So, you want to get divorced in California. Make sure you want to take this step before you speak to an attorney. Once you have made your decision, read the following which will give you some insight to divorce process and issues you may face.
The Law Offices of Edward Misleh, APC is a law firm that practices family law and clients in Northern California with services they need and deserve when addressing divorce. Call now our Lawyer Hotline. Call now 321-951-9164.
Understanding Your Divorce
Understanding your divorce is article containing information for those who may be contemplating divorce. This article touches on some of the issues that you should consider before hiring an attorney or filing for divorce.
Attorney-Client Relationship
Upon filing for divorce, you will be leaving a marriage relationship and entering into the attorney-client relationship. Understanding your divorce will be primarily dependent on this relationship. You will need to locate an attorney with whom you can talk and confide in about the matters surrounding your California divorce. As your attorney, you will not only find us very responsive and available, but very attentive to your particular needs. Your California divorce can be difficult and stressful. The complaint most often heard from clients who switch from another attorney to our firm is that their former lawyer would not communicate or would not respond to their inquiries about divorce. We understand that there are emergencies which require immediate attention and that our clients want a quick response.
Proceeding Pro Per
There are times when you may not need an attorney. If your case is not complicated or has limited and defined issues, then we will inform you that you can represent yourself in your divorce action. We have interviewed many potential clients who have been successful in completing all paperwork and finalizing their California divorce on their own.
Understanding Your Divorce Costs
Your actions may have a significant effect on the cost of your divorce. 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 spouses is often the single cause to an increase in a divorce action. Hiring an attorney to “get even” or to “get back” at your spouse will only cost you, and your spouse, more money.
The Issue of Money
We understand that you will be impacted by the financial matters surrounding your divorce. Your divorce will affect your finances and we know how to deal with such issues 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.
Decreasing the Cost of Divorce
We offer our 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, it saves time and money when you take part in the preparation.
Keeping Records
Many times, there are issues that will have to be addressed in court and we advise you on capturing and preserving evidence that may be needed in your divorce. The first thing we suggest to all clients who may have a complicated divorce is to start keeping a diary of the daily events and people involved in your 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.
The Best Policy is Honesty
You will not be helping yourself or your attorney 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 attorney, the goal is to help you during this time of transition.
Maintain a Focus on the Overall Objective
We advise our 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.
Be Reasonable & Fair
You must be reasonable, fair, and willing to negotiate. 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 attorney, our goal is to complete your California divorce in the most effective and efficient way as possible. This means that we will take every opportunity made available to settle you divorce, to minimize your legal costs and to limit the number of court appearances.
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For more information on divorce, click on one of the following links:
California Divorce Information
