under 18, family law attorneys can manage the complexities of custody disputes. Your lawyer can push back on false accusations and demonstrate to the court that you are a fit and loving parent. Whether the custody agreement is determined through litigation or negotiation, your lawyer can play a decisive role in protecting your rights and interests.

The average home value in Mission Viejo is $1,200,042, and family law attorneys often help clients navigate the complex property division process. A family law attorney can assist with calculating the value of assets and properties. They can protect your property rights by carefully managing negotiations with opposing counsel. If you believe your spouse is hiding assets, they can take steps to make sure that your soon-to-be ex is being honest on disclosures.

Understanding Legal Costs and Attorney Fees

Legal costs are an important consideration for anyone going through a family law case. The total cost can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the degree of disagreement between the parties. Cases involving property disputes, custody questions, or support calculations often require more time and preparation than cases in which both spouses agree on the terms of the separation.

Many family law attorneys charge an hourly rate for their work. This rate typically covers time spent reviewing documents, preparing filings, communicating with the client, negotiating with the other party, and appearing in court. Clients may also be responsible for additional expenses such as court filing fees, mediation costs, and document preparation.

In some cases, courts may order one spouse to contribute to the other spouse’s attorney fees. This may occur when there is a significant difference in financial resources between the parties. Reviewing potential legal costs early in the process can help individuals plan for the financial aspects of a family law case and avoid unexpected expenses.

Why You Should Hire a Family Law Attorney

Whether you live in Pacific Hills, Painted Trails, or elsewhere in Mission Viejo, the experience of your family law attorney matters. When you hire a family law attorney, you benefit from their years of experience and knowledge of California’s family laws. Highly rated attorneys understand how the local courts operate and how to manage your family law case.

A Mission Viejo family lawyer can take the time to learn about your background and concerns before offering effective strategies that can further your goals in court. Their support can prove indispensable for protecting your property and parental rights during a family law dispute.

FAQs About Mission Viejo, CA Family Laws

What Is Spousal Support in California?

In a California divorce or legal separation, the lower-earning spouse may be able to request spousal support, or alimony, from the higher-earning spouse. Spousal support is determined by several factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the spouses, and the employment or educational opportunities available to the lower-earning spouse.

What Happens if a Spouse Hides Assets in a Divorce?

In a divorce, both spouses must disclose their financial information, including all assets and income. When one of the sources intentionally lies and hides assets, they can face severe penalties. If you believe that your spouse is hiding assets or is lying about the disclosure of their finances, you need to speak with a trusted Mission Viejo attorney.

What Are the Two Forms of Child Custody in California?

There are two main forms of child custody in California. These include physical custody, or the time your child spends at the residence of each parent, and legal custody, or the rights and duties awarded to each parent to make certain decisions regarding their child’s health, education, and overall well-being. Both forms of custody may be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one parent.

How Long Does a Family Law Case Take?

It can be difficult to provide an exact number for how long a family law case may take to process through the necessary legal proceedings. However, there are certain factors that can give you a better idea of what the timeline might look like for your unique family law case. These factors can include the exact nature and complexity of your case, as well as the cooperation of all involved parties.

Speak with a Family Law Professional Today

If you are facing a complicated family law matter, reach out to the attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation.