At the Harris Family Law Group, our experienced family law attorneys in Sherman Oaks know that the divorce process — from making the decision to part ways to finalizing the agreement — is one of the most challenging times in our clients’ lives.
The time it takes to complete the divorce process is wholly dependent on the couple who is making the decisions, their relationship, the requests, the required paperwork, and whether their case is finalized through mediation or litigation.
Some require months to reach an agreement. Others, years.
Since most people are unsure of how the process works, things can feel as though they are at a stalemate, which often leads clients to ask, “Is my divorce attorney doing everything he or she can?”
Then, thoughts of whether switching attorneys may make more sense for their unique case.
We cannot provide specific advice on when anyone should change family law attorneys without having an in-depth conversation, but we can provide insight on common reasons people do.
And assure anyone who feels as though their lawyer is not professionally handling their case that is okay to find new counsel.
Our skilled family law attorneys in Sherman Oaks, California help our clients outline their goals, so they can achieve success inside or outside the courtroom, depending on their unique case and divorce circumstances. How may we help you?
Our Los Angeles County family lawyer, Jeffery L. Harris, provides straightforward legal advice for all our clients, so they can make informed decisions about the direction of their cases.
We believe that looking at your changing family dynamics realistically, objectively, and legally allows each of our clients to understand the bigger picture, so they can make real-time decisions that nurture their long-term goals.
Our Sherman Oaks family law lawyers represent individuals who are pursuing solutions in the following practice areas:
Divorce is one of the most stressful events an individual can endure, and it is our goal to ease the process, so our clients can look forward with confidence.
While it is not uncommon, it may be surprising to learn that many people switch attorneys during their divorce proceedings for different reasons.
Some of the more common reasons may include:
When clients are paying their attorneys to get them through a life-changing event and to act as an advocate who believes in their future, they should get what they pay for. When they do not, and the professional relationship is compromised, it may be time to discuss your case with a new family law firm.
The short answer is yes, but you will want to take the proper steps to ensure your current legal position is not compromised.
Before ending your existing relationship with a divorce attorney, interview new ones to see who is a better fit for your complete divorce needs. Maintaining competent counsel will ensure your rights are protected during the transition.
After partnering with a new divorce attorney, provide a calendar of all upcoming filing deadlines and hearing dates to protect the integrity of your ongoing case.
Next, write a letter of termination to your existing divorce attorney. Include your new attorney’s contact information and a formal request to forward your complete case file to your new counsel.
If you have any outstanding fees from your previous representation, ask for copies of the invoices right away, or verify whether there is a balance remaining from your retainer — if applicable — and ask for a refund.
Chances are, your attorney will not be happy to see you go, but he or she must remain professional and ensure you have immediate access to your case file, so you can move forward.
An “Entry of Appearance” document must be entered by your new Sherman Oaks divorce attorney that notifies the court — and your spouse’s attorney — that he or she is handling your case going forward.
This official notification allows your new Sherman Oaks family law attorney to represent you, so he or she can get started on producing results.
At the Harris Family Law Group, our Sherman Oaks divorce attorneys represent clients under a flat-rate fee system, instead of the traditional hourly billing arrangement most lawyers use.
This allows our clients to afford the legal representation they deserve, whether we are their first divorce attorney, or one they are switching to from another firm, without the endless expense of hourly fees.
We provide an upfront valuation of our services, and the rate you will pay for our representation, so you can budget accordingly.
At the Harris Family Law Group, our Sherman Oaks family law attorneys understand that partnering with an experienced family lawyer requires research, conversations, and a true belief that the person representing you understands your complete goals.
If you have questions about divorce, child custody, and financial support, contact our experienced Sherman Oaks family law attorney at the Harris Family Law Group today by calling (310) 745-8644 to get the help you need to move forward with confidence.
If everything goes smoothly, and it is an uncontested divorce the shortest time frame your divorce can take is six months. That is the mandatory waiting period for California. No matter how much money you pay your attorney they will not be able to get your divorced finalized sooner.
The more complicated your divorce is the longer and more expensive it will be. If either spouse contests the divorce the longer it will take, the more you disagree on the longer the process. If you have children in your marriage or if you have high valued assets will also affect the length of the divorce process.
Child support does not factor in unexpected medical expenses. It is then on both parents to pay for the medical costs of the child. In some instances you may be able to have health insurance factored in to your child support payments, or have more child support taken out to prepare for routine checks ups for the child.
In California the custodial parent has the right to claim their child as a dependent. A custodial parent may grant this right to the noncustodial parent, but it is by default set to the custodial parent.
You must have already filed a petition and had it in motion before your divorce is finalized to get alimony. Once a divorce is finalized it is final and you will lose your right to ask for alimony.
Even if you are the custodial parent with full physical custody in California you must notify the other parent before you move. In California you have to give the other parent and the other parent’s lawyer a written notice expressing your intent to move out of state a minimum of 45 days before your planned move. This allows time for the other parent to file an objection, or if they agree to the move allow you both time to come up with a new visitation arrangement.
Your 401K as well as other retirement accounts are considered community property. This means that in the event of a divorce these accounts acquired value will be split and you will have to give up 50% to your spouse.
In a legal separation you are still legally married, you are just living separately and not together anymore. Whereas a divorce legally terminates the marriage. Both have their own sets of benefits and disadvantages.
Child custody refers to both joint and physical custody, that determines who has the legal rights to make decisions on behalf of the child, and who the child lives with most of the time. While child visitation is regarding the actual time spent with the child. The visitation can spell out how long and how often the noncustodial parent gets to spend with their child.
Yes, at 17 your child is still considered a minor and therefore you do still need to pay child support. Child support ends once the child is 18 or once they stop attending high school, whichever is later. There are some instances in which child support can be paid until the child is 19. Speak to Harris Family Law Group and their Sherman Oaks lawyers to know your specific guidelines.
These directions are from Google Maps starting from:
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Total Est. Time: 31 mins
Total Est. Distance: 17.5 mi
Call Us:
(310) 745-8644
We are located at:
6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500
Los Angeles CA 90045
