Family law matters often cause individuals to experience stress and anxiety. If you are dealing with family law issues in California, then you should retain a Moreno Valley family lawyer. Legal counsel can provide you with guidance, instruction, and advice regarding the next steps you should take in your family law matter. It’s important to understand that you are not alone during this difficult time.
Common Types of Family Law Cases in California
Family law is a broad area of legal practice in California. These cases may involve children, divorce, marriage, and annulment. Complex family law cases often involve individuals with numerous assets that may be at risk during a family law proceeding. The following are some of the most common types of family law cases in California:
Restraining order
Property division
Legal separation
Divorce
Child custody
Child support
Alternative dispute resolution
Family law cases may be resolved through negotiated settlement agreements. A family law attorney can advise you on the different options available to you. Mediation is often a common form of alternative dispute resolution that can help the parties save money on an expensive trial.
Meet Our Team
Built on Courtroom Experience, Driven by Purpose.
Our attorneys have collectively tried more than 250 jury trials and thousands of non-jury trials, contested hearings, and courtroom proceedings in Family Law, Probate, Civil Litigation, Tax, and Criminal Law. That experience shapes how we evaluate cases, counsel our clients, and fight for results.
Our Corona Attorneys Have Been Awarded the Highest Legal Honors
Family Law Procedures in California
In most family law cases, one party will initiate the legal proceedings by filing a petition with the court. The other party will then be served with legal documents, and the case will move to discovery, settlement negotiations, and mediation. If these methods do not resolve the case, then the case may proceed to trial and be litigated in court.
Courts in California must adhere to the best interests of the child standard. This standard is especially relevant to cases involving child support and child custody. Courts will evaluate several factors when making determinations regarding parental rights, child custody, and property division. A family law attorney can assert legal arguments, file motions, and cross-examine witnesses.
Family law cases are often subjected to multiple hearings before a judge. Parties who have retained counsel often benefit from having a family law attorney advocate for them in court. The more strategic you can be during court proceedings, the more likely it is that you can negotiate with the other party and resolve your family law dispute.
If you’re navigating the legal system, we can fight to protect your interests. Call (951) 821-4647 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
Hire a Family Lawyer
If you are dealing with family law matters, then you should hire a family lawyer with experience handling cases similar to yours. A knowledgeable family attorney can help you understand your legal rights and provide you with exceptional legal representation. A family lawyer can advocate for you in court, file motions on your behalf, and cross-examine witnesses if your case proceeds to trial. Our firm is also equipped to assist clients whose first language is Spanish.
Cases in Moreno Valley are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. Family law documents related to divorce, child custody, and support orders are made public in California.
E. Steve Najera earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He earned his law degree from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He has worked as a deputy trial attorney at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, and he is lead counsel at Najera Law Group, APC, on all family law matters. He also represents clients at domestic violence restraining order hearings.
FAQs
How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in California?
The cost of a family law attorney in California depends on the complexity of the family law case and how many years the lawyer has been practicing law. It is a good idea to speak to a family law attorney during an initial consultation regarding costs, fees, and other financial matters. Most family law attorneys charge either a retainer fee or an hourly fee for all legal work performed on a family law case.
What Shouldn’t I Say to a Family Court Judge?
The parties should never use hostile language before a family court judge in California. Also, the parties should not exaggerate, lie, or make absolute statements that are not based on fact. It is not in your interest to attack your spouse verbally in court. The answers you provide to a family court judge should be respectful, factual, and brief. You should focus on the child’s best interest, as this is the standard the court follows in family law matters.
Who Wins the Most Custody Battles?
California law does not favor one parent based on gender. Courts must determine custody based on the best interests of the child standard. The court wants to focus on what will allow the child to live a regulated life in a healthy environment where they can pursue educational opportunities and hobbies without dealing with issues such as domestic violence and financial insecurity. Courts in California are more likely to award joint custody.
Who Loses More Financially in a Divorce?
Under California law, community property is a primary issue affecting divorce cases. The spouses must typically divide all assets and debts acquired during the marriage fifty-fifty. This means the financial loss is distributed equally among the parties. The spouse with a lower income may experience greater financial hardship due to maintaining a household with fewer financial assets.
Contact a Moreno Valley Family Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Family law matters are often emotionally charged and stressful. If you are dealing with a family law issue, then you should reach out to a family law attorney in Moreno Valley. Working with legal counsel can help you understand the legal options available to you and enforce your legal rights. If you are searching for a family law attorney in Moreno Valley, then contact us today to learn more about how a skilled lawyer can benefit your case.
Our team has years of experience working on all types of cases involving family law matters in California, both in English and in Spanish. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with legal matters regarding parental rights, property division, and child custody. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case.
Client Reviews
Skilled, Well-Experienced Lawyer.
“I also should mention that he has a great team behind his back with a service app that you can send any questions to if you get any and they respond right away even if they are closed at the time of asking the question they always made sure to get back to”
- Abanoub H.
Highly Recommend.
“Not only did I feel prioritized I also felt heard. I struggled finding a lawyer to help with my case and while other lawyers told me to “just give up” Najera Law Group encouraged me to keep going with my case and has gotten me the results neede”
- Alyssa H.
Extremely Nice & Professional.
“He reassured me through the whole process and I honestly was at ease because he truly cared about me and keeping my kids with me. Everyone in his office is pleasant to talk too and super nice.”
- Brittany R.
Highly Recommend Him.
“He was able to explain the divorce process to the client, in an easy and professional manner. We set up the consultation for the next day. Steve is knowledgeable and confident in his practice to serve his clients.”
- Carolina S.
Very Prompt, Candid, & Confident.
“I was in need of a lawyer in a last minute situation and I was very well taken care of and reassured every step of the way. Their confidence and knowledge alone put me at ease during a highly stressful time.”
- Hog S.
Amazing & Got the Job Done.
“Steve was amazing and got the Job done, My ex husband got temp custody of my 3 yr old son Noah, without hesitation my sister found Najeralawgroup, we quickly hired steve, without a fight he got the job done.”
- Theresa G.
Awesome & Very Confident.
“Steve and his team are awesome. Very confident, I’m glad I choose Steve to win my case.”
- Jackie R.
Really Appreciated the Help.
“You guys helped me a lot and really recomend you guys thank you for everything.”
- Cesar A.
Te Dan Mucha Confianza.
“Me pareció un excelente grupo de abogados te dan mucha confianza.”
E. Steve NajeraCEO & Chief Trial Attorney
Israel ClaustroChief Operating Officer
Quinton SwansonSenior Trial Attorney
Virginia AlvarezExecutive Director of Operations
Estefania BuenrrostroSenior Litigation Paralegal / Admin Supervisor
Ruth MaganaDirector of Business Operations and Analytics
Celina MancillaSenior Litigation Paralegal / Supervisor
Erika LopezLitigation Paralegal
Johana FloresLegal Assistant
Tito NavarroLegal Assistant / Marketing
Yessenia VazquezLegal Assistant
