Aliso Viejo Family Lawyer

Best Family Law Attorney in Aliso Viejo, CA

“Family law” is a broad legal term that covers a wide range of matters affecting individuals and family members. If you’re facing a legal issue involving your family, an Aliso Viejo family law lawyer from The Hatherley Firm can work with you to form a solid strategy based on your unique needs and the facts of your case.

Family Law Cases in Aliso Viejo

Our Aliso Viejo family lawyer at The Hatherley Firm, Douglas A. Hatherley, has extensive experience navigating all areas of family law, including:

• Child custody and support
• Divorce
• Post-divorce modifications
• Domestic violence
• Property division

According to data from the 2024 American Community Survey, Aliso Viejo is home to over 51,000 people, including many families of various sizes and forms. Only 16% of households surveyed in 2024 were non-family households, with the average household size being 2.6 individuals.

Child Custody and Support in Orange County

California courts are charged with acting in the best interests of the child in custody and support cases. This makes it very important for parties in these cases to present strong arguments as to why their preferences for custody and support are good for the child or children involved. An Aliso Viejo family attorney can help you navigate complex matters such as establishing custody, creating a parenting schedule, and requesting child support.

Aliso Viejo Divorce Cases

Approximately 11% of women and 7% of men in Orange County are divorced. If you’re navigating a divorce or separation case, it’s highly recommended that you hire a family lawyer to represent you through the complexities of these proceedings, as the result can shape your life for many years to come.

Domestic Violence Cases

In 2023 alone, California law enforcement agencies handled more than 160,000 calls related to domestic violence. Our firm helps victims in domestic violence cases file restraining orders and seek justice against their abusers. We also represent parties who are facing charges.

Post-Divorce Modifications

It’s possible to modify the terms of a divorce after the fact in certain situations. For example, if child custody or support arrangements no longer reflect the parents’ finances or ability to care for the child, modifications may be necessary. California courts are generally more likely to approve modifications if both ex-spouses can agree to the changes. If you want to have a divorce case reopened, consult a family lawyer to help you with this potentially challenging process.

California Property Division Cases

When it comes time to separate property between spouses, it’s not uncommon for disputes to arise over ownership. A California family lawyer can help keep you on the right track by working to trace ownership rights, assisting with property appraisals, examining pre- and post-nuptial agreements, gathering information about your spouse’s assets, and more.

Spousal Support or Alimony Cases

If one spouse makes significantly more money than the other, they may be ordered to pay temporary support throughout divorce proceedings or long-term support as a term of the final judgment. These orders are not put into place automatically, however, so it’s important to understand your rights to request the support you need.

FAQs

Is California a Community Property State?

Yes, California is a community property state. This means any shared marital property, or community property, is divided evenly between both spouses in a divorce. It’s important to note that “community property” refers to any property acquired throughout the course of a marriage. Separate property, on the other hand, is property acquired outside the marriage and belongs solely to one spouse. Separate property does not have to be divided.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Divorce in Aliso Viejo?

How long it takes to settle a divorce in Aliso Viejo differs from case to case. Under California law, you can expect to wait at least six months for a divorce to be finalized, but various factors can extend the divorce process.

One of the biggest factors in the length of a divorce process is whether it’s contested or uncontested. Another common roadblock is incomplete or incorrect financial disclosures. Court backlogs can also contribute to longer waiting times.

What Are the Divorce Requirements in California?

Divorce requirements in California mostly pertain to residency. California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not have to state a specific reason for the separation. Instead, you file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Orange County divorce requirements include being a California resident for six months and living in Orange County for three months.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Family Lawyer in Aliso Viejo?

The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Aliso Viejo generally depends on the details of the case. The total cost may differ based on the complexity and length of your case and the level of support you need to reach a final judgment. You can typically expect to hire a family lawyer for a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer. When conducting an initial consultation with a firm, it’s a good idea to ask about fees and payment options.

Hire a Family Attorney in Aliso Viejo

Between the logistics of navigating California family laws and the emotional aspects of family law cases, you may be feeling overwhelmed. In these situations, it’s wise to turn to a seasoned professional with experience navigating cases like yours.

Attorney Douglas A. Hatherley of The Hatherley Firm is ready to assist you and your family with his deep knowledge of California family laws. In addition to being a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Mr. Hatherley is:

• A Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California
• Ranked and recognized by Best Lawyers®
• Rated AV-Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®
• Rated by Super Lawyers®
• Rated 10.0 out of 10.0 on Avvo (Superb)*

As a local law firm based in Aliso Viejo, our team at The Hatherley Firm is committed to helping our friends and neighbors in South Orange County with complex family law cases. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact us today to set up an appointment with a member of our team.

Our office is located at 65 Enterprise, Suite 400, near the Aliso Viejo town center.

*Awards and accolades do not guarantee future case results. Selection criteria vary by organization, and every case is different.