Newport Beach Family Law Attorney

Family is one of the most important parts of the human experience. Family members can rely on one another for financial and emotional support, but they can also be an enormous source of stress in some cases. Often, this happens when there is a significant shift in how a family operates, causing a strain on everyone involved. Your Newport Beach family law attorney at The Goldberg Legal Group is committed to helping all families through these difficult times.

Do not hesitate to get the support you need from a skilled family lawyer in your area. There are so many legal implications that come with the many aspects of family law, and a lawyer can help you understand all of them as well as the available options in your case.

Why You Should Choose The Goldberg Legal Group

The Goldberg Legal Group serves families throughout Newport Beach, CA, with over 18 years of legal experience. We offer accessible representation, and we pay close attention to detail while ensuring effective communication with our clients. Our skilled attorney handles each case with compassion, transparency, and understanding, adding to client satisfaction. Being such a devoted attorney to the families in Orange County, David Goldberg can use his knowledge of family law to get you an optimal outcome that addresses your needs.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is an extensive area of the law that deals with matters revolving around familial relationships, usually when there is a change in relationships or how relatives interact with one another. Some particular issues that fall into the scope of family law include divorce, child custody, spousal support, and many others. When you are faced with circumstances that involve any aspect of family law, it can be exceedingly helpful to seek professional counsel from an experienced attorney.

Common Family Law Service Areas

Being able to understand some of the most common areas of family law gives you the opportunity to make sure that your rights are protected as a spouse and a parent. Family law attorneys are educated and experienced in this specific area of law. They can ensure that you are aware of all the possible avenues you can take and how each one can affect all parties involved. These are some of the most common family law service areas:

Divorce

The dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership is one of the most difficult processes within family law. There are significant factors that can make a divorce complex and stressful for everyone involved, including child custody and support, spousal support, and asset division. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, simple or complicated, an attorney can assist with getting you and your spouse to come to an agreement regarding those important matters.

Child Custody

There is a certain amount of added sensitivity in a divorce or separation when a couple has children together. You have to make decisions about parenting time that are right for your child and work for both parents. A lawyer can be crucial in assisting with the decision-making process, including coming up with a parenting time plan.

Child Support

Typically, the noncustodial parent is ordered to pay child support by a judge, and this is based on their personal finances as well as how often they actually spend time with the child. Whether you are the spouse requesting child support or the spouse from whom child support is being requested, there are ways for a lawyer to ensure that what you receive or give is a fair amount.

Spousal Support

Similar to child support, when a spouse is awarded spousal support or is ordered to pay spousal support, it is important that it be a fair and equitable amount. There are a few different spousal support arrangements that are based on situational factors, such as the length of your marriage. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney about whether you can receive spousal support and which arrangement applies to your relationship.

Paternity

Establishing or contesting paternity may be a necessary step in situations when you are being threatened with child support or when you want to have some form of custody of your child. Whatever the case, the process can be made simpler when a legal professional helps you. Any necessary evidence can be acquired by an attorney to support your case.

Domestic Violence

In serious matters, such as domestic violence, the most important thing is to make sure that you and your children are safe. This can be done by obtaining a restraining order or even getting an ex parte order, which is a temporary emergency order, from a family court judge. This can be a high-intensity situation, and having a lawyer with you can be a great source of support.

Legal Approaches to Family Law Cases in Newport Beach, CA

Depending on the circumstances, there are several approaches that you or your lawyer can take when handling your case in Newport Beach, CA. It is up to you to decide which option works for your specific situation. Here are some of the more common approaches:

Mediation

In mediation, your lawyer can act as a third party who is present to help you and the other party come to a mutual agreement regarding child custody, child support, and asset and property division. This enables a focus on cooperation and effective communication. The benefits of this approach include:

• Both parties have control over decisions.
• It can be more cost-effective.
• It is a quicker option than going to court.

Negotiation

In negotiations, both parties have discussions to settle matters outside of court. This can be done without the presence of lawyers or with a lawyer representing each party. This is also generally quicker than going to court, and it allows for more control over the situation without the influence and decision-making of a judge.

Litigation

Traditional litigation is the process of handling matters in court and having a judge make a decision for you. Oftentimes, people want to avoid going to court because they don’t have much say in what happens. When an agreement can’t be reached, or when court intervention is necessary, litigation is often the approach taken. Any decision made by a judge will be legally binding, and it is a good idea to have a lawyer present to advocate strongly for your interests.

Arbitration

This is a similar approach to litigation, except there is no need to go before a judge. In arbitration, there is a third party who remains neutral and makes final decisions regarding the case. Both parties have control over who the arbitrator is as well as how the arbitration will proceed. Typically, it can be quicker than litigation, and there is more privacy.

Collaborative Law

With this approach, both parties have to agree to resolve their issues with their attorneys, without involving the court. With this approach, like with mediation, it is important that both parties are open to communicating and cooperating with one another. It often leads to solutions that work well for each unique situation. This is often more cost-effective than traditional litigation and takes up less time.

What You Can Expect From Your Newport Beach Family Law Firm

When you hire a family law attorney, there are a number of things you can expect from them. They can have many roles, all to support you during your case. Here are some things you can typically expect from your attorney:

• Advice and support. Your attorney can offer helpful legal advice for your situation based on their knowledge of the laws and their experience with your type of case. They can also be a support system for you, which may be beneficial during an emotional time.
• Answers to your questions. Any questions that you have about your case, your rights, or the laws in the state, you can expect to have them answered to your full understanding.
• Effective communication. In addition to answering your questions, your attorney can ensure that you are informed about any updates in your case and any possible obstacles. They can make sure that your concerns regarding your case are addressed promptly.
• Billing information. During the very first meeting with your attorney, you should ask about all the fees they charge for their services, and make sure that you are aware of just how much you are expected to pay. Usually, an attorney will volunteer this information so you can make a decision about working with them.
• Negotiations. Your skilled attorney can be beneficial to you in negotiations with your spouse. They can work hard to reach a settlement that is fair to you and gets you what you want.
• Court representation. When there is a chance that your case might go to court, an attorney can advocate for you and argue your position on your behalf in front of a judge. This representation also includes making sure that all necessary documentation and evidence are present to get you a great outcome.
• Advocacy and protection of your rights. One of the most important things you can expect your lawyer to do is advocate for you in every meeting, negotiation, and court hearing. They can ensure that you are not only aware of your rights but that your rights are not infringed upon by anyone.

FAQs

Q. How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in California?

A. A family lawyer in California can cost as little as $200 per hour or as much as $500 or more per hour. Factors that influence how much an attorney may charge include:

• How much experience they have
• How complicated your case may be
• How much time and effort your lawyer expects to put into your case

It is important to discuss with an attorney the kinds of billing arrangements they use, and how you will be charged for services, at your initial meeting.

Q. Why Do You Need a Family Lawyer in California?

A. A lawyer has the experience with and knowledge of California laws to help you with whatever familial matter you are dealing with. Handling overwhelming legal proceedings, paperwork, and possible court appearances can be stressful, especially if you are not familiar with any of them. Having legal aid can be a significant benefit to you and can greatly affect how your case turns out.

Q. Can I Avoid Going to Court for My Case?

A. Handling a family law case outside of court is definitely something you can do, and it can even be the more desirable option in many situations. It is important to be aware that it is as much your decision as it is the opposing party’s. In matters where there are property and children involved, avoiding court is as simple as coming to an agreement that satisfies both of you.

Q. How Much Is a Simple Divorce in California?

A. The average cost of a divorce in California is around $17,000. For a simple, uncontested divorce, you can expect to pay $435 just to file for the divorce with the court. If you choose to hire a divorce attorney, which would be a good idea for most, that can possibly involve minimum fees of up to $8,000. Each situation is unique, and there are several factors that will influence how much you pay for your divorce.

Q. Can an Attorney Represent Me and My Spouse in a Divorce?

A. The state of California has restrictions in place that keep an attorney from representing two clients on opposing sides in the same case when it creates a conflict of interest. It is not advisable to have one lawyer between you and your spouse, even if you have a simple, uncontested divorce that will likely not go to court. An amicable divorce can quickly become hostile, and having a single lawyer would not be wise in this case. You and your spouse should have separate lawyers who can advocate for your individual interests.

The Goldberg Legal Group: Your Newport Beach Family Law Attorney and Law Firm

Family law is an area that can carry many complications and legal implications. If you are in need of legal counsel to help you make important decisions for your family, contact The Goldberg Legal Group for a consultation. Our dedicated attorney can listen to your case, answer your questions, and do what he can to get a favorable outcome for you.