Dublin, CA Family Lawyer

Dublin, CA Family Law Attorney

Family law matters can be some of the most emotionally driven and difficult legal issues you’ll face. Dealing with these issues means handling all the required court processes and any emotional concerns the case uncovers. No matter the type of family law issue, a Dublin, CA, family lawyer can help guide you through these challenges with the legal counsel and compassion you need.

Why Choose Us?

At Tierney Law Group, we provide personalized legal solutions for each of our clients. Every family law case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. We have a deep understanding of California’s family laws, and we use this knowledge to craft strategic legal plans focused on achieving the greatest possible outcomes for you and your family.

We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and compassionate legal support. The Tierney Law Group team is dedicated to being your legal advocate and helping you navigate the emotional complexities of your case with confidence. We are committed to providing the attention and dedication you deserve while fighting for your rights throughout the process.

Types of Family Law Issues

Family law is a broad area of legal practice that encompasses a wide range of issues related to family relationships. Some of these issues include:

• Divorce and legal separation. The dissolution of a marriage is one of the most common family law matters. Legal separation is another option for couples who wish to live apart while remaining legally married. For some, this better aligns with their circumstances.
• Child custody and visitation. Typically speaking, decisions surrounding children tend to be the most emotionally difficult issues in family law. California courts place a high value on the best interests of the child when trying to establish custody arrangements, considering factors such as each parent’s capability to foster a stable home and the child’s relationship with each parent.
• Child support. In California, both parents should be able to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. The amount of child support is determined by a formula that considers factors such as each parent’s income and the number of hours the child lives with each parent.
• Spousal support (alimony). Spousal support is given to certain spouses in the event of a divorce to help them maintain a similar standard of living to when they were married. California courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and the standard of living during the marriage when awarding spousal support.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Many couples choose to protect their assets and establish financial expectations before or after marriage through prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. An attorney can assist in drafting these agreements to ensure that they are legally sound and accurately reflect your wishes.

How a Lawyer Can Help

There are numerous situations where having a skilled family law attorney is essential. Some of these situations include:

• Divorce proceedings. An attorney can help you separate your life from your spouse’s and set your next chapter up for success. An attorney can help protect your rights and fight for a fair resolution.
• Child custody disputes. With your child’s best interests at the forefront of your wishes, you need an attorney who understands California’s custody laws and can represent your position effectively. A lawyer can help you develop a custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s welfare.
• Modifications of existing orders. An experienced family law attorney can help you petition the court for modifications to child custody, child support, or spousal support agreements, ensuring that the new arrangement reflects your current situation.
• Domestic violence. If you’re facing domestic violence or need legal protection, a lawyer can guide you through obtaining a restraining order and provide support during this potentially dangerous time.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Having a lawyer draft a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is essential to ensure it is legally enforceable and meets California’s legal standards. An attorney helps ensure that your rights are protected and that the agreement is fair and comprehensive, preventing future disputes over property, debts, or spousal support.
• Adoption and guardianship. The adoption and guardianship processes involve numerous legal steps and potential complications. A family law attorney can ensure that these procedures are followed correctly and that your adoption or guardianship is completed smoothly and efficiently.

FAQs

Q: What Makes a Parent Unfit for Custody in California?

A: In California, a parent may be found unfit for custody if they exhibit actions that jeopardize the child’s safety, such as a drug or alcohol addiction, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or an inability to establish a secure home environment. A history of domestic violence or mental health conditions that make it difficult for the parent to raise the child can also affect the court’s determination that a parent is unsuitable for custody.

Q: How Does a Father Lose Custody in California?

A: In California, if the court finds that a father endangers the child’s safety or well-being, the father may lose custody. This may be the consequence of behaviors like mistreatment, neglect, drug misuse, or neglecting to provide for the child’s fundamental needs. In addition, a father may lose custody if he doesn’t continue to be involved in the child’s upbringing or if he doesn’t follow the court’s directives about visitation, custody, or other parenting duties.

Q: How Do Family Lawyers in California Charge for Their Services?

A: In California, most family law attorneys will charge hourly rates or fixed fees for their services. These charges will vary based on the attorney’s history, the complexity of the case, and other considerations. When you are considering which attorney to retain for your case, it is important to have an open conversation about the cost expectations so you can factor that into your choice.

Q: What Is a Retainer Fee?

A: A retainer fee is a payment given to a lawyer in advance of any legal action to retain their services and pay for the first few bills. In essence, the attorney uses it as a deposit from which to draw funds while working on the case. The lawyer may ask for extra payments if the retainer is depleted before the case is resolved. The retainer amount is often determined by the intricacy and expected timeline of the case.

Contact Tierney Law Group Today

If you have a family law issue that needs resolving, contact Tierney Law Group, PC today. We can protect your rights and provide you with the legal support you need.