Buena Park Family Law Attorney
Family issues can often result from hardship, uncertainty, and tumultuous relationships. However, resolutions don’t have to be this way. Peace of mind is possible when you have the right family law attorney on your side. Whether you’re in the middle of an ongoing divorce or fighting for custody of your children, a Buena Park family law attorney can guide you through the process in a way that is strategically designed for your circumstances.
What Is Family Law?
Family law is a broad term that is used to describe multiple legal issues relating to the family. This can include divorce, child custody, or domestic abuse. Family law cases can sometimes overlap with other areas of law, such as criminal law, but always involve the family unit.
Divorce
The end of a marriage can be painful for everyone involved, and so can the complexities of the legal process. The road to final separation is often lengthy, overwhelming, and expensive. However, finding the right family lawyer can reduce the pain, time, and energy such a case may cost you.
In California, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the state for at least six months before you file for divorce. Additionally, you must legally reside in the county you wish to file for at least three months. It is important to make sure you understand the qualifications prior to filing in order to save time and energy.
The laws of divorce in CA operate on a no-fault basis, meaning that neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing in order to file for divorce. “Irreconcilable differences” is considered the grounds for divorce. The purpose of a no-fault divorce is to fixate on the end of the marriage rather than attempting to assign blame.
It is important to note that while fault does not impact whether a divorce will be granted, it can affect court decisions, such as in child custody, spousal support, and property division.
Child Custody
In California, the goal of the court in child custody cases is to make decisions based on the best interests of any children involved. Making sure that their emotional, physical, and developmental needs are met is the primary responsibility of the judge. With these things in mind, both physical and legal custody must be determined.
Legal custody refers to the responsibility of making decisions concerning the child, such as where they will attend school, medical decisions, and what religion (if any) they will practice. Physical custody refers to the responsibility of caring for the child by providing them with a safe home, adequate nutrition, and meals.
Child Support
Child support is mandated in cases where one parent carries more legal or physical responsibilities than the other. The other parent is required to pay child support to make up for their share of financial responsibilities. The amount that each parent, or one parent, is required to pay will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the financial resources of each parent, and the number of children involved.
How a Lawyer Can Help
The right lawyer can be an incredibly valuable asset in family law cases by providing legal guidance throughout the entire process. Beginning with helping you understand your rights, they can help to ensure you are adequately informed while making decisions concerning your spouse, children, property, and finances.
Lawyers are not only present in the courtroom with you but can also help with drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, communicating with your spouse’s legal team, fighting for child custody and support needs on your behalf, and protecting your overall interests.
Buena Park Family Law FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Buena Park, CA?
A: The cost of a family law attorney in California will vary depending on a few factors. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge flat rate fees for certain services. The more complicated a case is, the more it will generally cost. It is recommended that you ask about fees at your first meeting with a lawyer.
Q: What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
A: A family lawyer can take on many types of cases in Buena Park, CA. Some common cases a family lawyer may assist with include child custody, divorce, adoption, child abuse, and domestic violence. Family lawyers may provide an array of services in these cases, such as drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, representing clients in court, and providing legal advice.
Q: What Is Uncontested Divorce?
A: Divorce cases can be classified into two categories: contested and uncontested. Contested divorces happen when two individuals cannot come to an agreement concerning the terms of the divorce. These cases may go to mediation or to court to be resolved. Uncontested divorce describes situations where two individuals agree on every aspect of the divorce terms. An uncontested divorce is typically a faster process than a contested divorce.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Physical and Legal Custody?
A: Two components of custody must be decided in a divorce case: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility of making decisions concerning a person’s child, such as where they will go to school, if they will take part in religious practices, and what doctor they will visit. Physical custody refers to the person responsible for physically caring for the child on a day-to-day basis.
The Goldberg Legal Group
Situations involving divorce, child custody, and other family matters are sensitive and important, which is why it is imperative to choose the right attorney to help you with your legal needs. Choosing someone who has a background in family law with extensive experience in handling similar cases can make all the difference for your case.
If you are looking for a family lawyer with a proven success record, contact The Goldberg Legal Group today. Our team understands that each family law case is unique and requires our utmost care and attention to detail. We will work diligently to fight for you and your family’s needs, no matter how complex your situation may be.