Separation and divorce are never easy decisions, and it is in a person’s interest to work with a trustworthy attorney who knows the details of the California legal system. A good divorce lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can navigate your case with a personalized, hands-on, compassionate approach to ensure the most favorable outcome. Although the notion of ending a marriage can be daunting and emotionally charged, our firm can guide you through the process at your personal comfort level so that you can emerge on the other side with the resources you need to be secure in your future.
The Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires: Your Rancho Cucamonga Divorce and Separation Lawyer
If you choose the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires, your unique circumstances and personal preferences are of the utmost importance as we work towards the outcome of the case. With unparalleled knowledge, client-focused solutions, and hands-on treatment, any worries about navigating the intricacies of California family law can be assuaged. You can be supported in every aspect so that you are able to make the right decisions regarding yourself and your family’s future. The Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires provides a personalized approach and honest, upfront answers to any questions that may arise. For over 20 years, we have worked with clients and their families, offering guidance, advice, and information regardless of any external circumstances.
Family law can be complex and, therefore, difficult to navigate without a dedicated professional who can handle the legalities of your distinctive case. Many people are reluctant to initially reach out to an attorney because of the personal nature of marriage and divorce. However, it is truly beneficial during this trying time to have a kind, empathetic, and skilled professional available to advocate on your behalf to procure the most favorable outcome and positive impact on your future.
The Process of a California Divorce
There is no set timeline to divorce, as each person’s situation is entirely unique and requires a personalized perspective. Some divorces can be much simpler and take a mere matter of months, while others can actually last for years and require repeated mediation, negotiation, and court appearances. All of this depends upon factors such as child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support, and the division of assets.
The first step in a divorce is to file the appropriate legal paperwork. The person who is starting the case is known as the petitioner. Once all the necessary initial paperwork has been completed, it is time to serve the other side with their divorce papers. After this is accomplished, the other person, or respondent, has 30 days to respond with their answer. During these 30 days, the family law attorney can assist in filing additional paperwork that is required between 30 and 60 days of filing for divorce. If the respondent refuses to sign the paperwork, the case can still move forward, and your attorney can assist you with the next steps.
The final step is finishing the case regardless of what the respondent does or does not do. It is crucial to file initial documents correctly, as the court has the ability to make decisions and hand down orders based on the contents of these forms. Consulting with a family attorney can ensure that a person does not accidentally violate any terms of the divorce petition, which can negatively impact their opportunity for spousal support and prevent someone from receiving what they need.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost Per Hour in California?
Expect to pay $300-$400 per hour for a divorce attorney in California. The exact amount may depend on their location and level of experience, and it’s important to take into consideration their retainer fee as well. Family law attorneys will expect a retainer fee to complete the case in full and ensure that their expenses are covered. If you are considering proceeding with a divorce on your own, be advised that a qualified and aggressive attorney can help terminate a marriage with ease and secure a more favorable outcome with the least amount of time and complications.
How Do I Choose a Divorce Attorney in California?
Regardless of the circumstances of your case, it’s crucial to have the right advocate who can provide outstanding representation in the face of an emotionally charged event, where your future financial state and the welfare of your family are at stake. If both parties are on extremely amicable terms, and can agree on everything that they must do to complete the terms of the divorce, then the process will be quick and probably require little, if any, interaction with the court. Unfortunately, many situations require mediation for multiple discussions and preparation for court appearances. Some divorces become highly contested, and a determined attorney can advocate for the ideal settlement in your situation.
It is important for a person to identify goals for their current and future situation and do research in finding a firm that works for their personal case. Some people ask friends and family for recommendations and interview multiple firms before making a final decision. Others seek information online and peruse sites for testimonials, credentials, and years of experience.
Additionally, it is advisable to hire a local attorney who specifically practices in a person’s county, as the firm will be familiar with the judges who preside over the local courts as well as know the inner workings, procedures, and rules intimately. Asking questions and getting familiar with the whole process can be accomplished by contacting firms for initial consultations, where you can inquire about costs, timing, experience, and anything else on your mind.
Choosing a divorce attorney is ultimately about a person’s comfort and trust in their firm. An attorney with vast experience in the intricacies of family law can be immediately prepared to work on your case with fierce dedication and knowledge while answering any questions and concerns, offering both unequivocal advocacy and peace of mind. Regardless of the nature of your case, a quality family attorney should ensure that you are treated fairly and respectfully at all times.
What Is an Advocate Divorce?
Different categories of lawyers exist for specific purposes, whether they serve cases of criminal law, patent law, estate law, or family law. For instance, the term “attorney” refers to not just a lawyer who has attended and completed law school but also has passed their state bar exam and undergone further training to represent clients in their field of law. An advocate, on the other hand, is simply a person who speaks on behalf of another. Therefore, an advocate can speak for a client in court to seek justice on their behalf and provide the information or perspectives required for that appearance. They are given the authority to do so in front of a judge, but they are not legal representation.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Orange County, CA?
The details of a person’s situation have the most impact on final costs. The average price of divorce in California is approximately $17,500, and a divorce concerning children is about $26,300. However, it is important to understand that every case is unique and may have a variable number of contested issues. Matters such as child custody, spousal support, significant assets, and any other contested issues will increase the time required before the divorce can be finalized.
While the entire process of a divorce may be costly, the filing fees are low, and an attorney with an aggressive, skilled approach can still reduce the timeline if the parties involved are unable to initially reach a settlement. The eventual length of time it takes for both parties to agree to the terms of the divorce will dictate the final costs. Because of this, a dedicated and fierce family law attorney can work hard to help both sides negotiate as quickly and painlessly as possible. This can allow them to come to an agreement and prevent the proceedings from taking excessive time.
Contact the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires
Filing for divorce is a major step and comes with often-devastating emotional and mental reactions. For those who decide to do so, hiring an attorney who has built an outstanding local relationship in the legal community in Orange County is crucial to their success. As a passionate, aggressive advocate for divorcing parties who can show continual empathy in seeking justice for the most beneficial outcome, our firm is determined to continue offering excellent, honest representation to our clients.
Divorce proceedings often involve complicated paperwork, lengthy discussions, court appearances, and complex timelines and agreements. Often, people who attempt to navigate the California legal system on their own encounter difficult and complex issues, and they often waste valuable time, resources, and money trying to resolve them. Our goal is to help people come out of the other side of a marriage with the financial means that they need and deserve, providing security for their future well-being. The protection of your family and your assets is important to us. Contact The Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires today to start your consultation.
