Mission Viejo Family Law Attorney

Divorce proceedings, child custody agreements, domestic violence cases, and other related legal issues are all covered within family law. A knowledgeable family law attorney can provide crucial advocacy, legal advice, and support to individuals navigating these frequently complex and emotionally taxing situations. If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, contact an experienced Mission Viejo family law attorney today.

Our family law practice encompasses a wide range of services designed to protect your family’s interests and secure your future. Every family matter is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to each case.

Our legal team has been helping local families for over 18 years, leading with genuine compassion and understanding that behind every legal matter is a family seeking stability, protection, and a path forward. Our founding attorney, David Goldberg, is detail-oriented and aggressively pursues optimal solutions for our clients.

Connect with our compassionate and dedicated legal team at The Goldberg Legal Group today to discuss how we can serve you. From divorce processes to custody proceedings, we can adjust our representation to match your specific needs.

What Family Law Cases Do We Handle in Mission Viejo, CA?

California family law has several unique aspects, including its no-fault divorce system, community property rules, and a strong emphasis on the child’s best interests in custody matters. It may be important to understand these specific aspects of California family law if they apply to your circumstances.

At The Goldberg Legal Group, our Mission Viejo lawyers can handle several specific types of family law cases. Our family law attorney practices in the areas of:

• Divorce: Divorce proceedings, known as “dissolution of marriage,” and legal separations are handled under family law. We can handle all aspects of divorce, including property division, alimony, and child support. The national divorce rate in 2023 was 2.4 per 1,000 people, so you are not alone in this journey. California is a no-fault divorce state, which means that a spouse can seek a divorce without having to prove that there was any wrongdoing by the other spouse.
• Spousal Support/Alimony: One spouse may be required to pay the other spousal support following a divorce or legal separation. This is also known as alimony. It seeks to assist the lower-earning spouse in becoming self-supporting and maintaining a standard of living comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage. While long-term support is decided at the final judgment, temporary support is given during the divorce process.
• Child Support: In California, both parents are legally obligated to financially support their children, even if they are not married or no longer live together. We can help establish custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support orders. If parents cannot agree on child support arrangements, a court can make a legally binding order.
• Child Custody: In California, the focus of child custody disputes is on what is best for the child. Courts generally favor joint custody agreements that keep both parents involved in both legal and physical care decisions. While 50/50 custody is not automatically granted, fathers have equal rights to seek custody and child support.If a parent is deemed unsuitable because of problems such as abuse, neglect, or substance abuse, sole custody may be awarded when the situation calls for it.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a critical issue within family law, as it often necessitates legal intervention to protect victims and ensure their safety during divorce, custody disputes, and other family-related matters.In 2023, over 160,000 calls were made to law enforcement for domestic violence incidents. California has expanded the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, broadening the scope of protection for victims. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you need help.
• Paternity: Paternity establishment in California involves legally determining fatherhood for unmarried parents, creating the formal parent-child relationship that affects custody rights, support obligations, and visitation arrangements. Legal fatherhood can be established through marriage, signing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP), or obtaining a court order.
• Prenuptial Agreements: A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract between two people planning to marry that outlines how their assets and finances will be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. It must be in writing, signed by both parties, and can cover a wide range of financial matters, but not issues like child custody or support.
• Postnuptial Agreements: A postnuptial agreement is a formal contract between spouses that specifies how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce or death. If certain legal conditions are met, such as voluntary execution, complete financial disclosure, and fairness, these agreements are enforceable. Postnuptial agreements are made after marriage and are more closely examined by the courts than prenuptial agreements, despite their similarities.

These are just some of the unique aspects of California family law. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified Mission Viejo family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Life can be entirely unpredictable, and family dynamics increasingly complex. If you are facing any of these family law-related conflicts, having an experienced attorney and legal team to offer you support and guidance is critical.

How We Can Help With Your Family Law Case in Mission Viejo, CA

At The Goldberg Legal Group, our team understands that family law involves high emotions and complex matters. Our goal is to make any transition in your life as smooth as possible, with the help of our legal knowledge and compassion. With our experience in a variety of family law cases in Mission Viejo, we can tailor our representation to your specific needs.

Family legal matters are rarely just about the law–they are about people, relationships, and futures. We recognize that when clients come to us, they are often experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. That is why our approach goes beyond traditional legal representation to provide comprehensive support to address the legal necessities while offering the support needed through a difficult time.

David Goldberg offers exceptional service and advice to his family law clients. Mr. Goldberg takes the time to get to know his clients and their concerns, and will provide full dedication and commitment to work towards finding the legal solutions for your needs. Whether you need representation at the Orange County Superior Court or want to consult with our team at our offices in California, we can be with you every step of the way for your family law dispute.

FAQs About Mission Viejo Family Law

Q: When Should I Hire a Family Law Attorney?

A: You should hire a family law attorney in Mission Viejo when facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or other complex family law matter. It is also advisable to seek legal counsel before marriage to craft an enforceable prenuptial agreement or when adopting a child. If you are dealing with domestic violence or need to establish guardianship, a family lawyer can also provide essential guidance and representation for those circumstances.

Q: How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Mission Viejo, CA?

A: The cost of hiring a family lawyer depends on a number of factors, especially the case’s complexity and level of conflict. Significantly contentious cases, such as contested divorces or custody disputes, typically take more time and money, raising the overall costs. Cases involving complicated matters, such as business valuations, international child custody, or the division of high-asset property, can also increase legal fees.

Q: How Long Does a Typical Family Law Case Take to Resolve?

A: A family law case, like a divorce or child custody dispute, can take anywhere from several months to over a year, though this can vary. While complicated cases involving contested issues such as child custody or property division can take much longer, a straightforward contested divorce may be resolved quickly, considering the waiting period. Having experienced legal representation can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays that might extend the case timeline.

Q: What Are Fathers’ Rights in California Family Law?

A: As long as paternity is proven, fathers in California have the same rights as mothers over their children, particularly with regard to custody and visitation. When making custody decisions, the law considers the child’s best interests rather than the gender of the parent. A number of considerations will be made by the court when determining custody arrangements, including the child’s safety, health, and relationship with parents.

Contact a Dedicated Mission Viejo Family Lawyer Today

When handling intricate legal matters pertaining to family law, having an experienced family lawyer is essential. A skilled Mission Viejo attorney can provide advice to help guarantee your rights are upheld and work to reduce the time, expense, and stress associated with the legal process.

Family law matters often have long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the immediate legal proceedings. Without strong legal representation, you may inadvertently compromise your parental rights, accept an unfair financial settlement, or miss critical deadlines that could impact your case.

David Goldberg understands the intricacies of California family law and stays current with the evolving regulations and court procedures to provide you with the strongest possible representation. Contact The Goldberg Legal Group today to request a complimentary consultation to see how our team can help you with your family law matters.