Family law covers a vast branch of civil law practices that involve the legal issues of family members. Some of the most common family law cases in Ladera Ranch pertain to matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony, but there are more facets to family law than many people realize. Family law also encompasses domestic violence, paternity, and protective orders. These matters are serious and life-changing, and hiring an attorney who focuses their practice on family law will be an advantage to your case and beneficial to its outcome.

The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is a family law firm providing legal counsel and services to clients in Ladera Ranch and surrounding areas. With experience in hundreds of settlements and hearings, Dorie A. Rogers has practiced law for over 30 years and holds the prestigious family law specialist certification from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, an honor reserved for family law attorneys of the highest standards in legal competence and who have participated in a rigorous process of certification. She also has years of experience in psychology, which further equips her firm to appropriately handle the often-complex cases of family law.

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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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Why Do I Need a Ladera Ranch Family Law Attorney

Many individuals, regardless of their situation, but especially in cases of divorce, go back and forth about enlisting the help of a family law attorney. More often than not, the ones who don’t end up wishing they had. Hiring a compassionate and established attorney can be very beneficial to the entire family throughout the divorce process. Below are some reasons why individuals going through a divorce should hire a Ladera Ranch divorce attorney.

Your Spouse Has an Attorney

It’s hard to walk into a room and see your spouse beside an attorney who seems to know everything about your family and your spouse, except to you, they are a stranger. It may feel like they are ganging up on you; you may be wondering what has been said about you, and you will either regret not hiring an attorney of your own or be thankful you did.

Familiarity with the Court System, the Judge, and the Opposing Counsel

A reputable and well-respected attorney can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the court system. Divorce can be overwhelming for anyone unfamiliar with the process. If the judge or your spouse’s attorney and your attorney are colleagues who have worked together before, mutual respect can air over your case and make the process all the less difficult for everyone.

Objective Perspective

An objective voice of reason can be especially beneficial if you and your spouse are unable to agree on anything or are having trouble moving forward due to arguments and conflict. When an outside party has no personal affiliation with you or your spouse, a new perspective coming from an experienced lawyer who has seen other couples go through similar situations can provide eye-opening insight and make all the difference in the way you feel about your circumstances.

Mediation

Divorce doesn’t have to be a battleground that gets drawn out in a courtroom with all your business on display. It can be discreet, short, and amicable, carried out in respectable mediation where both parties can agree to compromise for the sake of ending the marriage with dignity and maturity. Having an experienced attorney who is well-versed in the tactics of mediation can facilitate a confidential, non-confrontational safe rapport where creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems can come to be, thus, garnering an amicable end to the marriage without negative emotions and the potential to preserve a decorum of mutual respect.

Amicable Outcome

An amicable outcome of divorce is a true blessing, especially if children are involved. Transitioning into the new post-marital norm is much easier for everyone. Adjusting and healing will come sooner if there are no bad vibes lingering. Mediation oftentimes provides a feeling of acceptance and a means for a peaceful end to a marriage. Divorced individuals can, in many cases, maintain a friendship after they end their marriage on good terms and are able to communicate in a healthy manner, thanks to the rapport they developed in a successful divorce mediation.

Other Areas of Family Law

While divorce is one of the most common areas of family law, there are dozens of other legal actions that comprise family law. Some of these are listed below.

Child Custody
Child Support
Alimony or Spousal Support
Property Division
Domestic Partnerships
Paternity
Appeals
Emergency Orders
Prenuptial Agreements
Postnuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence
Protective Orders
Annulments
Adoption

Finding the Right Attorney

Having an attorney can be an advantage to anyone in Ladera Ranch, CA involved in family law within any of the capacities listed above. Whether you are initiating a family law case or answering another party’s filing, don’t underestimate the value of having an attorney to guide you and advise you every step of the way. If you are currently looking for the right attorney to represent your case, below are some important questions to answer about attorneys you are interviewing to help you find the ideal attorney with whom you can feel confident and establish a relationship with to maximize and optimize the outcome of your case.

Does the attorney have a focus on the practice of family law? The answer should be yes. You wouldn’t want a lawyer who doesn’t have experience in family law representing your case.
Will the lawyer be personally handling your case? You should have a personality match with your attorney in order to establish a trusting relationship. You will want to know who you will be working with.
How do they approach child custody cases? Make sure the attorney you select will advocate for your child’s interests, as well as be understanding of the needs of your family.
How do they communicate with clients, and how will the attorney keep you updated about your case? Make sure your attorney can establish a means of communication with you so that you can stay in touch amid their busy schedule.
What are their fees, and how do you collect payment? Make sure you are clear on the attorney’s fee schedule and collection schedule.
What is your assessment of my case? The attorney should have a general idea regarding the approach and legal solutions they will take and what possible outcomes could result.

FAQs:

Q: What Is the Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer?

A: The words attorney and lawyer are often used interchangeably and rightfully so because, in most cases, anyone who is an attorney is also a lawyer, but technically, a lawyer is more of a universal term for anyone who practices law, while an attorney, on the other hand, refers to someone who has been officially admitted in a particular jurisdiction to practice law.

Q: How to Find a Lawyer?

A: To find a lawyer, you must first establish what type of lawyer you need. Then ask around in your circle of friends and family if they can recommend anyone who practices the particular area of law you need or knows anyone who has experienced a legal matter that may be able to recommend one to you. If not, look around locally in your area for a lawyer and call around with a short list of questions that pertain to your inquiry. For instance, ask for references, rates, and any other specific questions you have that can help you narrow down your options.

Q: What Does a Family Lawyer Do?

A: A family lawyer practices family law which involves family relationships, including marriage, divorce, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, division of property, alimony, paternity, child support, protective orders, adoption, annulment, and other types of cases. They also offer mitigation and mediation services that can help avoid court for families involved in divorce or custody cases.

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?

A: Depending on the type of case, its complexity, and whether or not it will require litigation, the typical retainer fee for a family lawyer in Ladera Ranch is between $3,000 and $5,000. A retainer acts as a deposit, and the hourly rate of the lawyer is deducted from the retainer as hours are spent working on the case until the retainer is depleted. If additional hours are needed to complete the case, a secondary payment will be necessary.

Hiring a Ladera Ranch, CA Family Law Attorney

If you’re ready to take the next step with a family law attorney, the Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is equipped to take on your case and help your family get through this tough time, so everyone can move. It is possible to get a divorce, establish custody, get a child support order, or whatever legal issue you are having in a way that isn’t a war of the roses. Contact the Dorie A. Rogers, APC, and find out how our legal services can help you facilitate legal solutions for your family law needs.

“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.

Ladera Ranch Family Law Attorney