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10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer
Updated: Dec 2, 2022
Learn The Top 10 Questions and Things To Consider Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
When you're going through a divorce and looking for Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer, remember that you don't have to hire the first attorney you find. Choosing the right divorce lawyer to assist you through your divorce is perhaps the most important decision you'll make.
There are many lawyers out there, and many advertise themselves as "family law" or "divorce lawyers". Within the area of family law, there are even further specialties, such as child custody law, guardianship, and an area of the law involving Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), which are special orders required to divide certain types of retirement benefits during a divorce.
Getting a Divorce in Los Angeles
In addition, there are many financial aspects and documents needed during a divorce, including:
Financial disclosure requirements between spouses
Restraining orders
Alimony and how to calculate the right amount
How to calculate child support if your divorce is filed in California.
The division of property and assets
The division of retirement benefits between spouses.
There are laws that affect all these issues, which are frequently updated, so you'll need to find a pre-screened Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles familiar with California's current rules.
Summary Dissolution
There's also a summary dissolution option, a simpler form of divorce in California. A couple must comply with the following conditions to apply for a summary dissolution:
Being married for just five years
Have no children born or adopted together and not currently expecting a child) during or before marriage.
Do not own land or any real property
Do not lease any land or buildings other than the current place of residence (and do not have a one-year lease or purchase option).
Have less than $41,000 (excluding cars) of property acquired while married
Own less than $41,000 separate property each (property owned before marriage, obtained as a gift or by inheritance, acquired after separation but before you are divorced or specified in a prenuptial agreement as separate property)
Have less than $6,000 (excluding car loans) in debts incurred after marriage
Agree that no partner will ever obtain spousal support
If these conditions are met, the couple must then draw up and sign an agreement separating property and debts.
How to Split Assets During a California Divorce?
California is what is considered a condition of community land. This implies that they are considered a single party for property ownership when two individuals marry. Thus any properties or assets received or gained by either party during the marriage are considered community property and are shared by both partners. Likewise, any debt accrued during the marriage by either party is often called community property.
Suppose you have lived in a non-community property state at some point during your marriage. In that case, one important thing to remember is that California would recognize any property that would have been deemed community property if you were residing in California at that time as community property for state divorce.
If you have property or properties that you owned before your marriage, or if during your marriage, you receive a gift or inheritance, that is separate property and is owned only by you. Purchases made with separate assets are separate assets as well. For example, if you inherit $10,000 from your grandmother's estate and use it to buy something, even if you purchased it during your marriage, the purchase is a different property.
10 Questions you should ask a California Divorce Attorney during a free consultation
Do you specialize in divorces, and how long have you been practicing family law? Are you a "certified family law specialist?" Have to handle a divorce case similar to mine?
Based on the specifics of my divorce, what is your strategy?
How do I get a hold of you if I have any questions?
Is someone from your office involved in my divorce? Do they have experience in divorce cases?
What is your hourly rate, and how will you charge me? What is your retainer up front? Do you accept payment plans?
Besides your attorney's fees, are there any other costs associated with my divorce?
What's your total estimate for my divorce? Remember, sometimes it's difficult to predict how the other side will act if your spouse's attorney puts up a fight that prolongs the duration of your case.
How can I keep my costs down? Is there anything I can do only own that will help save me some money?
Based on what you know about my divorce, how would you predict the outcome?
What are the potential tax implications?
How To Find Honest And Reputable Divorce Lawyers In Los Angeles
The consequences of a divorce charge can be permanent and affect your personal and professional life. You should immediately consult with a pre-screened Los Angeles divorce attorney with experience in California family law.
You can submit a request online 24 hours a day. Free case review within 15 minutes.
By chat, you'll be connected with a California divorce lawyer within 5 minutes.
By calling the 24-hour lawyer referral hotline at 1-661-310-7999
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