Moreno Valley Family Lawyer

Family Attorney in Moreno Valley, CA

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.

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.

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.

Family Law Statistics

For fiscal year 2024, the Office of Child Support Enforcement reports that $29.5 billion in total child support collections was distributed. In 2023, approximately 7% of men in California were divorced, as were 10.5% of women.

About Us

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.