Family law is stressful, with emotions running high for nearly every case. Family law is also complicated and tricky for a layperson to navigate. When you are dealing with a divorce or custody issue, you need a seasoned attorney on your side.

The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is here to help when dealing with the complex nature of family law. When looking for a Fountain Valley family law attorney and law firm, you need a professional who can advocate for you and work hard to get you the ideal result.

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When you first step into our offices, we will walk you through the entire process, so you will know what to expect. Taking the time to understand your family dynamics and goals, we will help you develop a strategy at our first meeting. From that point forward, we will continue to pursue your rights in accordance with our strategy whether it is with hearings or negotiations until the time of trial or conclusion by settlement.

With our strategic planning we will be prepared from the onset to accomplish our goals regardless of the challenges we encounter. Gathering all of your financial information we will collect a complete picture as we determine if outside experts should be brought in to strengthen your case. We work with a network of forensic accountants, psychologists, and investigators in order to best assist our clients in furthering their goals. We can also refer you to counselors as needed.

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The Dorie A. Rogers, APC: Your Fountain Valley Family Law Attorney

Having an experienced and professional attorney in your corner can be the difference between success and failure during family law litigation. Few attorneys can boast the same longevity as founding attorney Dorie A. Rogers. Ms. Rogers and her team have over 30 years of combined experience navigating a wide range of family law cases.

Our firm has worked on numerous cases dealing with custody and is just as apt at dealing with divorce proceedings. We have experience working with forensic and psychological consultants to help us get the ideal outcome for our clients.

Before working in law, Ms. Rogers took up employment in an acute psychiatric hospital. She learned the trade and had a chance to work firsthand with children and adolescents. Today, Ms. Rogers carries that knowledge and perspective with her, and it guides her in her legal work.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a wide legal field that covers several practice areas. At its core, family law covers any legal cases involving a change in familial status. The two most common issues in family law are divorce and child custody, but many other matters are also covered.

Family law often differs between states. You cannot expect a standard approach to work when trying to understand the intricacies of family law. Make sure you look for a lawyer who has spent time working in your state when searching for a family law attorney.

Some of the branches of family law include:

Divorce
Custody
Mediation
Postnuptial agreements
Paternity
Domestic violence
Prenuptial agreements
Domestic partnerships
Emergency orders

Why Do I Need a Lawyer in a Family Law Case?

While it is entirely possible to represent yourself while dealing with a family law dispute, having an attorney to advocate for you is critical. Family law is complicated and full of complex legal terms that the layperson may be unfamiliar with. Having a seasoned attorney present from The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is essential to getting a great outcome.

Family law also has a personal aspect not found in other practices like criminal or real estate law. When dealing with a family law case, you likely have some connection to all parties. Whether it is a divorce proceeding or a custody battle, it is difficult to calmly argue for your interests in these matters.

An attorney is not susceptible to the same knee-jerk emotional responses as you would be if you were representing yourself. They can give you an unbiased view of the situation and provide advice and guidance, as they are unaffected by the emotionally-charged situation.

Attorneys are also much better at crafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements than someone with no training. Attorneys can ensure that the document is legally binding and that both participants have their voices heard during the mediation and negotiation process.

Another reason you may want an attorney on your side is that the other party will likely hire their own representation. Hiring an attorney protects you from the other party’s attorney.

Branches of Family Law

Family law deals with several different legal areas. Many Fountain Valley family lawyers can handle different case types, but you should make sure that you find the right Fountain Valley divorce lawyer for your needs. These are a few of the most common cases in family court.

Child Custody

When parents separate, the question of the child’s future is on everyone’s mind. Parents must decide on several issues, such as custody, child support, and visitation guidelines. All these problems need to be addressed, and that’s where a child custody attorney in Fountain Valley can help you.

The other form of custody is physical custody. This covers who will physically have the child in their dwelling and how often. Some parents seek joint custody, while others give sole custody and stick to regular visitations. Having an experienced Fountain Valley child custody attorney with you is vital to ensuring that these decisions are acceptable.

Custody also extends into other aspects, like guardianships or adoptions. Guardianships occur when the parents decide that they can’t provide proper care to a child. A temporary or permanent guardianship allows another individual to care for the child while the parents are unable to.

Some Fountain Valley, CA parents opt for guardianship due to financial instability or the loss of a stable home. A judge may order guardianship in the event of child neglect or the parent serving a prison sentence.

Divorce

When two parties separate, a Fountain Valley divorce lawyer can help with the proceedings. Attorneys help their clients negotiate the divorce settlement and advocate for any terms or language that the client hopes to include in the divorce documents.

Divorce law is complex in California, and you may be losing money by not hiring a lawyer. An experienced attorney can attempt to get you the most ideal settlement.

Even in an amicable divorce, attorneys are vital to the process. A lawyer can help finalize the paperwork and check if anything is out of place.

Postnuptial Agreements

Postnuptial agreements are a smart way for couples to protect their assets after they finalize a marriage. These contracts are not as ubiquitous as prenuptial agreements, but they are just as binding and help protect couples if they divorce later.

One of the most common reasons for a postnuptial agreement is the addition of children to the family. If a couple didn’t mention children in a prenuptial agreement, they might enter into a postnuptial contract to determine what happens to the kids in the event of a separation.

Lawyers are useful when crafting a postnuptial agreement, as they can check the terms and determine if they are legally binding and fair to both parties. Consider speaking with a family law attorney if you opt for a postnuptial agreement.

Family Law Attorneys FAQs

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

A: There is a large range in price for a family lawyer, and the cost depends on many factors. Attorneys may have higher rates based on their experience and the type of case. For instance, an amicable divorce is cheaper than one with plenty of arguing and negotiation. An amicable divorce may cost around $6,500, while a more complicated case will cost roughly three times that number.

Q: What Is the Average Hourly Rate for a Family Law Attorney in California?

A: Hourly rates will fluctuate depending on the attorney you retain. Lawyers charge more depending on their experience level and what kind of case you bring them. Simple cases worked by newly graduated attorneys will cost less than a messy custody battle. On average, you should expect to pay between $300 and $500 per hour for a family law attorney.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer for Family Court in California?

A: While you aren’t legally required to have an attorney present for any family court proceedings, having an advocate is worth the cost. The courts expect you to be as familiar with the law as a lawyer when representing yourself. An attorney can check all the documents to see if they are properly completed and can fight to get you the most beneficial deal possible.

Q: What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce?

A: California law does not give preference to the husband or wife during divorce settlements. A wife is entitled to half of the marriage assets and child support payments if she has sole or joint custody of any children. A wife may also receive any alimony payments decided on by the courts or stipulated in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, Can Help You With Your Fountain Valley Family Law Case

Family law is a complicated and emotionally draining matter. If you find yourself dealing with a case in family court or are trying to get a divorce, you should contact a seasoned and able Fountain Valley family law attorney and law firm.

We have worked in family law for over 30 years. The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, can help with divorce or custody cases. Contact us today to begin discussions on your case and situation.

“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”

Brit B.

“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.
Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”

Alan M. Greenberg

“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”

Todd M.

Fountain Valley Family Law Attorney