Family Lawyer in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Divorces, child custody issues, and asset divisions are stressful. You don’t have to go through the process alone. Having a dedicated Rancho Santa Margarita family law attorney to turn to can make a difficult process easier, giving you access to legal advice and support throughout. Whether you’re just now considering divorce for the first time or you’re in the midst of a fierce child custody battle, it’s never too late to hire a family lawyer.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a broad area of practice that encompasses everything from divorce and child custody to adoption and reproductive rights. However, most family lawyers in Rancho Santa Margarita focus primarily on divorce and the child- or asset-related conflicts that often accompany it.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

If you need to go through the process of divorcing your spouse or altering your child custody agreement, our firm handles these common family law cases alongside many other issues. The Goldberg Legal Group has been in practice for over 18 years. In that time, we’ve seen it all.

No matter what type of divorce, child custody, or spousal support case you are facing, having an experienced Rancho Santa Margarita family law lawyer on your side is crucial. Our team has a proven track record of success in representing clients ranging from those with simple uncontested divorces to high-net-worth clients with much on the line. Call us to discover why we have so many satisfied clients today.

Why You Need a Family Lawyer in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Family law matters can often be complex and emotional for many different reasons. These cases are typically handled by the Lamoreaux Justice Center located at 341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA. Hiring a family lawyer allows you to have support and legal counsel from a skilled legal professional.

Hire a family law attorney as early in your case as possible. If you’re planning to get a divorce, an attorney is one of the first people you should consult. Having a dedicated lawyer on your team from the beginning can simplify otherwise complicated processes and help you stay on top of paperwork, deadlines, and other essentials.

If you’re dealing with an issue unrelated to divorce, such as seeking child support payments, proving paternity, or taking out a restraining order against an abusive partner, having a family lawyer is just as essential. Your lawyer can ensure that your rights and those of your children are protected.

Areas of Practice in Family Law

Lawyers practicing family law often handle a diverse case load. If you’re having an issue related to your family unit, our legal team can help. We handle cases involving the following matters:

• Divorce. If you’re facing an imminent divorce, don’t worry. You’re not alone. According to the CDC, the national divorce rate is currently hovering around 2.4 per 1,000 people each year. We can guide you through this challenging process, from filing paperwork to settling property, and more, all while ensuring that your rights are protected.
• Child custody. The birth rate in Rancho Santa Margarita is slightly higher than that of the LA-Metro area, with around 4.5% of women aged 15-50 giving birth each year. As a result, many of the divorces that occur in the city involve making child custody arrangements.Creating clear parenting plans that put children’s well-being first is one of the most difficult aspects of navigating family disputes. We can help you make sure your children’s needs are met now and in the future.

• Child support. In California, both parents are required to contribute to meeting the financial needs of their child following a separation. The custodial parent is usually entitled to receive child support from the non-custodial parent, but these situations are often complicated. We can help you calculate fair child support payments based on state guidelines to ensure that your children will have the support required to grow and thrive.
• Spousal support. Spousal support, also called alimony, is a legal obligation for one spouse to pay for the financial needs of the other for a period of time following a divorce. If you believe spousal support applies to your current situation, let us know. We can help you determine whether you are eligible to receive alimony payments under California law.
• Property and asset division. California has community property laws in place to help determine how assets like homes, cars, money, and debts are shared in a marriage. Dividing those assets during a divorce can be a complicated process, but we can help you sort through all of your assets and ensure that they are divided fairly.
• Paternity. Not all aspects of family law pertain to divorce. When a child’s parents have never been married, establishing paternity can become an important issue. Paternity tests are over 99% accurate and can be used to help determine child custody, child support, and inheritance. We can help you navigate the legal steps required to request and receive paternity testing.
• Restraining orders. In some cases, family lawyers also handle restraining orders. These legal documents offer protection for you or your children if you are experiencing threats or abuse, helping to keep your family safe. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, it doesn’t matter whether you’re married or not. You deserve to have the help you need to protect yourself and your family from harm. We can help you secure a restraining order.

What to Expect From Your Family Lawyer?

Your family lawyer can offer you legal advice as you navigate your family law matter, help you fill out paperwork, and make sure you’re meeting all relevant deadlines with the court. Having a professional take care of these details will give you time to handle the emotional repercussions of your family conflict and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.

Before your first consultation, you should take some steps to prepare for working with your family lawyer. Gather all relevant documents, including court orders, notices, pre- or post-nuptial agreements, financial statements, lists of assets, and other essentials, and write down a list of questions for your lawyer. You don’t want to miss anything important due to stress.

During the consultation, you can expect your lawyer to ask for a full, honest account of the situation and to offer an evaluation of the case, including potential legal strategies. You’ll also learn about our fee schedule. Call to schedule your consultation today.

FAQs About Family Law in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

The cost of a family lawyer in California varies significantly. For simple cases, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars. For very complex ones, legal fees can amount to tens of thousands of dollars or more. Factors influencing the cost of hiring a family lawyer include hourly rates, retainer fees, case complexity, and billing structure. To get a clear idea of what you can expect to pay, schedule a consultation with our team.

What Is the Difference Between a Family Law Attorney and a Divorce Attorney?

The difference between a family law attorney and a divorce attorney is that while divorce attorneys only handle the legal dissolution of marriages, family law attorneys have broader purviews. They also handle cases involving child support and custody, paternity questions, domestic abuse, and other aspects of family relations, even in the absence of divorce proceedings.

Are Family Lawyers Worth It?

Family lawyers are worth the money. They can help you protect your rights and interests, as well as those of your children, during contested divorces and navigate complex situations. While you may pay more for a family lawyer, the benefits to your family and case will be priceless, especially the added peace of mind.

Can You and Your Spouse Use the Same Attorney for a Divorce?

You and your spouse cannot use the same attorney for a divorce in California. One lawyer cannot represent two parties with conflicting interests, which would be the case even during an uncontested divorce. Each spouse must retain their own family lawyer to ensure that their legal rights and interests are protected.

What Is the Difference Between a Contested and an Uncontested Divorce?

The difference between a contested and uncontested divorce is that during a contested divorce, the spouses disagree about one or more key issues, whereas that is not the case during an uncontested divorce. During an uncontested divorce, the couple agrees on all terms and does not require the intervention of the court. That said, having a family lawyer to help with an uncontested divorce is still a good idea.

Find Your Rancho Santa Margarita Family Law Attorney

If you’re looking for a Rancho Santa Margarita family law attorney, look no further than The Goldberg Legal Group. Our law firm has over 18 years of experience helping parents and spouses navigate the complex world of family laws. We have assisted clients from all sorts of backgrounds with divorce, child custody, and related issues. We can help you, too.

When you’re ready to take the next step in separating from your current partner or altering your custody agreement following a divorce, contact us to schedule a consultation.