Lake Forest Family Law Attorney
Family law is a legal practice area that focuses on issues involving familial relationships. These can include marriage and divorce, child custody cases, adoption, and domestic violence. It covers a wide range of matters that affect families and individuals, particularly during significant life events. If you’re involved in a family law dispute, hiring a skilled Lake Forest family law attorney should be your first step.
Family law matters can impact your place of residence, your children, your financial stability, and your prospects. When you’re involved in a family law case, such as a battle over spousal support or child custody, it’s crucial that you hire a family lawyer who is well-versed in both the legal system and your personal goals. The Goldberg Legal Group can help deliver legal guidance suited to your individual needs.
Our Lake Forest family law practice covers everything from child support obligations to asset division. When you enter into a legal process with solid legal assistance, you can make informed decisions with stronger confidence. Our experienced team can help you every step of the way.
Why Choose The Goldberg Legal Group for Family Law in Lake Forest?
Thanks to over 18 years of legal experience and a thorough understanding of California family law, clients in Lake Forest and across Orange County trust The Goldberg Legal Group to represent them. We provide effective, compassionate representation for many different types of family law issues, from challenging divorces to paternity disputes. We have experience with paternity cases, domestic violence, and other family law-related issues.
We take a hands-on, responsive approach to our cases. This stems from our understanding of both the emotional and legal details of these complicated situations. Our Lake Forest family law attorney delivers customized guidance throughout your entire legal journey.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
These cases require swift responses, such as court orders for protection. An attorney can help victims request protective orders right away under California law to block any further abuse.
A court order separates the victim from the abuser, impacts child custody, and enables consequences for contact between the two parties. We help survivors enforce and obtain protective orders.
Our team also helps victims by modifying custody orders to protect children from domestic violence. We fight tirelessly to protect the interests and rights of all our clients. Our firm maintains a focus on safety and justice in every situation.
Annulment
Married individuals who wish to restore themselves to the status of unmarried persons, as if they were never married, may file for annulment. The court will only void a marriage if it meets certain requirements. The petitioner must be able to demonstrate that one of the conditions of nullity has been met before the court will grant the nullity of marriage. The court can also issue orders regarding property and debt division, custody, and support.
Child Custody and Visitation Rights
Child-rearing requires both parents to contribute through child support payments. In California, support payments are calculated through a combination of time spent with children, specific expenses related to their care, and parental income level.
Child support in Lake Forest is based on the family’s lifestyle choice and housing expenses, along with medical or educational requirements. With our services, we can help you create new support orders or update old ones when job changes occur or when a client remarries.
Dissolution of Marriage Representation in Lake Forest
Divorce is always a complicated and emotionally charged matter, especially when properties must be divided, children must be managed, and financial assets need to be accounted for. We guide clients through divorce with skill, compassion, and talent. From negotiating with your spouse and their legal team to advocating for you in court, we provide our clients with knowledge about their rights and support them in making smart decisions that protect their interests.
To end a marriage, one spouse, known as the petitioner, can file for a Dissolution of Marriage. The other spouse, known as the respondent, has a certain amount of time to respond to the petition. In addition to restoring the parties to single status, decisions will need to be made about child support, property division, spousal support, visitation, and custody. To seek help in your divorce case, contact our Lake Forest divorce lawyers today.
The following requirements must be met in each California divorce:
- One spouse must live in Lake Forest for at least three months and in the state of California for six months immediately before filing the divorce petition.
- The proper courthouse in Lake Forest depends on the residence of either of the spouses. Family court services are provided at The Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange.
Property Division
California follows community property laws. This means that spouses’ marital, or community, property is separated equally. A combination of skill and knowledge is vital to understanding complex assets, as well as identifying separate property. Orange County’s high standard of living, along with the common ownership of businesses and investment portfolios, often leads to intense, contentious property division battles.
Our Lake Forest attorneys can protect your separate property by identifying any gifted or inherited assets, as well as valuating property to ensure distribution is fair. We fight for your financial interests throughout the entire divorce process.
Spousal Support Considerations
The court may make a spousal support order to allow a lower-earning spouse to maintain the standard of living that they experienced during the marriage. In California, there are multiple factors to consider. These include the standard of living, marriage duration, and both spouses’ earning potential and contributions to the household.
Due to Orange County’s high cost of living, many couples find that spousal support is a significant issue during divorce. Whether you’re requesting or contesting support, we can fight for an arrangement that benefits you. Our team can develop agreements and take legal action over terms when necessary.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can provide clarity and protection. These legal documents establish the management of property ownership and debt responsibilities throughout the marriage and during any divorce proceedings.
Our team assists clients in creating or examining prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that meet California legal standards for enforceability. We strive to protect your finances and well-being by creating a thorough, sound agreement.
Child Support Enforcement and Modification
Whether parents are married, never married, divorced, or separated, they must contribute financially to their children’s well-being. Child support payments are calculated by a formula involving the time each parent spends with the children, their income, and specific expenses related to their care. In 2023, $173,775,199 worth of child support was distributed in Lake Forest.
Child support amounts in Lake Forest will differ based on each child’s needs and interests, as well as each family’s income and financial situations. Whether you need to create a new support order, modify an existing one, or contest a modification request, we can help you. Modifications are often necessary due to life changes like new jobs, moves, or marriages.
We fight for support agreements that accommodate your needs while also serving your child’s interests. Our team strives to create fair arrangements for all clients, including both paying and receiving parents.
FAQs About Lake Forest Family Law
Q: How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Lake Forest, California?
A: The costs of a family law attorney in California depend on many factors. Location, attorney experience, and complexity of the case can all play a role. Many lawyers charge hourly rates and flat fees, which can vary significantly in size. It’s important that you discuss fees with any attorney you consult with.
Q: Do Family Law Attorneys Take Payment Plans?
A: Yes, many family law attorneys in Lake Forest offer payment plans. Some offer interest-free plans, monthly payments, upfront partial payment, and third-party financing. However, the policies of each firm and attorney are different. If you’re interested in a payment plan, be sure to bring it up during an initial consultation.
Q: What Does a Family Lawyer Do in Lake Forest?
A: A Lake Forest family law attorney helps with legal matters involving relationships and family matters. This can include divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and adoption and guardianship. They may also assist with paternity cases. Many family lawyers help clients come to agreements through mediation and negotiation.
Q: When Should I Hire a Family Lawyer in Lake Forest?
A: Hire a family lawyer in Lake Forest when:
- You are facing a complex, contested divorce or custody battle.
- There are significant assets or debts to divide.
- Domestic violence is involved.
- You need to establish or dispute paternity.
- You are served with legal papers.
- There’s a modification request for custody, support, or visitation.
Contact Our Lake Forest Family Law Attorney
Family law can be complex, and it demands the precision and compassion of an experienced attorney. At The Goldberg Legal Group, we know how confusing, difficult, and emotional family law matters can be. We never provide one-size-fits-all solutions; rather, we tailor our services to your needs. Whether you’re facing a dispute over custody, divorce, spousal support, or child support, we can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests.
Our team utilizes more than 18 years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of California law in every case. Schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team to begin your journey toward resolution.
