Santa Ana Family Law Attorney2025-10-29T13:02:54+00:00

Santa Ana Family Law Lawyer

In addition to being complex, family law is also one of the most emotional areas of the legal world. This is because the majority of family law matters involve complex subjects, personal relationships, and challenging legal issues. No matter what type of family law case you’re working through, it’s crucial that you hire a skilled Santa Ana family law attorney who can offer you support, knowledge, and representation throughout the process.

Santa Ana Practice Areas

Contact Dorie A. Rogers

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.

Your Santa Ana Family Lawyer

At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, our legal team is led by Certified Family Law Specialist Dorie A. Rogers. She holds over 30 years of legal experience and has committed her career to helping residents of California navigate challenging family law matters efficiently and effectively. Our team can help you understand your rights, what legal options are available to you, and how to obtain the optimal outcome possible for your specific family issue.

What Does Family Law Include in California?

Family law in California encompasses a myriad of different legal cases. The team at Dorie A. Rogers, APC, can assist you with the following family law matters in Santa Ana:

  • Divorce: In 2024, California had a divorce rate of roughly 5.88 per 1,000 women. While the divorce rate has been on the decline in recent years, it’s imperative that anyone going through a divorce or contemplating filing one hires an attorney who can help. Divorces address a range of issues, including child custody, child support, property division, and other matters.
  • Property Division. California Code, Family Code – FAM § 2500, known as the “50/50 law,” mandates that any property acquired during the time of a marriage must be split equally between spouses unless otherwise set aside through legal documentation prior to the divorce. Our team can fight to ensure you receive what you rightfully own.
  • Child Custody: According to Family Code § 3040, both parents in California are legally given an opportunity to file for the custody of their child. While parents can sometimes create custody terms outside of the courtroom, legal and physical custody are generally decided by a judge in family court when parents cannot compromise. You should have a lawyer who can represent you and your child’s interests when this occurs.
  • Child support: As of 2025, there are approximately 1.1 million child support cases in California alone, emphasizing how common separations and disagreements can be. Child support may be ordered after a divorce, if parents separate, or if one parent is not active in their child’s life. Child support is often an ongoing discussion, and may need to be legally revisited over time in order to adjust to changing circumstances accordingly.
  • Spousal Support: Like child support, spousal support can also be revisited according to the unique circumstances of a case. In California, the spouse who needs support must legally request it during their divorce, as it is not automatically awarded. To ensure you pay a fair amount or receive the amount you need to move forward, you should hire a family law attorney.

Our firm also offers services pertaining to adoption, mediation, postnuptial and prenuptial agreements, domestic partnerships, and more. Don’t wait to see how we can guide you through your Santa Ana family law case today.

Why Should You Hire a Family Law Attorney in Santa Ana?

There are many ways that hiring a family law attorney in Santa Ana can prove beneficial. Family law is one of the most overwhelming, emotionally challenging areas of the law, and can become even more complex when you try to work through a case on your own. When you choose to work with an experienced family lawyer, you give yourself the legal knowledge, support, and representation you need to fight for your interests and obtain the right outcome.

A compassionate Santa Ana family lawyer can help by:

  • Helping you understand your rights under California law
  • Helping you fill out and file complex paperwork on time
  • Keep you updated with all court proceedings and communications
  • Represent you in court or other hearings
  • Work to ensure your voice is heard
  • Help mediate disputes

If your family law case should require the involvement of your local extension of the California court system, you will most likely be spending time at the Lamoreaux Justice Center. It is conveniently located in the greater Santa Ana area and handles a wide variety of family legal cases. If you have questions about your case, the location of the courthouse, or any other aspect of family law, you can ask your family law attorney.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Family Law Attorney in California?

The cost of hiring a family law attorney tends to vary case by case in California. Your overall cost will be influenced by variables specific to your claim, including the time required to reach a resolution and the complexity of your case. You should ask your attorney about their pricing structure during your initial consultation.

What Is the Difference Between a Family Law Attorney and a Divorce Attorney in California?

Family law is an umbrella term that encapsulates any legal matter involving family matters. This means a family lawyer can assist you with most family law cases, including divorce, adoption, mediation, and more. However, many divorce lawyers focus on just divorce proceedings, meaning they may not be able to assist you with other family law matters, like adoption, for example.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Attorney in California?

If you are experiencing or expecting to face legal complications regarding a family matter in California, you may benefit from the help of a family law attorney. While you can hire one at any time during the process, many individuals have found that doing so from the start can protect you from unwanted confusion, disputes, and delays. You may be able to avoid unwanted setbacks and achieve your desired outcomes faster than if you had tried to start your case alone.

Do You Need to Have a Family Law Attorney Representing You in Family Court in California?

In the state of California, it is legal to handle a family law case without hiring a family law attorney to represent you. However, most individuals who have gone through the process would recommend that you hire a family lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for your interests. Due to the complex nature of family law, disputes, errors, and delays can easily occur without a skilled lawyer by your side.

Dorie A. Rogers, APC: Santa Ana’s Trusted Family Firm

Whether you were just served divorce papers or you’re looking to have a child custody order modified, the team at Dorie A. Rogers, APC, is prepared to guide you through every step of your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Reviews Quotes
“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.

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