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Do We Really Need to Hire Divorce Lawyers?

Matevosyan Law Group
When facing divorce, couples may decide navigate their divorce without representation. The reason for this choices may be personal or financial, but the impact on your divorce will be significant. Below, we have answered some common questions about retaining counsel:



1. Won’t We Save Money?



While proceeding unrepresented may seem cost-effective in the short term, it can often result in costly long-term consequences. An experienced family law attorney will be in the best position to advise you as to the consequences of your financial decisions, as well as help you properly calculate child support and alimony. Working without counsel, a party may drastically over or underestimate the value of their case, leaving money on the table. You may also find that the settlement you reach may not work for the long-term, meaning you’ll end up spending more money to modify or correct your original agreement.



2. I Don’t Want a War– Can’t We Settle this Ourselves?



The unfortunate fact is that parties in a divorce often have trouble separating their emotions from the practical aspects of their case– this is where an attorney’s assistance can be most valuable. This is probably your first divorce, while your attorney has handled hundreds of similar cases– and you can benefit from their experience. Your attorney is your sounding board, and will support you through this difficult time. Since your attorney isn’t emotionally attached to your spouse, they are in the good position to navigate the conflict, without becoming entangled in the emotions.



3. I’ve done a lot of research– Can I do my own case?



While it’s a good idea to do your own research and ask questions, remember that your attorney has spent years and countless hours on education and training to represent you. Laws and rules change frequently, and there may be local rules and orders that you must adhere to. An experienced family law attorney stays current on their legal education, researches case law and maintains relationships with the local legal community. As a pro se’ litigant, you may overlook the necessary grounds to state for relief, or inadvertently waive your rights to certain property or support. If your case goes to court, you will want an attorney who is well-versed in the rules of evidence and procedure to present your side. Their experience benefits you, and will ensure that your interests are properly represented.

Matevosyan Law Group offers free consultations to individuals seeking divorce. Call 1 (951) 588-6023 to speak with an experienced family law attorney today.

Hire a Top Rated Divorce Lawyer

Do We Really Need to Hire Divorce Lawyers?

Matevosyan Law Group
When facing divorce, couples may decide navigate their divorce without representation. The reason for this choices may be personal or financial, but the impact on your divorce will be significant. Below, we have answered some common questions about retaining counsel:



1. Won’t We Save Money?



While proceeding unrepresented may seem cost-effective in the short term, it can often result in costly long-term consequences. An experienced family law attorney will be in the best position to advise you as to the consequences of your financial decisions, as well as help you properly calculate child support and alimony. Working without counsel, a party may drastically over or underestimate the value of their case, leaving money on the table. You may also find that the settlement you reach may not work for the long-term, meaning you’ll end up spending more money to modify or correct your original agreement.



2. I Don’t Want a War– Can’t We Settle this Ourselves?



The unfortunate fact is that parties in a divorce often have trouble separating their emotions from the practical aspects of their case– this is where an attorney’s assistance can be most valuable. This is probably your first divorce, while your attorney has handled hundreds of similar cases– and you can benefit from their experience. Your attorney is your sounding board, and will support you through this difficult time. Since your attorney isn’t emotionally attached to your spouse, they are in the good position to navigate the conflict, without becoming entangled in the emotions.



3. I’ve done a lot of research– Can I do my own case?



While it’s a good idea to do your own research and ask questions, remember that your attorney has spent years and countless hours on education and training to represent you. Laws and rules change frequently, and there may be local rules and orders that you must adhere to. An experienced family law attorney stays current on their legal education, researches case law and maintains relationships with the local legal community. As a pro se’ litigant, you may overlook the necessary grounds to state for relief, or inadvertently waive your rights to certain property or support. If your case goes to court, you will want an attorney who is well-versed in the rules of evidence and procedure to present your side. Their experience benefits you, and will ensure that your interests are properly represented.

Matevosyan Law Group offers free consultations to individuals seeking divorce. Call 1 (951) 588-6023 to speak with an experienced family law attorney today.

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How Is Child Custody Decided

Matevosyan Law Group

Child Custody Laws in California

When parents in California, and elsewhere, divorce, child custody is among the issues that they must work out. With few exceptions, it is believed beneficial for children to have a relationship with both of their parents. However, parents cannot always agree on a parenting plan together. In such situations, the decision typically falls to the courts.

  • Legal vs. Physical Custody

There are two types of child custody in the state of California – legal and physical. Legal custody pertains to which parent is granted the right and responsibility to make important decisions regarding a child. This includes making choices about a child’s education, health and welfare. Physical custody, on the other hand, addresses which parent a child resides with.

  • Joint vs. Sole Custody

When making custody determinations, the judge may award joint or sole custody. Joint custody grants rights to both parents, while sole custody only bestows parental responsibilities on one parent or the other.

  • Joint Legal Custody vs. Sole Legal Custody

When parents are awarded joint legal custody, they share in the decision-making for their child. However, if sole legal custody is granted to a child’s mother, then only she, and not the child’s father, has the right to make choices for her child.

  • Joint Physical Custody vs. Sole Physical Custody

The same holds true for physical custody. When parents are awarded joint physical custody, the child lives with them both, sharing time between their households.

If a parent is granted sole physical custody, then the child will live primarily with him or her. In these cases, the other parent may have regular visitation with the child.

For both legal and physical custody, California state law presumes that joint custody is generally in the best interests of the child.

Deciding What Is Best for a Child

Child custody is not automatically awarded to one parent or the other in the state of California. Rather, the court considers a number of factors when making child custody determinations. According to the Judicial Council of California, these include the following:

  • The child’s age
  • The child’s health
  • The emotional ties between the child and each parent
  • The ability of each parent to care for the child
  • The child’s ties to his or her home, school and community
  • Any history of substance abuse or family violence

The state’s Judicial Council points out that custody cannot be denied to a parent because he or she has a different religion, lifestyle or sexual orientation. Additionally, the court may not use a parent’s physical disability as grounds to deny him or her custody.

Is California a Mother or Father State for Custody?

California law does not show preference to any one parent in a custody case. Custody decisions are to be made based on the child’s best interests. That being said, mothers are historically granted custody more often than fathers, since they are often the caretakers of the children more so than the fathers. This can make custody cases feel like an uphill battle for many fathers.

At What Age Can a Child Decide Which Parent To Live With in California?

Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3042 (a), California courts are required to consider a child’s preference when the child reaches a sufficient age (typically, age 14) and ability to give a mature opinion on child custody and visitation unless the judge believes it would be detrimental to the child’s best interests. However, even though the judge must consider the child’s opinions, it does not mean that the judge will act accordingly since other factors must come into play.

Working With a Child Custody Attorney in California

Even as they are divorcing, most California parents want what is best for their children. Sometimes, however, the emotions that are at play at the end of a marriage may inhibit their ability to agree on what that is. Therefore, parents who are going

through a divorce may benefit from seeking legal counsel. An attorney may help them understand their rights and negotiate child custody agreements, among other issues.

Contact

The professionals at Matevosyan law group to schedule a consultation and learn more about child custody laws in California.

Hire a Top Rated Divorce Lawyer