Palm Springs Family Law Attorney

PALM SPRINGS FAMILY LAW LAWYER

If you are involved in a legal dispute pertaining to domestic issues, you need to get in touch with a family lawyer. Your Palm Springs family law attorney can help you attend to a vast range of domestic matters, including divorce, child support, child custody, paternity, adoption, and more.

Our team of experienced family lawyers here at the Edgar & Dow are devoted to standing up for Palm Springs residents. We know that the California legal system is complicated, and we aim to give you the peace of mind of knowing that someone is helping you navigate it. When you put your trust in us, you can rest assured that you have a competent legal professional attending to your unique needs.

WHAT IS FAMILY LAW?

Any type of legal issue that has to do with domestic or family matters falls into the category of family law. Families are complicated, and emotions and loyalties can often make family law cases some of the most intense legal cases. It is not unusual to need legal support to help untangle family issues. It is typically the most effective route to take.

Depending on which type of family law case you are involved in, you might have to file paperwork, go to court, and deal with other lengthy legal processes. Working with an experienced attorney can help you sort out how to complete all of your required steps and can often help streamline your situation by making sure everything is done accurately and quickly.

TYPES OF FAMILY LAW CASES

There are many types of family law issues in which your family law attorney can support you. You might also be dealing with more than one issue at the same time, which is why it is useful to rely on an attorney who has a positive track record in several areas.

DIVORCE

If you are thinking of or in the process of a separation or a divorce, you have a family law case. Marriages are complex, and ending one is no easier.

If you and your spouse both agree on how to divide your property, then you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. On the other hand, if you disagree on how to split things up or address important issues such as child custody, you are involved in a contested divorce. A contested divorce is usually longer and involves a great deal of legal negotiation.

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

If you are not yet married but want to protect your assets in the event of a future divorce, you and your future spouse should draw up and sign a prenuptial agreement (prenup). While it might seem unnecessary to discuss the implications of divorce when you are planning your wedding, signing a prenup is an effective protective measure to take while you and your spouse are on good terms.

When you sign a prenup, you make key decisions about who will get what in the event of an official split. For example, you can address the division of financial assets, debt, real estate, and more. There are a few things that you cannot address, though, like child support, which is in the hands of the court if you get divorced.

If you are already married but would like to protect your assets with a similar document, you should contact a family law attorney about drawing up a postnuptial agreement (postnup). This document allows you to also plan for the division of assets if you get a divorce one day. Setting up a postnup can also help keep the divorce process more amicable if your relationship gets to that point.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT

If you and your partner have a significantly different financial situation, the court may order spousal support payments. Also called alimony, these are monetary payments that can be made for a short period until one party can get to a certain financial standing or indefinitely until you or your former partner gets remarried or passes away. The amount that you might have to pay or receive will be based on your income and other personal factors like the length of your marriage.

CHILD CUSTODY

When you are ending your marriage and you share children with your partner, you will have to address the issue of child custody, who will take care of the children, and what child visitation will look like.

If you and your partner can cooperatively work out a custody arrangement, the legal process might proceed rather smoothly. However, child custody often sparks disagreements and tension, so a long, legal battle might be ahead. It is important to consult with a family law attorney to protect your interests and the interests of your child during this time.

CHILD SUPPORT

Sometimes, one parent has to make monetary payments to the primary caregiver of their children after a divorce. This is called child support, and the amount and duration of the payments are determined by the courts based on factors specific to your financial situation.

While child support orders are mandatory, they can, unfortunately, be complicated in practice. If you are looking to enforce a child support order or contest one, you need to get in touch with a family law attorney.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

In issues of child abuse or neglect, you should reach out to a family law attorney to determine your legal options. In such cases, Child Protective Services (CPS) executes plans to remove children from dangerous situations, but they can be tough to deal with alone.

Whether you are being accused of abuse or your child has experienced abuse or neglect at the hands of another individual, these are delicate cases that require informed legal guidance to make sure the child’s needs are accounted for. It is possible to deal with these cases yourself, but having a lawyer you can count on can help the process go much smoother.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Unfortunately, domestic violence cases are common family law cases in California. These are extremely complicated issues that can be tough to face alone. If you have endured violence at the hands of someone in your household or family or if you are accused of committing domestic violence, you need to reach out to a lawyer who can review the evidence and represent your interests in this matter.

HOW CAN A PALM SPRINGS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY HELP YOU?

Your family law attorney can provide you with invaluable support during this difficult time. Cases involving family matters can take a toll on your emotional health, in addition to your time and resources. When you hire a family law lawyer to help you with your case, you can reduce some of your stress and be confident that your case is handled with detail and care. A qualified family law attorney can:

• Provide legal counsel. Every family is different, and so is every family law case. What happens to one family in a case of child custody or domestic violence will not necessarily be your story. This is why you should consult with a family law attorney who can help explain the legal process in the context of your family’s situation.
• Prepare and submit documents. With most legal processes, you will need to file a large amount of paperwork. Your lawyer can walk you through what is expected
• Collect and present evidence. Depending on what kind of case you are in, you might need to collect relevant evidence to make a point. For instance, in child custody battles, contested divorces, domestic violence situations, and more, your lawyer will understand what kind of evidence you should use to protect your rights.
• Going to court. Not all family law cases go to court. You might end up not having to go into a courtroom at all in some situations. However, in other cases — such as child custody battles that have the potential for a lot of conflict — you and your lawyer might have to go to court. With the right family law attorney on your side, you can be confident in court, knowing that a qualified professional is fighting for your rights.
• Assist with appeals. When a court case does not end up going your way, you might still have some legal options. For instance, if evidence was overlooked or misinterpreted, your lawyer may be able to file an appeal to prompt the court to review your case. This can sometimes result in a changed ruling.
• Assist with alternative dispute resolution. Litigation can take a long time, and you might be interested in other ways to resolve your family disputes that do not involve going to court. When you contact your family law attorney, they can assist you with alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The intention of ADR is to come to a legally binding agreement without having to go to court.Mediation is an example of an ADR process and involves an individual called a mediator who acts as a neutral third party between you and the person you are having a dispute with. Arbitration is another option. Your case is heard by an individual arbitrator or team, and there is less evidence that has to be presented. Your lawyer can review the facts of your case and help determine which ADR method is right for you.

Palm Springs Family Lawyer FAQs

Q: Is It Always 50/50 Divisions of Property in a Divorce in California?

A: If you are getting a divorce in California, the law requires that the value of your assets be split equally. This does not mean your property will automatically be split half and half, though. The court will take into account a lot of other factors like each spouse’s income and capacity for earning, their debts and assets, their health, and more. Consulting with your lawyer about what the division of your property might look like will help you better understand your situation.

Q: Can My Spouse Make Me Pay for Their Divorce Attorney Fees in California?

A: Typically, each party is responsible for their own attorney fees during a divorce of any type in California, but there are some situations in which the court might order a spouse to contribute to the other party’s legal fees. In the case of a severe income disparity or unreasonable conduct, your spouse might have the grounds to make you pay. Consulting with your lawyer can help you better understand if this is the case in your split.

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in California?

A: If you require a family law attorney in California, you can expect the cost of their services to align with what you need from them. For instance, a short, uncontested divorce will cost you less than a drawn-out, contested split. However, the more complex and lengthy a case is, the more important a lawyer will be in fighting for a positive outcome. If you want more information about the cost of your specific case, you should seek out a consultation with a family law attorney.

Q: Why Do You Need a Family Lawyer in California?

A: California’s legal system is complicated, and so are families. If you are dealing with a family law case in California, you should consider hiring a family lawyer to help take care of all of the steps involved with your case. Your attorney can file paperwork, collect evidence, argue and negotiate on your behalf, and help appeal a negative outcome.

CONSULT WITH A PALM SPRINGS FAMILY LAWYER

When it comes to family law issues like divorce or child support, you do not want to risk navigating the legal system alone. You should put your trust in an experienced lawyer who has a history of success in similar cases in your region.

If you are ready to work with a seasoned family law attorney in Palm Springs, the Edgar & Dow can support you. We cover a wide range of family law cases, including child visitation, custody, support, domestic violence, guardianship, father’s rights, divorce, paternity, and parental alienation. In addition, we can help you with alternative dispute resolution services if you want to try and avoid litigation. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.