Choosing the right California divorce lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you make when separating from your spouse. You must take adequate time to do your research and review all your options before making a final decision. There are hundreds of Orange County divorce lawyers, and it can be difficult to distinguish the top tier attorneys from the lower tier ones. Each attorney brings a different background and set of skills.
Compatibility is a crucial factor while searching for the right divorce attorney. You want a lawyer who listens to you and appreciates the information you convey to them. A good lawyer understands the value of listening to their clients rather than speaking over them. As you meet and converse with different lawyers, you should be studying whether they listen more than they speak.
Though compatibility is important to consider, there are several other elements to evaluate when deciding on the right divorce lawyer. Below are a few other key factors that should be considered during your lawyer search.
Experience is Important
A divorce lawyer with experience is almost always a better choice than a divorce lawyer with minimal to no experience. You generally want a lawyer who is proven and can execute legal matters in a reasonable time frame with favorable results. A less experienced lawyer may need more time to research and prepare an adequate case. An experienced attorney can often spend more time actively negotiating and fighting for your preferred outcome, ultimately resulting in a faster divorce.
During divorce cases, there is a high likelihood that spousal support, division of assets, and child custody factors will also be considered. It can be refreshing to know that your lawyer has experience in all of these areas and understands the processes for getting these issues resolved.
Reputation Matters
Within the legal field, the law firm’s reputation is extremely important. A lawyer’s reputation can influence your case, especially if that lawyer has an existing professional relationship with opposing counsel or the judge. A lawyer with a reputation for strong negotiation and courtroom skills and who also has knowledge of the other legal professionals in the case can be a benefit in your divorce.
A lawyer with a reputation for being skilled and savvy in the court of law can help ensure you get a fair and equitable resolution in your case. Attorneys with less robust reputations may take a less dominant position when facing your spouse and their attorney, resulting in a less equitable deal for their clients.
Do Your Research
Reading reviews from credible sources and speaking to previous clients will give an idea of how other clients have fared using that law firm. Internet reviews are good to read, but they should also be carefully analyzed for trustworthiness. Reviews can be a good indicator of client satisfaction, but there is also the possibility of misleading or manufactured reviews.
Discovering if the attorney is board-certified in family law is another piece of information to seek out. A board-certified California family attorney has demonstrated a high level of experience and proficiency in the California family law field.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Divorce Lawyer in California?
A: The retainer fee for a divorce lawyer in the state of California can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the unique circumstances of the case. The retainer fee can also be impacted by the divorce being settled outside of court or requiring a judge to step in. Generally speaking, uncontested divorces have a smaller retainer fee than contested divorces. Contested divorces often require a lot more time and will include subsequent court fees as well.
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Cost Near Orange County, CA?
A: Filing divorce papers in Orange County costs between $435 and $450. This is the court filing fee charged directly by the court. In cases where the divorce is mutual, and the process is relatively uncomplicated, the court filing fee will likely make up the bulk of expenses. However, it is not uncommon for divorces to turn into heated disagreements that must be solved in court. A court battle can bring on hundreds or thousands of dollars in expenses.
Q: How Much Does a Simple Divorce Cost in California?
A: A simple divorce, also known as an uncontested divorce, is much cheaper than a contested divorce. In a simple divorce, the spouses can often avoid going to trial, therefore avoiding the associated court costs of going to trial. In most cases, a simple divorce is the cheapest way to get divorced, and spouses will only pay the relevant filing fees and associated attorney fees.
Q: Do I Get Half of Everything in Divorce in California?
A: California is considered a community property state. This means that divorcing spouses are required to equally split all assets and liabilities that were acquired during the marriage. Assets owned before the marriage are normally excluded from the property division.
It is important to note, however, that this standard does not necessarily mean that each spouse walks away with exactly half of all community property. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights under California state law.
A Family Lawyer You Can Trust
Divorce can be an emotionally and physically challenging experience for all parties involved. It can often lead to traumatic experiences for family members, especially if the divorcing couple has children. The outcomes of divorce cases can have a lifelong impact, so approaching it with the assistance of an experienced attorney can dramatically improve everyone’s experience. It is important to get the qualified help and advice you need as you work through your divorce.
At The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, our legal team handles divorce cases and all related family law cases with dedication and compassion. We always aim to ensure that the needs of our clients are made our top priority in every case we handle, and we are experienced in providing family law representation for those in the Orange County and Riverside County areas. Contact our office today for assistance with your divorce case.
