Sonoma Family Lawyer

SONOMA FAMILY ATTORNEY

Family has always been something that is vital to us, no matter how complicated it may be. Changes to your family can be difficult to work through, and it can have a major effect on you and whoever else is involved, especially children. When these familial changes involve any aspect of family law, things can get more complicated and harder emotionally. This is when a Sonoma family lawyer can step in to give you the help you need.

Why You Should Choose the Carroll Law Office

At the Carroll Law Office, we are committed to diligence and open communication with each of our clients. With our decades of combined experience in family law, we have the knowledge and skills to work in all areas of family law. We are fully committed to our clients and working hard to come up with solutions to their unique situations. We are your CA law firm, here to give you the support you need.

Benefits of Hiring a Family Law Attorney

There are several family law practice areas that we focus on at the Carroll Law Office. It is important to have legal representation no matter what your situation is, even if it is as simple as an uncontested divorce. There is always potential for simple matters to become complicated. Here are a few common practice areas that could necessitate hiring a lawyer:

Child Custody and Support

When a divorce or separation involves kids, the sensitivity of the situation increases. The well-being of the child becomes a top priority when deciding on custody agreements, parenting time, child support, and anything else necessary. In cases when both parents cannot agree, a lawyer can act as a mediator and come up with possible solutions in the best interest of the child.

Divorce

One of the most complicated areas of family law is divorce. The more complicated the divorce, the more likely you are to need a lawyer to act as a mediator, negotiator, support system, and anything else you may need that they can provide. Even if the divorce starts as uncontested, there may still be potential for it to become contested. A good divorce lawyer can help you and your spouse reach a fair solution.

Spousal Support

Spousal support comes up very often in divorce cases, and there are a few different factors that determine how much support a spouse is entitled to. These factors may include how long you were married and how much each spouse makes. Whether you are possibly being awarded support or ordered to pay support, having a lawyer can ensure the amount is fair.

Property Division

Dividing property may be one of the hardest parts of a divorce, especially when you and your spouse have a lot of property between you. If there is no discussion before or during marriage about how things will be distributed in the case of a divorce, you must come to an agreement during a divorce that you both can agree on. In these cases, emotions can run high, and having a lawyer who is more objective can be crucial in negotiating and trying to reach an equitable agreement.

Domestic Violence

In domestic violence and abuse cases, it is crucial to have the assistance of a lawyer when deciding to take legal action. Not only can they be an important support system for you, but they can also guide you through the process of doing whatever you need to do to get you in a better place. This could include getting a divorce, filing a restraining order, creating a safety plan, and finding other methods of support.

Juvenile Dependency

Juvenile dependency cases can be one of the most difficult family law areas. Having to deal with child protective services in any capacity is scary. A family law attorney can help you through the process, give you advice on actions to take, and make sure you understand your rights as a parent or guardian.

FAQs

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

A. In California, how much a family lawyer costs is based on several factors that each lawyer typically takes into consideration when deciding a price for their services. These factors include the lawyer’s level of experience, case complexity, expected time and labor, and possible court appearances. On average, a lawyer in CA may charge an hourly rate of around $300, and this price could be higher or lower depending on the firm. Often, lawyers will also charge a retainer fee for their services.

Q. What Does a Family Lawyer Do in California?

A. Generally, a family lawyer in California will take care of all legal matters that involve domestic relationships or family-related situations, as well as the family court. Some of these situations could include divorce, child custody battles, domestic violence and abuse, adoption, etc.

A family lawyer is meant to advocate for their clients and represent their interests in any matter. Their services can include assisting with filing proper paperwork, obtaining all necessary information to help your case, and representing you in family court.

Q. What Is the Most a Family Lawyer Can Make?

A. A family lawyer in California can make as much as $200,000 per year and, in some cases, more. Of course, this heavily depends on where the lawyer is located and how much experience they have. As you can imagine, a lawyer with 30+ years of experience likely makes more than a lawyer with 10 years of experience. Similarly, a lawyer in San Jose may make more than a lawyer in Sonoma with the same level of experience.

Q. How Do I Get a Copy of My Divorce Papers in Sonoma County?

A. In order to get a copy of your divorce papers in Sonoma County, you will need to get in contact with the Sonoma County Superior Court, Family Law Division. You can request a copy of your divorce decree from the court either in person or by mail, and you may have to pay a fee.

Contact a Family Lawyer at the Carroll Law Office

If you have family matters that involve taking legal action in some way, you may need to contact a family law attorney to help you. Our lawyers at the Carroll Law Office can offer assistance and representation for many different family legal situations and be by your side every step of the way. Contact our office today to get started with a consultation.