Palm Springs Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is one of the most difficult family law struggles faced by couples across the nation. The reason for a divorce varies from case to case, but they can all be hard on both parties involved. Whether you have a completely uncontested divorce or require in-depth mediation to resolve issues between you and your spouse, each divorce case requires an immense amount of solid legal support to navigate properly. Finding a legal team that is able to provide the help you need to make it through these tough deliberations is vital for a smooth case. At the Law Offices of Athina K. Powers, our legal team is here to help the families of Palm Springs through their divorce cases with as much support as possible.
What Separates Family Law from Other Legal Branches?
Family law is a branch of legal work that deals with family-based disputes, including child custody, divorce, child support, and domestic violence issues, among other things. These issues are a bit more sensitive than other branches of the law as they deal with the direct relationships between spouses, children, parents, and partners, which can be exceedingly tricky depending on the situation. For example, domestic violence cases are automatically more violent than those involving paternity testing and require more legal and physical protection for the parties involved. Family law cases require more care and support throughout the legal process, along with an understanding legal team. The results of these cases have the potential to alter these familial relationships permanently.
Divorce, in particular, is one of the more sensitive topics covered by family law and emotions tend to run high. When one party does not agree to the terms of a divorce laid out by the other party, they can contest these claims. If no resolution can be met in mediation, these cases can end up in court, ending up in a drawn-out legal process that could take weeks and cost thousands of dollars to deliberate. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that either party can file for a divorce without “just cause,” which includes things like infidelity. This can be shocking for those who are not expecting a divorce so soon. Complications from child custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, and asset division can make divorce proceedings exceedingly challenging to negotiate.
How the Divorce Process Works
The discovery part of your case, where any important information concerning your separation is collected, follows your financial disclosures, which leads to a culminating settlement. Your settlement is then presented before the court, where it is legally decided and worked through in front of a judge before a final verdict is announced. Once that final verdict is out, any post-judgment orders concerning payments, childcare, or asset division can be enforced, allowing you to change any titles and accounts to your spouse if necessary. After six months from your filing date, your divorce is legally considered final.
Family Law Attorney FAQs
Q: Can My Spouse Make Me Pay Their Divorce Attorney Fees in California?
A: No state, including California, has a statute requiring one spouse to cover the other’s legal expenses. In very few instances, California judges will order one spouse to pay the other spouse’s legal bills, but only if a family’s resources are so unbalanced that the divorce process would otherwise be completely unfair. For example, if your spouse relied solely on your income to provide for your family, a judge would not make them pay your attorney fees.
Q: How Much Do Divorce Attorneys Cost in California?
A: Most lawyers will need an initial retainer for their services, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. This money is given to a lawyer before a trial and used to secure the attorney’s services upon the initial consultation. From there, the cost of an attorney’s services varies based on the length of the case and the escalation of the negotiations between both parties.
Q: Who Is Responsible for Legal Fees in a Divorce?
A: As with most two-party legal proceedings, each side pays for its own legal fees and representation. Sometimes, a judge can order that part of the separation process be to have one party cover the other’s legal fees. However, this is very rare and only occurs in certain circumstances. For example, if you rely entirely on your ex-spouse’s income, your attorneys can file to have the judge order your ex-spouse to pay your legal fees.
Q: Do Both Parties Pay Divorce Fees?
A: In the case of a standard divorce, both parties will pay their divorce fees, legal fees, and legal retainers separately from their ex-spouse. Although rare, a judge can order that a higher-earning spouse, or the spouse supplying all the income for their household, be responsible for the legal fees of both parties. However, this is quite rare, and can only be achieved if that party’s legal team petitions the court with valid reasoning requiring these payments.
Finding a Palm Springs Family Attorney
Divorce is never easy to handle, regardless of how amicable the circumstances. Between dividing assets and dealing with child custody, having a strong sense of support is the key to navigating these hearings. Divorce can be hard, but with the help of a supportive legal team, it can be manageable. At the Law Offices of Athina K. Powers, our talented legal team can provide expert legal support for your case, helping you move past your divorce. For more information on our services in the Palm Springs area, visit our website and contact us today.
