Irvine Family Lawyer

Irvine Family Attorney

Issues addressed in family law are often the most emotional and life-changing. These personal issues require sensitivity and compassion in addition to vast knowledge of the legal system. An Irvine family lawyer can handle your family law issue with personalized care.

Experienced Irvine Family Lawyer

The skilled attorneys at Engels-Janzen can assist with all aspects of family law, including child support, custody and visitation, divorce, domestic violence, paternity, prenuptial agreements, same sex divorce, and sexual harassment. Past clients consistently emphasize the focus on compassion and communication that our firm offers.

Divorce in California

California is a no-fault state for divorce, which means you do not have to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get divorced. Only one party must agree to the divorce to start a case. In the US, the divorce rate is 2.4 per 1,000 population.

To start a divorce, you will need to meet certain requirements in California. You or your spouse must have been living in California for at least six months and in the current county for at least three months. In Orange County, you will file at the Lamoreaux Justice Center on The City Drive South in Orange. You will need to pay a filing fee.

You will also need to ensure that your partner is notified through the proper serving process. The court papers can be served through the Sheriff’s Office, a private process serving company, or an individual over 18 who is not involved in the case. The individual will have 30 days to respond.

To finish the divorce, you will need to share financial information with your spouse and come to an agreement on how your marital property will be divided. These agreements will be submitted to the court for approval, and your divorce can then be finalized. A trial may be necessary if an agreement is not possible.

Keep in mind that there is a minimum time of six months from when the divorce papers are filed until a divorce can be granted.

Parenting Plan

When parents separate, it is necessary to create a parenting plan. In some cases, parents may be able to agree on a parenting plan; other times, they may require the assistance of skilled Irvine family lawyers to facilitate the process.

A parenting plan will define important aspects of your children’s lives, such as where they will live, who will care for them, and when they will see each parent. Both parents will have the same rights until a court order is issued.

If parents cannot agree on the details of the parenting plan, the decisions will fall to the court. The judge will make a decision based on the best interests of the child.

Child Custody

In California, there are two types of custody: legal and physical custody. Legal custody deals with who will make important decisions for your children. Physical custody defines where your children live the majority of the time.

Parenting Time

Parenting time or visitation can fall under four main types of orders:

• With a schedule. A set schedule can be established to define the days and times when children will be with each parent. The schedule typically includes days for each parent, holidays, and vacations.
• Reasonable. Reasonable orders are open-ended and allow parents to work out the details of visitation. This option is typically better for parents who have good communication and get along well.
• Supervised. When there are concerns about the child’s well-being and safety, a supervised order may be required. Visits may be supervised by the other parent, a professional agency, or another adult.
• No visitation. Some cases require that no visitation occurs between a parent and child, even with supervision, due to the risk of the children suffering physical or emotional harm.

Why Choose Us?

Engels-Janzen provides diligent and conscientious representation to our clients. Through every stage of the process, our attorneys are empathetic and respectful while working to ensure the optimal resolution. We’re more than ready to take on your family law case.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost in California?

There are various factors that will influence the cost of a family lawyer in California. Lawyers bill differently and have different hourly rates. Geography can impact the hourly rate of attorneys. Rural areas may see a lower hourly rate compared to urban, affluent areas. Other factors, such as the reputation and experience of the attorney, will impact the cost. Another factor to consider is the complexity of the case. Scheduling a consultation is typically the ideal way to determine what the cost will be.

When Should You Hire a Family Lawyer?

There are many reasons why you should hire a family lawyer. A lawyer can be a powerful advocate for you throughout the entire legal process. Having the advice and representation of a skilled Irvine family lawyer from the beginning of your dispute can help alleviate the stress associated with these challenging issues.

Attorneys have thorough knowledge of the laws and rules that apply to your specific situation. They will know what court to file in, how to make skilled legal arguments, and how to lead negotiations.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Family Dispute?

The kind of lawyer you will hire can differ based on the details of the family dispute. If the dispute is around issues like divorce, child custody, or property division, you will need a family law lawyer. For issues involving an estate, an estate lawyer will have the skill and knowledge needed to assist with your case. A civil litigation lawyer can help with issues related to alimony and debt settlement.

What Is the Difference Between a Family Lawyer and a Divorce Lawyer?

Family lawyers and divorce lawyers do similar work, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Divorce lawyers focus specifically on divorce. Family lawyers have a deep understanding of the divorce process and the potential issues that may accompany a divorce.

A family lawyer will be able to handle issues related to divorce and family issues, such as child custody disputes, the division of marital assets, child support, creating separation agreements, resolving domestic violence issues, and enforcing and modifying court orders.

Personalized Family Law Services

Engels-Janzen is committed to resolving your legal situation. Our attorneys provide quality legal assistance in Orange County. Contact the office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your family law issue.