Newport Beach Divorce Attorney
Divorce is a complicated legal process with many issues involved. When people try to represent themselves in their own divorces, they are usually unable to handle the legal nuances involved with drafting pleadings and other legal documents, and mistakes in this regard can cause long-term problems for years to come. Working with an experienced Newport Beach divorce lawyer is the only way to ensure that your rights will be protected and you will be in the best position possible after your divorce.
Whether you are the individual who has filed for divorce or the one receiving the summons, the team of Newport Beach family lawyers at The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith is here to support you. You deserve skilled representation in the face of these complex legal issues, and we are here to work closely with you to achieve the favorable results you hope for in your divorce case. Do not face these legal proceedings on your own – let us advocate for your rights.
Choosing Legal Counsel: One Of The Most Important Choices You Will Make
When facing a divorce or another family law matter, one of the most important decisions you will make will be your choice of legal counsel. The decisions you make in the process can impact your life and your family’s future for years. It is critical to work with a lawyer who has the experience to understand the legal implications you will be facing. Equally vital is the dedication to give you the help you need at every step of your case.
At The Law Office of Robert Goldsmith, we provide our clients with the benefit of more than 26 years of experience and our dedication to personally help each client get the best service and results possible. We represent clients in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County in a range of divorce and family law matters.
Common Types of Divorce in Newport Beach
In California, there are two main types of divorce: contested and uncontested. A Newport Beach divorce can, therefore, take one of the following forms:
- Contested Divorce: A contested divorce occurs when the individuals involved cannot agree on certain aspects of the dissolution of their marriage. These situations call for an attorney who can argue a case before a judge regarding such issues as property division, child or pet custody, child visitation rights, child support, or alimony payments. These cases are typically lengthier and more expensive for the divorcing couple.
- Uncontested Divorce: In an uncontested divorce, the divorcing couple agrees on all aspects of their divorce, so they do not have to spend time litigating these issues before a judge. If the couple can communicate effectively and agree on all the relevant issues, this can save them both time and money.
It is important to keep in mind that, in California, families with children are required to attend mediation if they cannot reach an agreement on child custody or visitation arrangements. This happens before a judge can issue the final orders. Child support, however, is typically handled through the court system separately.
Robert G.
Goldsmith
Newport Beach Divorce Lawyer
Call Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith Law today at 949-769-7052 for your Free Consultation!
The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith: Fighting for You in a CA Divorce
When you work with the team at The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith, you can count on us to keep your interests at the forefront of our minds. We are well-versed in all areas of family law and want to do whatever is in our power to obtain the most favorable outcome in your divorce case. When you hire our firm to provide legal support and representation, you can count on us to:
- Assist in filing the applicable paperwork through the proper channels so that no mistakes are made.
- Assist in negotiations with the other party’s legal team to reach agreements outside of court.
- Represent you in any necessary divorce litigation, should the need arise.
Why Work With The Law Office of Robert Goldsmith?
Our attorneys provide the personalized attention you need at this time of uncertainty in your life. When the one thing you are certain of is creating a better life, working with an experienced divorce attorney can facilitate the process for you. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your circumstances and understand your values before we work with you to develop the best strategy for moving forward. Call us for answers to your questions about matters including:
Our founding attorney, Robert Goldsmith, has earned a reputation over his two decades of serving clients throughout Orange County, California, for his meticulous attention to details and his commitment to helping clients through emotionally charged disputes.
We Help You Develop Intelligent, Well-Informed Decisions
At The Law Office of Robert Goldsmith, our attorneys are 100% focused on family law matters. We have the insight you need to navigate through the nuances of community property division and spousal support. We are committed to protecting your rights to a fair and just community property division and defending your spousal support position.
If you have children, we will help you safeguard your relationship with your children. Creating child custody agreements in the best interests of your children is our highest priority, and we will guide you in making important decisions for your family’s well-being.
Common Issues in Divorce Cases
At The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith, we represent clients throughout Orange County, California, in a range of matters related to divorce and family law. Newport Beach attorney Robert G. Goldsmith has more than 29 years of legal experience and a commitment to providing personalized, in-depth service to every client he represents.
We work with clients in all aspects of divorce, including:
- Child custody: We work with our clients to create parenting plans that protect the children’s interests and work effectively for everyone involved.
- Support: Our law firm helps clients through the process of determining child support, spousal support and maintenance.
- Property division: We help our clients with all aspects of dividing property.
- Complex and high-asset divorces: Attorney Goldsmith and our legal team focus on handling the most complex property division matters. We have strong connections with the legal and financial experts needed in these complex property division cases.
- Modifications: Our legal team helps clients in custody modifications and other post-divorce modification matters.
With two decades of experience, we prepare for the worst but fight for the best. We strive for non litigious solutions whenever possible – an approach that saves our clients time and money in most cases, and usually results in a better outcome. However, we are also prepared to represent our clients’ rights aggressively in the courtroom. We answer any questions you may have to help keep you informed throughout the process.
The California Divorce Process
Officially filing for divorce in California can be a complex and extensive legal procedure and generally involves several key steps. These include:
- Meeting residency requirements
- Filing the petition
- Serving the papers
- Disclosing financial records and assets
- Requesting temporary orders, if applicable
- Negotiating and reaching a settlement
- Waiting the mandatory six months before finalization
- Finalizing the divorce
Given the extensive steps involved, divorce cases can be complex and intimidating without a legal counselor at your side to guide you through every step of the process. When you hire The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith, you can expect us to manage the following steps:
- Scheduling your trial date
- Conducting the discovery or disclosure process
- Holding conferences or mediation to reach a settlement
- Gathering any necessary evidence
- Preparing for trial
- Planning your official testimony
Once your hearing date arrives, your skilled family law attorney can defend your interests, advocating for your rights and desires on every contested issue that may arise.
Reasons Why Divorce Litigation May Become Necessary
Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes between two opposing parties through the court system. While many cases can be resolved without litigations, several circumstances may require going to court to reach a settlement or resolution. Litigation may become necessary if:
- A contested divorce cannot reach an agreement through an alternative dispute resolution method, such as mediation, especially on key issues such as child custody, property division, visitation rights, child support, or alimony.
- One spouse is uncooperative or otherwise unwilling to participate in mediation or negotiations.
- There are any alleged or convicted actions of domestic violence involved in the divorce case.
- The divorce involves complex financial matters, such as business ownership, hidden assets, or significant asset value.
In these cases, litigation might be right for you and your divorce case, and The Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith can represent you throughout this process.
FAQs
A: How much a divorce lawyer might charge for their services in California depends on the facts of the case and the qualities of the attorney in question. However, certain factors can affect all cases and impact the final cost of hiring an attorney. These include:
- The issues involved in the case
- The complexity and duration of the case
- Whether the case moves to court litigation
- The experience of your attorney
A: There are several mistakes one will want to avoid making in a California divorce, as it can hurt your chances for a favorable outcome. These include:
- Hiding assets
- Failing to disclose all your financial information
- Not hiring an attorney
- Ignoring court orders
- Making decisions based on emotion only
- Not identifying separate property
A: In California, each spouse is typically required to pay their own attorney fees. However, in some cases, a judge might require one of the divorcing parties to pay for the fees of the other party. This usually happens if the courts believe their behavior to be especially egregious or if one of the parties is financially dependent on the other.
A: In California, either party can initiate a divorce without needing to accuse the other spouse of any form of wrongdoing. This is considered a “no-fault” divorce, and either spouse can simply file for one on the grounds of irreconcilable difference. Additionally, in California, as long as one spouse wants the divorce, the responding spouse can do nothing to legally stop the process.
A: Allegations of domestic violence need to be taken seriously. Contact our attorneys to learn more about protecting yourself and your family.
A:The cost of your divorce is dependent on your case. Even though the court sets filings fees, the type of divorce – uncontested or contested – and the specific circumstances of your proceedings that need to be addressed will impact the overall cost. At The Law Office of Robert Goldsmith, we work with you to keep costs reasonable.
A:There is no set timeline for how long divorces take. While California does not have a required separation period that you must wait before filing for divorce, you do have to wait six months from filing for your divorce to be finalized. If you and your spouse do not agree on terms, this can drag out the process. We work to complete your divorce in as timely of a manner as possible
A:Having to go to court is mainly dependent on the facts of your case. If you are moving forward with an uncontested divorce, you may not have to make a court appearance. However, if it is a contested divorce, you may have to ask the court for a judgment in your case. We can help you try mediation in a contested divorce to avoid going to court, but if we cannot reach a settlement, a judge may have to decide on the terms.
For Exceptional Legal Representation At Reasonable Rates
It can be difficult to contact a lawyer for legal assistance, especially if this is the first time you are attempting to speak with an attorney. Many people think they can handle their family law matters themselves because there are so many online forms to download.
What the internet doesn’t tell you is that you could end up delaying the process when the wrong forms are used. This is not just frustrating – it can be more costly than working with an experienced divorce attorney in the first place.
Call The Law Office of Robert Goldsmith at 949-769-7052 to speak with an attorney directly.
Contact Us To Learn More
Emotions can run high during your divorce. Our knowledgeable team can help ease some of the worry while walking you through the complex process. Talk with an experienced lawyer by calling 949-769-7052 or by emailing us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?
Contact the Law Office of Robert G. Goldsmith today to schedule your consultation and begin the process of securing a fair, positive resolution for you and your family. Let’s work together to achieve the best possible outcome.