Is it Time to See a Lawyer? - California Divorce Source

Encyclopedia

California Info

California Divorce Start Your Divorce Find Professionals California Articles Divorce Facts Divorce Grounds Residency Divorce Laws Mediation/Counseling Divorce Process Legal Separation Annulments Property Division Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce Forms Process Service Grandparent Rights Forum California Products Divorce by County

California Articles

Agreements Attorney Relationship Custody & Visitation Child Support Collaborative Law Counseling Divorce/General Domestic Abuse Domestic Partnership Financial Planning Foreign Divorce Mediation Parenting Property Division Spousal Support

Info Categories

Contemplating Divorce Children & Divorce Divorce, Dollars & Debt Divorce Laws Divorce Process Divorce Negotiation

More Information

Articles Checklists Research Center Cases of Interest Dictionary Encyclopedia Encyclopedia (pop-up) Blogs

For Professionals

Advertise With Us Free Network Page Join Our Network Submit Articles Sign In

Network Sites

California Divorce Support California Divorce Online

Is it Time to See a Lawyer?

Information Provided by: Elisabeth Crampton, Esq.

Why seeing a lawyer right away can save you from problems later

To Learn Your Options: A good family law attorney can discuss the different legal options you have when you face a domestic dispute. Is divorce the answer? Is there an alternative? How should I protect myself during reconciliation attempts? A family law attorney can give you information as to your options, even if you're not sure about divorce.
To Obtain Information On Your Rights: The decisions you make during a family law case can affect you and your children the rest of your lives. No one should make these decisions without properly being informed of their rights under the law. You should not trust the other side to properly explain your rights under the law. You should educate yourself to your rights through a consultation with a qualified attorney. Many attorneys will provide consultation on an hourly basis without the necessity of a big retainer. You should get the information you need to make these very important decisions as soon as you can. Ignorance is not bliss... in Family Law, ignorance can cause great harm to your family, your assets and your finances.
To Preserve Your Assets & Protect Against Unnecessary Joint Debt: During a divorce, the families' finances can be examined and divided by the Court. It is important to get legal advice as soon as possible to protect your financial future. If you have a will, living trust, life insurance policies, and other assets with named beneficiaries, it is important that you seek the advice of a lawyer as soon as possible to determine the effect a divorce may have on your estate planning. Many times waiting until someone has filed for a divorce is too late.
To Get Information On Parental Responsibilities During the Dispute: During a family law dispute it is important to remember that the parents' decisions and behavior can change the lives of their children. Parents need to be especially sensitive to their children during a custody battle. It is important that the children are not emotionally battered and dragged into the conflicts between their parents. A good lawyer can provide advice as to parenting plans that will work in the best interests of your children. In addition, a good lawyer can refer you to counselors and therapists who can help your family get through the difficult times.

Information Provided by: Elisabeth Crampton, Esq.

Was this helpful? Like our site & let us know.

Ways to Protect Yourself on Social Media During a Divorce

Divorce - Do You Need a Lawyer?

Divorce, Holidays, and the City of Santa Clarita

Reentering the Workforce After Divorce

Divorce - The Dawn of a New Day

The Good, Bad and Ugly in Divorce

When is a Final Divorce, Final?

Start Your California Online Divorce Today

Easy, Fast and Affordable with a 100% Guarantee.

Find California Divorce Professionals in Your Area:

Join the Network

California Divorce Products, Services and Solutions

California Divorce Resources to Help You Through the Process.

California Mandatory Online Parenting Class

Easy and convenient - complete at your own pace online.

Discount Divorce Bookstore

Over 100 Titles of the Best Books on Divorce & Custody.

Divorce Download Center

Instantly Download, Books, Manuals, & Forms.

Free California Divorce Worksheet & Separation Agreement

Your Guide to Get Organized and Put Everything in Writing.

To file for divorce, one spouse must have lived in California for the last six months, and the county where the action is filed for the last three months. Spouses who have lived in California for at least six months, but in different counties for at least three months can file in either county. These California residency requirements must be met in order for the court to have jurisdiction of the case.

Find Professionals

Easily Connect With a Lawyer or Mediator

Have Divorce Professionals from Your Area Contact You!

Start Your Divorce

Settle Your Divorce

Support Forum

Start Your Divorce Today
(Explore your options)