Lake Forest Family Law Attorney

When you are dealing with complicated changes in family dynamics, you need a legal professional with a thorough understanding of state law and who cares about your family’s well-being. Our founding attorney, Dorie A. Rogers, brings over 30 years of experience in California law and is a Certified Family Law Specialist. 

Our legal team takes time to understand your circumstances and priorities before crafting a legal strategy to meet those needs. We listen closely and fight to protect your rights both in and out of the courtroom.

Whether through mediation or litigation, our team works to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case while minimizing conflict.

Family law is a term that covers a broad range of legal matters. It can cover marriage, divorce, parenthood, and much more. Because these matters are so personal, you need a knowledgeable attorney who can balance the emotional and legal components of your case. 

These laws help establish and protect the responsibilities of family members. This can include child custody, dividing marital assets, and enforcing support obligations.

At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we handle a wide range of family law matters in Lake Forest and throughout Orange County. Our goal is to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. If your case goes to court, it will likely be handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive South in Orange, and we are well-versed with the procedures and expectations there.

Family law matters we handle include:

• Marital agreements. This can cover prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which help couples lay out financial responsibilities, clarify property ownership, and avoid future disputes. We draft clear, enforceable agreements that reflect your mutual understanding while protecting your interests. While this can be a difficult discussion between partners, a 2023 poll results show that 50% of U.S. adults were open to signing these agreements. 
• Cohabitation agreements. Unmarried couples who share property or finances can benefit from a legally binding cohabitation agreement. We help couples define their rights and obligations. We aim to ensure financial clarity and protection in case the relationship ends.
• Dissolution of marriage. The divorce rate in California is about 5.88 per 1,000 women. Our Lake Forest family law attorneys guide clients through every step. We also assist with related issues, such as property division, custody, and support. 
• Paternity actions. Establishing paternity provides important legal rights and responsibilities for parents. We can represent both fathers and mothers in paternity cases involving visitation rights, custody, and child support. 
• Property division. California is a community property state. That means assets and debts acquired during marriage are to be divided equally in a divorce. We help clients identify, value, and divide property fairly.
• Property tracing. When separate and marital assets are mixed, property tracing is essential. Our team uses financial analysis and documentation to trace funds and determine whether certain assets should be classified as separate or community property.
• Child custody. Child custody is often the most emotionally charged aspect of a family law case. Our family lawyers prioritize your child’s well-being while protecting your parental rights. We help develop custody and visitation arrangements to provide security and stability for children. 
• Child support. In 2022, there were over 22 million U.S. children eligible for child support payments. Both parents share financial responsibility for their children. Our team ensures that child support calculations are fair and based on accurate financial information. We also help with enforcement and modifications when circumstances change. 
• Spousal support. Also known as alimony, spousal support is meant to create financial fairness after a divorce. Our attorneys advocate for reasonable support orders that reflect your lifestyle, financial capacity, and future needs. 
• Modification orders. When there’s a significant change in circumstances for your family, you may need to modify custody, support, or visitation orders. This can happen because of job loss, relocation, or remarriage, to name a few examples. We help clients petition for or respond to modifications as needed. 
• Enforcement orders. If your former spouse or co-parent isn’t complying with a court order, legal enforcement may be necessary. We can help enforce judgments on custody, support, or property division for more accountability and compliance.