Costa Mesa Family Lawyer

Costa Mesa Family Law Attorney

Family law cases are very personal and emotional, and should be handled with care and compassion. When you are looking for Costa Mesa family lawyers to handle your divorce, paternity, or other family law case, it is important to find a team that explores the least-stressful options first.

If your case involves your children, your family law attorneys should know to take special care with how it impacts them. As difficult as divorce or other family law issues can be for a couple, they have an even greater impact on young children. Courts traditionally hold “in the best interests of the children” as the standard to apply if a judge is called upon to decide key aspects of a divorce agreement.

However, judges are constrained by the law in their state when deciding matters such as child support, child custody and spousal support (alimony). Letting a judge handle your case can make the process more stressful, as you have less control over the decisions that impact your family’s entire life. If you and your spouse are on civil terms, it may be possible to create agreements with more flexibility through negotiation or mediation. At Engels-Janzen, our attorneys will assist you with negotiating a settlement that will help you move forward with your life.

Engels-Janzen: Family Law Lawyers Who Fight for Your Interests

At Engels-Janzen, we prioritize less stressful solutions, but we understand that not all divorces can be resolved through alternative methods. If you find yourself in a highly contentious marriage dissolution, our attorneys can advance your needs in court. We recognize that litigation can put additional stress on your family, so our aim is to guide you through cost-effective courses of action that also preserve your family’s financial security. This includes alternative dispute resolution methods like collaborative divorce, divorce mediation, and arbitration.

If your rights or the interests of your children will be better protected in court, then we will help you understand the different requirements of that process so you can make an informed choice.

Compassionate, Aggressive, Trustworthy Representation for Family Law Cases

Family law matters require a lawyer to press hard for the best settlement for their client, be empathetic to what the client is going through, and prove themselves honest and trustworthy to everyone with whom they interact. Our firm understands those requirements well, and we seek to provide exemplary service in every case we handle.

Some of the family law matters we can help you with include:

• Divorce
  Divorce is an essential aspect of family law, as it frequently covers several other family law cases, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Divorces in California are filed on a no-fault basis, but they can be uncontested or contested.Uncontested divorces mean spouses can agree on the essential parts of a separation agreement. Contested divorces occur when spouses do not agree on their separation agreement and are sometimes handled in court. Both contested and uncontested divorces could be managed out of court.
• Child support requests, including stipulations
  Child support payments enable separated parents to equally contribute to the financial upbringing of their children. Child support payments may be assigned in divorce, separation, or paternity cases. In California, there are specific guidelines that the court follows when assigning child support. If parents wish to determine their own support payments, the court must approve any deviations as being in the child’s interests.
• Spousal support requests
  Spousal support, or alimony, is not required in divorces, but it may be assigned if there are significant differences in each spouse’s income or resources. There is both temporary and long-term spousal support. The goal of spousal support in California is for the spouse receiving payments to eventually become self-supporting.
• Child custody and visitation
  Child custody determinations can be stressful for parents, even when they are amicable. Both parents want to spend time with their children, and it can be difficult to create a parenting plan. The court can decide child custody, but this takes a lot of control away from parents. If parents can create a parenting plan outside of court, the family law judge will often approve it as long as it upholds the child’s interests.If you are entering a child custody determination and are worried about your children’s safety with their co-parent, it is important that you work with an attorney who understands how to navigate these sensitive and serious circumstances.
• Prenuptial agreements
  Prenuptial agreements are made by couples prior to getting married, and they outline each spouse’s right and responsibilities to certain marital and separate property. These agreements also address those rights following divorce, and can avoid a complicated separation of property during separation.
• Domestic violence
  Domestic violence should be treated very seriously and compassionately handled. This area of law overlaps family and criminal courts, and your attorney should understand how to navigate these cases. Whether you have been a victim of domestic violence or are facing false allegations, you need a skilled attorney.

When it comes to family law, initial perceptions do not always equal reality. Attorneys Chris Engels and Sean Janzen will base their advice to you on the facts of your case as they know them and their understanding of local family court judges and opposing counsel.

FAQs:

How Much Do Family Lawyers Charge per Hour in California?

The average hourly rate for family lawyers in California is $384 an hour. However, this fee varies significantly based on many factors, including:

• The attorney’s experience. When an attorney has more experience in an area of law, they are likely to charge a higher rate.
• The complexity or type of family law case. If you are looking for an attorney to file an uncontested divorce, the cost is likely to be lower than if you are filing for a contested and litigated divorce.
• The fee structure. For simple filing issues, an attorney may charge a flat rate instead of an hourly rate.

How Much Is Divorce in California?

A divorce in California can cost anywhere from $450 to $18,000, or much higher. Depending on the county you are filing in, the filing fees for divorce range from $435 to $450, although this fee could be waived in some circumstances. You may also have legal or court costs for filing the separation agreement.

These are the minimum costs in a divorce, but do not factor in more complicated issues or contested divorces. The costs of an attorney are likely to increase the costs of a divorce, but it could also save you time and stress, and protect your rights.

What Are Legal Parental Rights in California?

The legal parental rights of the legal parents of a child include:

• The right and responsibility to request custody and visitation
• The responsibility to provide financial support for their child
• The right or responsibility to receive or provide child support to ensure a child gets that financial support
• The right to decide where their child lives
• The right to make important decisions for their child, including their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing

At What Age Can a Child Choose Which Parent They Want to Live With in California?

A child can only choose where they want to live when they are 18 or otherwise emancipated in California. Prior to turning 18, a child can express their wishes for which parent they want to live with if their parents separate, but their wishes are only one consideration.

The family court prioritizes the interests of the child, which looks at several factors, such as the relationship between each parent and the child. The court is more likely to consider the wishes of a child 14 or older or a child who has shown maturity in their decision.

Request A Free Initial Family Law Consultation

Your family law case is unique, and may include many different aspects of family law. At Engels-Janzen, we carefully discuss your case to fully understand your unique situation and provide better legal representation.

We talk through your options, such as uncontested and contested divorces, and out-of-court options for other family law cases. Call our office in Costa Mesa at 949-269-7709 to schedule your free initial consultation. You can also send us a message through our online form on this site. We serve family law clients throughout Orange County.