San Marcos Family Lawyer

San Marcos Family Attorney

Family matters tend to be sensitive and personal, which is why it’s easy for family law proceedings to become emotionally charged fast. Whether you’re dealing with an abusive partner or you’re seeking child support, you should always consult with a skilled and knowledgeable San Marcos family lawyer. A compassionate family lawyer can give you information about your rights, educate you on state laws, and help you reach your legal goals.

Family Law Cases Commonly Handled By Our Firm

As a family law firm, many of the cases we see revolve around the issues addressed during a divorce or legal separation. However, other popular family law matters include tending to premarital agreements, the familial law needs of domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages, problems with previous orders or arrangements, and other related circumstances.

If you choose to work with our skilled family law legal team, we can assist you with family law cases such as:

• Marriage Dissolution or Legal Separation: Divorce is the legal process of ending one’s marriage. A legal separation is a declaration stating that two spouses will remain married but live separately and with independent assets. Family lawyers also may offer help with annulments, which render a marriage as having legally never existed.
• Military Divorce: The procedure for divorces wherein one or both spouses are serving or have served in the military isn’t dissimilar from other divorces. However, certain considerations need to be taken into account, such as dividing a military pension, military codes, determining future living arrangements, etc.
• Spousal Support: A judge may award support to a spouse requesting financial help from their former partner as they adjust to life outside marriage. Support payments can be temporary, ending as the lesser-earning spouse finds employment, or permanent if they’re unable to become self-supporting.
• Property Division: The division of assets and debts garnered between spouses during marriage is an important component of any divorce or legal separation. Divorce cases following a long marriage, and those that are high-asset, can be intricate to parse– especially if there are numerous assets, an active business, or children involved. Property may include real estate, business interests, mortgages and other debts, vehicles, and more.
• Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements: A prenuptial is a premarital agreement between a couple that outlines how the proceedings of a hypothetical divorce between the two should be conducted. Postnuptial agreements are a similar concept, except the terms are drafted prior to the spouses marrying.
• Child Custody Agreements: Forming a child custody agreement can be difficult, especially if both parents are unable to agree on what is favorable for their child. It’s essential that you have a family lawyer on your side during a child custody case to ensure you and your child’s rights are represented.
• Child Support Orders: Child support often follows the determination of a custody agreement. The higher-earning parent is frequently ordered to provide support to the lesser-earning parent through regular installments. Child support arrangements are designed to help the parent in need properly care for their child.
• Instances of Domestic Violence: Family attorneys can assist individuals enduring domestic violence in acquiring protective orders, restraining orders, and other legal precautions. Lawyers can also help clients through various divorce proceedings, adoption, and other family law matters without the need to interact with or be in the same room as their ex-partner.
• Court Order Enforcement and Modification: Once any orders are mandated by the court, they are legally enforceable and must be adhered to or fulfilled. If a client’s spouse or co-parent is late on or fails to provide support, or doesn’t follow the terms of a court order, an attorney can help take the issue to court. It’s also possible for either party to request a modification or update to a current order, which a judge may grant or dismiss.

Why You Should Hire Legal Counsel for Your San Marcos Family Law Case

It’s always considered wise to have legal counsel on your side when conducting any family law matter, particularly those regarding divorce, whether you believe the proceedings between you and your ex-partner will be relatively amicable or incredibly complicated. A qualified family attorney can represent your side, working with your goals in mind and fighting for a favorable outcome in your case.

If you and your former spouse find yourselves to be in agreement on most areas, you may opt for an alternative resolution method, such as mediation, that allows the issue to be worked out without the need for the court’s input. A mediation lawyer can let co-parents or former partners work collaboratively outside of the courtroom on the terms of an arrangement. Benefits of this include complete privacy, less expenses, less time in court, and more control over arrangements.

Ultimately, it is in your interest to retain a family lawyer any time you have a personal, domestic issue go to court. At Erica Bloom Law, our legal team has helped countless California residents navigate complex familial issues and fight for a resolution that makes them feel comfortable. If you or a loved one are dealing with a family law issue in San Marcos, reach out to our firm today to discuss how we may be able to help you.

Paying for a Family Attorney’s Legal Services

Lawyers’ fees will be different for each individual case. If you’re hesitant about hiring a law professional due to your financial standing, there are ways for you to still acquire an attorney and be capable of paying off your expenses. Many lawyers will offer their clients a payment plan so they’re able to slowly pay off their fees in spread-out installments.

Additionally, if two spouses have a large wage disparity between them, the judge may choose to order the higher-earning spouse to cover the other’s legal costs as part of their ruling. The spouse in need of financial assistance would have had to request this prior to the court appearance by filing an Income and Expense Declaration form; this filing must include verification of each spouse’s income, assets, age, health, debts, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage.

The total expenses of an attorney’s service will depend on whether they require a retainer fee, if they charge clients at an hourly rate, or through a flat fee determined upfront. Along with the expenses of lawyers’ fees, clients should also prepare to pay court costs and filing fees in addition to any unexpected expenses, like if the client wants to appeal the judge’s decision on something.

FAQs

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

A: The cost of a California family lawyer depends on their experience, how they charge clients, and the details of your legal issue. Many lawyers charge an hourly rate in addition to extra fees. If they anticipate your case to be complex, they may charge more for their time and services. This is also true if they’re experienced or accomplished in the specific area you’re seeking guidance in. Other lawyers may request a flat fee upfront if the divorce is relatively simple.

Q: What Are the Duties of a Family Lawyer in California?

A: Family lawyers are educated in and assist clients with the many areas of family law, including divorce and legal separation, property division, spousal support, child custody arrangements, child support orders, prenuptials, and post-nuptials, appealing court decisions on family law matters, and modifying previous agreements.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

A: The cost of a California divorce will vary greatly depending on your specific circumstances. Your divorce expenses will include fees for legal services and filing and court costs, which are all influenced by how complex your divorce is. Divorce cases that involve numerous or high-value properties, a long marriage, or children or are extremely contested are likely to cost more due to the time required to finalize the divorce process, as well as your family lawyer’s efforts.

Q: What Is a Retainer Fee in Family Law Expenses?

A: A lawyer’s retainer fee is similar to a down payment and is paid upfront before your attorney begins working on your issue. The purpose of this is to ensure the lawyer will be paid for their services. Typically, a retainer fee will be subtracted from the client’s total legal fees. However, you should always discuss this with an attorney before assuming they’ll subtract it. It’s also important to note that not all lawyers charge a retainer fee.

Erica Bloom Law: Compassionate Legal Aid for San Marco Family Law Cases

When you choose Erica Bloom Law for your family law case, you’ll be met with a kind and responsive lawyer who’s there to listen and understand your situation, find out what your objectives are, and do what’s necessary to acquire them. No family law case is easy. However, with the right information and legal aid, you can fight for resolutions that make you and your family comfortable.

Contact our office today to discuss your San Marcos family law case with our trusted team. We are prepared to do everything in our power to protect your rights and fight for your interests.