Bohm Wildish: California Family Law
If you are going through a California divorce, you have undoubtedly heard endless horror stories of unfair settlements, ferocious court battles, and angry, bitter couples ruining the day they met. Most divorces are able to be settled, if not amicably, then civilly, whether with the help of mediators or the court. Several issues complicate divorces, including community property, child custody and support, debt, and housing. Because of the complexity of family law and tensions that typically surround divorce, hiring an attorney who specializes in divorce law is often a necessity. How do you find the right lawyer?
A variety of factors influences the decision of which attorney you hire, including experience, personality, skill, negotiating and/or courtroom expertise, and, not the least of which, cost. A divorce lawyer in California typically costs about $284 per hour; you may also have to pay for support staff, like paralegals, that are involved in your case. If you cannot afford this, it does not necessarily mean you have to go without a lawyer. In fact, it is often well worth the cost in the long-term. Here are some ways to get legal help on a lower income:
- Check state or federally funded programs. Legal Aid offices offer services based on income, and many firms throughout the state of California work on divorce cases on a pro bono basis. It is worth your time to look for these lawyers, especially since they specialize in this particular area.
- If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you will find many more firms and agencies that are willing to help you on a pro bono or greatly reduced fee basis.
- Self-help clinics are available; here volunteer lawyers answer questions and help with forms. While this is not the same as having a retained lawyer, it is far better than going it alone.
Many lawyers accept payment plans, so if you earn too much money to qualify for legal help, you can pay your fees over time. Yes, it is an unwelcome expense that comes at a very difficult time, but it can help protect your rights and get you a more advantageous settlement.
California Family Law: An oft-quoted statistic is that about half of all marriages will end in divorce; the silver lining in that particular cloud is that it is relatively easy to find attorneys who specialize, or have extensive experience, in divorce law. Lawyers do not have to be certified in a particular field, such as divorce law, and it is possible that you could retain a lawyer who is more of a generalist or who has more experience in real estate, tax, or corporate law. You really need to be sure that he/she is well-versed in state divorce law specifically. This is important because laws are continually shifting, and because the stakes tend to be high.
Learn More: Planning for a Divorce
The internet makes it easier to research your divorce lawyer and check his credentials, which you should always do. Is your lawyer in good standing with the California Bar Association? Does he belong to professional associations related specifically to divorce specialties? Can you find client reviews and ratings? All of these are important questions to answer.
The right divorce attorneys <insert link to article 2> can help you navigate the difficult process with more confidence and help you secure a more favorable outcome.
Video: California Divorce Laws