Navigating sensitive family issues can be complex and emotionally charged. Whether you are going through a divorce, unable to reach an agreement with child custody or support, or have concerns about property division, having a dedicated lawyer on your side can prove invaluable. Hiring an Oakville, CA, family lawyer is a wise decision to help you with your family law issues.
At Hayes Family Law, we pride ourselves on helping our clients resolve their issues with concierge-level service. We have over a decade of experience handling all kinds of family law matters, from child custody to high-net-worth divorce. We can work alongside you to ensure your rights are protected and you achieve a favorable resolution for all parties involved.
Family law practice areas cover a range of issues involving familial disputes. While most people hope to grow families that are stable, healthy, and whole, sometimes, circumstances prohibit this from occurring, and the law must get involved. Some of the most common practice areas of family law include the following:
- Divorce. Divorce, or the dissolution of marriage, is a choice couples make when they are unable to resolve their marital issues. At our firm, we handle divorce cases whether the divorce is amicable or contentious, or if there are considerable assets to distribute.
- Spousal support. In some divorces, one spouse must pay spousal support for a variety of reasons. This often occurs if one spouse is financially dependent on the other throughout the marriage. The judge will make a spousal support ruling that is “just and proper.”
- Child custody and visitation. If a couple divorces and they share children, one or both of them will be granted custody. Custody can be sole, shared, or joint. The parent who is primarily responsible for the care and support of the child is considered the custodial parent. The non-custodial parent has the legal right to spend scheduled time with the child, which is considered visitation rights.
- Child support. Another legal obligation of the non-custodial parent is to pay child support. Child support is when the non-custodial parent financially supports the child through payments determined by the judge. In California, this amount is determined by a specific calculation that ensures the payments are both fair for the parent and adequate for the child.
- Property division. Many partners come into a marriage or domestic partnership with property or assets. If a couple has a prenuptial agreement, property division may be outlined in the contract. In other cases, there may be disputes about who is entitled to what property. Our lawyers can help divorcing clients navigate the laws surrounding property division and reach fair agreements.
- Estate planning. Estate planning is another area of family law that elicits strong emotions and involves complex legal statutes. No matter the situation, we believe it is beneficial for individuals to have a plan in place before they pass on. Having an estate plan avoids messy, difficult, or tense disputes within families over their loved one’s estate.
We are here to help you and provide kind, personalized, and holistic legal guidance for your family law case, whether your matter is tense, amicable, clear, or complex.
While some families can iron out their issues themselves, there are some cases where involving a lawyer is unavoidable. Family lawyers can be present to represent their clients in court or walk them through complex legal documents and help them avoid mistakes. Making one mistake on a document or filing a form in an untimely manner may lead to a host of problems.
Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in California?
A: The cost of a family lawyer in California depends on three main factors: the case complexity, the firm’s location, and the lawyer’s experience. It is difficult to narrow down a specific rate, but lawyers with more experience can justify charging steeper hourly rates. Further, since most family lawyers bill by the hour, more complex cases requiring more time may cost more money. Finally, firms in areas with a high cost of living tend to have hire fees.
Q: What Does a Family Lawyer Do in California?
A: A family lawyer in California handles cases with a wide range of legal issues involving families. For instance, they may represent clients in a divorce, help guide families through the estate planning process, or help with issues involving children, such as child custody, visitation, and child support. Family lawyers may work out of their office, mediating disputes, helping with paperwork, and providing legal advice, or they may represent their clients in court.
Q: Do You Need a Lawyer for Family Court in California?
A: Seeking the help of a lawyer for family court is not required but is highly encouraged. Some individuals may feel they can handle their family law matters on their own if they are simple, but simple matters can quickly become complicated. Hiring a lawyer helps ensure that any complications that come up are effectively resolved and the law is properly applied in your case.
Q: Who Pays for Attorney Fees in a Child Custody Case in California?
A: In California, the circumstances of a child custody case typically factor into who pays the attorney fees. Typically, both parties pay their own attorney fees, but in some cases, the judge may require one party to pay all fees. This applies if one party is dependent on the other or if the financial responsibility is too great for one party but feasible for the other. In some cases, the non-custodial parent must pay the fees.
When you are navigating difficult family disputes, know that you are not alone. Having an experienced, high-quality lawyer on your side makes all the difference in whether your case goes smoothly or has significant complications. At Hayes Family Law, we have a proven track record of providing our clients with personalized service that gets the job done. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
