So, you want to get divorced in California. Make sure you want to take these steps before you speak to an attorney. Once you have made your decision, read the following which will give you some insight to divorce process in California and issues you may face.

The Law Offices of Edward Misleh, APC is a Sacramento law firm, located in Sacramento, California that practices California family law and California divorce law. We represent clients in Sacramento, California and in Northern California with services they need and deserve when addressing California divorce, child custody, spousal support, child support and community property. Call now our Lawyer Hotline. We offer a free consultation to all new clients. Call now 916-443-1267 for your free consultation.

Your Divorce Lawyer

I need a divorce lawyer. What does a divorce lawyer do? How will a divorce lawyer help me?

As your divorce lawyer, I will assist you in understanding your divorce. The divorce process which can be very troublesome and difficult, especially if there are children involved.

While One Relationship Ends Another Begins

What should I tell my divorce lawyer? What should I expect?

Your divorce lawyer should be someone with whom you can talk to and confide in. You need to place your trust in your divorce lawyer and let them do the job they were hired to do. As your divorce lawyer, you will find that both my staff and I are very responsive,, available, and attentive to your particular needs. The complaint most often heard from clients who switch from another lawyer to our firm is that their former lawyer would not communicate or would not respond to their inquiries. There is someone in our office every week day, and often, we can be reached over the weekend. We understand that there are emergencies which require immediate attention and that our clients want a quick response.

You May Not Need A Divorce Lawyer

I want a free consultation. What can I expect to happen at the free consultation?

Should you contact our office, you will be meeting with an experienced divorce lawyer for a free consultation. At this consultation, I will tell you if you can pursue your divorce without a divorce lawyer. You may need my help to understand divorce but, if your case is not complicated or has limited and defined issues, then I will inform you that you can represent yourself in your divorce action. I have interviewed many potential clients who have been successful in completing all paperwork and finalizing their divorce without a divorce lawyer.

Your Actions Could Significantly Effect Your Divorce

I’m mad want to get even. How can my divorce lawyer help?

Although we try to minimize the costs you will incur for your divorce, there are circumstances or factors that may significantly increase your legal fees. A vindictive or combative spouse is often the single cause to an increase in a divorce action. Hiring a divorce lawyer to “get even” or to “get back” at your spouse will only cost you, and your spouse, more money.

Money Will Always Be At Issue

I’m not concerned about money. I have enough money for me and our children.

To understand divorce, you should realize that money is always an issue. Your divorce will affect your finances. I know how to deal with financial issues such as: obtaining spousal and child support; attorney fees for a spouse who has not worked; establishing marital and community property interests; the selling or dividing of the family home; valuing and dividing a business; establishing each spouses’ share in retirement accounts, IRAs, and investment accounts; locating and dividing other assets which one spouse may be hiding.

Your Assistance Can Decreases the Cost of Your Divorce

What can I do to minimize costs?

I offer my clients the opportunity to save on attorney fees and legal costs by providing us with mortgage information, bank records, tax filings, employment records, and other financial records. Although we can obtain this information on our own, it saves time and money when you take part in the preparation.

We Instruct You On Steps You May Need to Take

Do I need a diary? Should I take pictures? Should I inventory our property?

Many times, there are issues that will have to be addressed in court and I will advise you on capturing and preserving evidence that may be needed in your divorce. The first thing I suggest to all clients who may have a complicated divorce is to start keeping a diary of the daily events and people involved in their divorce. There may be times when you will need to take pictures of people or property that may become an issue in your divorce. We may need to contact family or friends who may have knowledge of an issue and would be willing to testify on your behalf.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Tell your lawyer all you know.

You will not be helping yourself or your divorce lawyer if you do not take responsibility for your own actions. Any mistake is compounded when a client tries to hide or avoid their involvement in an act. Our clients are comfortable knowing that they can confide in us and that we will are not judgmental. As your divorce lawyer, the goal is to help you during this time of transition.

Maintain Your Focus and Understand the Overall Objective

Spend money and time efficiently.

I advise my clients on the issues to be addressed and on those that are not worth winning. Nothing is more upsetting than spending money on an issue that provides little or no relief. Your divorce may involve a number of issues but, you may not need to argue each and every one of them or, some of them may not be worth addressing.

You Must be Reasonable, Fair, and Willing to Negotiate

Always negotiate and keep negotiations open.

People often look for a lawyer who is a bulldog, grandstands, acts outlandishly or aggressively only to be disappointed by the results. In reality, this type of behavior tends to backfire; is not particularly helpful; and, can actually be detrimental to your interests. Attorneys who exhibit this type of behavior are often simply showing off to make their clients think they are getting their money’s worth. As your lawyer, my goal is to complete your divorce in the most effective and efficient way as possible. This means that I will take every opportunity made available to settle you divorce, to minimize your legal costs and to limit the number of court appearances.