Family Attorney in Montecito, CA
There are few legal situations more strenuous than those involving the family unit. During these times, you deserve a strong legal advocate who can stand by your side and protect both your rights and the rights of those you love. Whether you are seeking a divorce from your spouse in Coast Village or the time has come to divide the marital home located on Malaga Drive, an experienced Montecito family lawyer is here to help you and to protect your rights.
Montecito Practice Areas
Trust Your Family Law Matter to Dorie A. Rogers, APC
For over 30 years, Dorie A. Rogers, APC, has built a solid reputation as a leader amongst family law firms in Southern California. We know that any family law matter often proves to be difficult, and we are here to evaluate your situation before providing you with the negotiation, litigation, and trial strategy you deserve. We involve our clients in every decision that is made and work to make certain you understand the legal process ahead of you.
Common Areas of Family Law We Practice in Montecito
Family law tends to be one of the most complicated and emotionally difficult areas of law. This practice pertains to any legal issues or disputes that may arise between members of a family unit, and for many individuals, a family law matter will be the first time they are required to appear before a judge. At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we handle all areas of family law in California, including the following:
- Divorce. California sees a divorce rate of 7.45%, meaning that nearly 75 out of every 1,000 people in the state have been divorced. Divorce is typically the most common area of family law, but it can also be one of the most difficult. It is crucial to have a family law and divorce attorney on your side who can help you understand the legal grounds for filing in California and who can help you seek the most favorable outcome available.
- Child support. When a couple faces divorce in Montecito, and they share minor children, the custodial parent may be able to seek child support from the noncustodial parent. At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we are here to help you obtain the necessary financial information to either help you achieve child support as the custodial parent or, if you are the noncustodial parent, we are here to protect your finances from being taken advantage of.
- Child custody. In California, there are two main types of child custody, which are legal custody and physical custody. In a divorce or legal separation, you and your spouse will need to determine how this custody is arranged, and should you be unable to, the judge will make the decision for you. Legal custody refers to the parents’ ability to make decisions regarding their child’s well-being, and physical custody refers to where the child will live.
- Property division. California operates as a community property state, meaning that each spouse is entitled to an equal share of all marital assets, or assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. These assets typically include the family home, other real estate holdings, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and business interests. Separate property is protected from division and can include anything owned prior to the marriage.
Spousal support. In Montecito, the median household income is around $231,005. This amount of money will often point to issues of spousal support should a couple seek divorce. There are various factors that will be considered in the awarding of spousal support, including both spouses’ incomes, the length of the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, and the marital standard of living both spouses are accustomed to.
FAQs
What Should I Prepare for My First Meeting with a Family Law Attorney?
To make the most of your initial consultation with a family law attorney, it is wise that you prepare. There are several forms of documentation that you should bring with you, including all your financial records, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing written agreements between the parties involved or existing court orders.
What Is Considered to Be in the Best Interest of the Child in California?
When a couple is unable to agree on a custody arrangement for their child following divorce or separation, the courts will make this decision for them based on factors they believe will determine what is in the best interests of the child. These factors include the age and health of the child, the nature of the relationship the child shares with each of their parents, and the stability of each parent’s home life.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Family Law Matter?
The amount of time it may take to resolve a family law matter can vary depending on the range of present factors. These factors include where and how the parties involved agree on certain matters and the nature of the matters themselves. For example, a divorce case in which no minor children are shared could pass relatively quickly. However, in cases where there are minor children, custody will need to be determined, which adds a significant amount of time.
Will My Family Law Case Go to Court?
In the U.S., 5.7% of all cases state courts work under the umbrella of family law. However, this does not mean that all family law cases will be required to go to court. In some situations, family law matters can be resolved through alternative methods like negotiated agreements or mediation.
Montecito Family Lawyer
If you are facing a difficult family law matter in Montecito, you need to hire a family lawyer from Dorie A. Rogers, APC. We are here to serve you, no matter what your case involves, and help you move forward into the brightest future possible. You can contact our Orange County office today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation. With our extensive knowledge and experience, you can confidently face the challenging family law issue ahead.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”