Family law matters directly impact your relationships, children, home, and financial security. Whether you are facing divorce, establishing custody arrangements, seeking child support, protecting yourself from domestic violence, or experiencing another issue, the decisions made during family law proceedings will impact your future for years to come. This is why it is essential to have proper legal support on your side.
Even cases that begin amicably can quickly become contentious as competing interests emerge and emotions run high. Regardless of whether your situation is straightforward or more complicated, getting help from an experienced Irvine family lawyer as soon as possible is important. The team at Pinkham & Associates is here to help you.
What to Expect in a Family Law Case in Irvine
In any Irvine family law case, it is advisable to prepare by scheduling an initial consultation with an attorney. From there, you will learn how the applicable California laws can affect your case and then outline potential outcomes. Before initiating any negotiation process, you should work on developing a strategic approach tailored to your circumstances.
Throughout the process, expect to provide evidence of your financial situation, complete court-required forms, and attend court hearings as necessary.
Family law cases are emotionally challenging, and the negotiations you make will have lasting impacts on your financial and familial situation. By retaining a lawyer to assist you, you can ensure your situation is well represented.
Types of Irvine Family Law Cases Our Attorneys Can Handle
“Family law” is an umbrella term that involves multiple types of cases. Here are the types of family law cases our Irvine family law attorneys have experience handling.
Divorce
Our Irvine family law lawyers can help you with your divorce. We know the process can be difficult, especially if you face it on your own while your spouse has legal support. We’ll help you handle the types of issues that tend to arise most often when a divorce is filed, such as the division of assets and spousal support.
Custody Arrangements
Custody arrangements are often contentious. A lawyer can help with your custody arrangements by planning a fair schedule and providing the support necessary to assist when the granting, revoking, or protecting of custodial rights is necessary.
Child Support
Child support is another family law issue that is easier to handle with a lawyer’s help. Child support payments must be decided proportionately to the non-custodial parent’s financial situation and the needs of the child. We will help you accurately calculate your child support, file an order to receive payments, and seek to enforce a previously established payment arrangement.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance rendered from one spouse to the other during or after divorce or legal separation. In Irvine, spousal support helps the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living while transitioning to financial independence, in accordance with California Family Law 4320.
Pinkham Law’s Irvine family law attorneys are well-versed in all matters of spousal support. We will help you calculate the amount of spousal support you deserve or need to pay, ensuring that nothing is left out or overexaggerated.
Property Division
When married couples separate, there is always a question of what to do with marital property such as houses, cars, or even businesses. A good family law attorney will help you sort through all assets involved in your marriage to accurately determine how they should be split. It can be challenging to decide what is fair on your own, which is why we work to ensure property is fairly divided between the parties.
When Should I Hire an Irvine Family Law Attorney?
You should consider hiring an Irvine family law attorney as soon as you anticipate becoming involved in a family law matter. Ideally, you would already have a lawyer by your side before taking any sort of legal action or making any significant decisions. Early consultation is essential if you are contemplating divorce, facing custody disputes, dealing with domestic violence, or if your spouse already has legal counsel.
You can attempt to negotiate family law affairs on your own; however, not hiring an attorney to help you puts you at risk of coercion or manipulation during negotiations and discovery. During this highly emotional and difficult period, it is better to work with a lawyer. The sooner you can speak to an attorney, the better protected you are.
What Can an Irvine Family Law Attorney Do for Me?
Our Irvine family law attorneys can help you in several key ways:
- Gather all relevant documentation and evidence on your behalf.
- File all orders and forms accurately.
- Represent your best interests at all times and help protect your assets.
- Ensure your custodial rights are fairly represented.
- Review your goals to make sure your case stays on track.
A lawyer can do so much more than just sign paperwork for you. They can help you through your family law case with dignity and grace and will work hard to protect you during this emotional time.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Pinkham & Associates Today About Your Divorce Case in Irvine
For over 25 years, the team at Pinkham & Associates has helped Irvine residents with their family law matters. Whether you are going through a divorce or figuring out custody arrangements, our Irvine family law attorneys have years of experience helping clients just like you.
Allow us to provide you with a free consultation at no risk to you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.