Family Law Attorney in Santa Ana, CA
Family matters can become complicated and necessitate the assistance of a Santa Ana family lawyer. Even the most amicable, uncontested divorce can create numerous legal issues that can quickly become overwhelming. Filing paperwork incorrectly can cause delays, while an uncooperative opposing party can prolong legal processes. A skilled family law attorney can ensure documents are correct and ensure your rights are upheld, no matter what family law matter you need help with.
Hire a Family Lawyer
David Goldberg has over 18 years of experience in many legal areas that are often involved in family law cases. Whether you are going through a complicated divorce or have questions about child or spousal support, The Goldberg Legal Group is ready to offer guidance and support. We believe in strong communication with our clients so you can stay informed, and we can build a strong legal case.
Santa Ana Families
Santa Ana has many opportunities and amenities to offer families and couples. With a thriving economy, there are diverse employment opportunities in numerous industries. Families can also benefit from the walkability of the city and public transit infrastructure. This coastal community also offers a thriving cultural scene and a variety of restaurants.
With all there is to offer, it’s no wonder Santa Ana is home to 310,523 residents who reside in one of the 83,498 households. Of those households:
- 60% are married couples
- 21% are female-headed
- 10% are male-headed
At some point in their lives, our community members may need support with a legal family matter, and we are here to help.
Areas of Practice at The Goldberg Legal Group
When looking for a Santa Ana family attorney, you want one who understands your situation, takes the time to listen to your circumstances, and offers prompt communication whenever you have questions or concerns. Family law cases in Santa Ana are heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange. The Goldberg Legal Group offers family law services in the following areas:
- Divorce
- Spousal Support or Alimony
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Domestic Violence
- Paternity
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Postnuptial Agreements
Finding a Santa Ana family law attorney with experience in the specific area of family law you require is advisable.
Divorce, Separation, and Annulment
Divorce can be a complicated process and often overlaps with numerous other family law issues. It can be difficult to file for a divorce without the help of a family law attorney. The documents that need to be filed depend on the specifics of your divorce, and filing the wrong documents can cause delays.
Before you can get divorced, you or your spouse must meet residency requirements. You have to be a California resident for six months and have lived in the county in which you wish to file for a minimum of three months.
California is a no-fault state, which means you can get divorced without having to prove there are grounds to justify the divorce. An attorney can help you divide your assets equally, or the judge can make decisions on how things are to be divided.
A legal separation does not end the marriage but recognizes that each partner wishes to live apart while still being legally married. There are no residency requirements for a separation, and it could be a more favorable option due to religious or financial reasons.
An annulment can be more difficult to get. With an annulment, you are asking the court to recognize that the marriage was not legal from the start. Annulments are often used in extreme cases such as incest or bigamy.
Spousal Support
California allows spousal support payments based on the judge’s discretion after examining the financial circumstances and relationship histories of both spouses. Spousal support is designed to help with monthly expenses. An attorney can help you calculate potential support payments, determine how long the payments may last, and review how spousal support may affect your taxes. There are two types of spousal support:
- Temporary spousal support, which is ordered payments to one spouse before the divorce case is finalized.
- Long-term spousal support, or permanent support orders, are made at the end of the case.
Child Custody
When two parents live apart, they must have a parenting plan in place that establishes standards for physical and legal custody of the child and how visitation with the non-custodial parent is conducted. Legal custody decides who makes important decisions for the child, while physical custody determines which parent the child predominantly lives with.
Both types of custody can be either solely held by one parent or jointly held by both parents. Judges make decisions based on the best interests of the child. Child custody orders can be changed as circumstances for either parent or the child change.
Child Support
Court-ordered child support payments are most often made to the custodial parent to help pay for the child’s living expenses. Child support obligations can be changed as either parent’s financial situation changes or when there are changes in the family. Child support orders are made by the judge based on predetermined guidelines. These guidelines include:
- Each parent’s income
- How taxes are filed
- Amount of time each parent spends with the child
- Other applicable factors
Domestic Violence
Family law attorneys can help when you are involved in a domestic violence relationship. California courts can issue domestic violence restraining orders against someone you’ve had an intimate relationship with or against relatives who have abused you or your children. Types of abuse recognized include:
- Emotional
- Physical
- Verbal
- Psychological
- Online harassment
- Financial
- Isolation from friends or family
Paternity
In cases where paternity is unknown or unclear, it may be required to establish paternity before child custody or child support cases can be heard by a judge. A judge can order genetic testing to establish paternity even if the potential father objects. Once paternity has been legally established, the father is entitled to their full rights as they relate to the child, including custody or visitation arrangements.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is made before a couple is married that outlines key aspects of the couple’s relationship and financial details, and how their assets and debts should be handled in the event of a divorce. A prenup is not a plan to get divorced, but a contract that outlines the financial future of the couple as they build their lives together.
Postnuptial Agreements
Postnuptial agreements are drafted after a couple is legally married but cover many of the same aspects as a prenuptial agreement. Establishing open communication about your finances and how each spouse views asset division and debt can strengthen a marriage and make asset divisions easier should a divorce occur. A postnup has to be approved by a judge before it is considered valid.
FAQs About Santa Ana Family Law
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Family Lawyer in California?
The cost to hire a family lawyer in California varies with the specifics of your circumstances. Simple cases may be charged a flat fee, while more complex cases may be charged by the hour. If there are unique circumstances or your case requires litigation through the court system, it may increase the overall cost. Some family law attorneys require a retainer fee to be paid before work begins on your case.
What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?
The biggest mistake in a custody battle is any decision that is made without the best interest of the child in mind. Custody decisions are made by a family court judge based on what is in the best interest of the child, and the court disapproves when a parent acts in their own interests or to deliberately harm the other parent. Other mistakes include failing to follow court orders, alienating the child from the other parent, and disparaging the other parent to the child.
What Assets Are Divided During a Divorce in California?
California is a community property state, which means that when a couple divorces, each spouse is entitled to half of the community property accumulated during the marriage. This does not mean each spouse owns half of every asset. The monetary value of all assets is determined, and each spouse is entitled to half of that monetary value. It does not matter how long you have been married, but longer marriages usually accumulate more community property.
Do I Have to Have a Family Law Attorney?
No, there is no legal obligation to have a family law attorney, but there are substantial advantages to having an experienced family law attorney. Your attorney can advise you of your rights and ensure you are being treated fairly. An attorney also has specific training in court matters, so they are better suited to properly file paperwork, preventing possible delays or increased costs. A seasoned attorney knows what it takes to be successful with a family case.
Contact The Goldberg Legal Group
Family law issues can be emotionally draining. If you are trying to determine paternity or you have experienced domestic violence, you need to hire a family lawyer who can fight for your rights. Contact The Goldberg Legal Group today to schedule your initial consultation.
