Family Law FAQ
Do I need an attorney to get a divorce?
No. Actually, you can go about getting a
divorce on your own. However, if there are
any points of contention in your marriage dissolution, you will greatly benefit
from the guidance and assistance of an experienced
Orange County attorney. No matter what your legal situation involves, the family law team at
The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman can help you.
What is spousal support?
Also known as
alimony, spousal support is a legal arrangement between two people who were previously
married in which one individual offers financial support to the other.
Previously, alimony was only paid from man to woman. These days, either
spouse can be required to provide financial relief to the other.
How will I know how much child support I will owe/receive?
The state of California has very specific guidelines regarding child support
and child support calculation and how each spouse will contribute to rearing
the child and supporting him or her financially. The amount of child support
that you will receive has to do with your income, your ex-spouse’s
income and the needs of the child.
What if there is a paternity issue with my child?
The attorneys at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman can help you with
a paternity situation. Whether you are a mother who needs to verify paternity
of her child, or if you want to ascertain whether you are the father of
a certain child or children, Mr. Bridgman’s family lawyers can help you.
What do I do if I need a restraining order?
If you and your family are in danger, you can get an emergency or temporary
restraining order. The
family law attorneys at Mr. Bridgman’s firm can offer you assistance with getting
your restraining order. The courts can then make the order permanent if
necessary.
Do my spouse and I have to agree on everything to qualify for uncontested divorce?
No. The "uncontested" in uncontested divorce simply means that
you and your spouse are agreeing to resolve your issues outside of family
court. You probably will not agree on all the terms, but you agree to
attempt to come to a divorce agreement amicably.
What can I expect with divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation, in California, is a series of sessions. The goal of
these sessions is for you and your spouse to reach a resolution on issues
such as custody, visitation, property division and more. You and your
spouse will meet and present your cases before a mediator. You and your
spouse can both have attorneys present during these mediation sessions.
If my circumstances change, can I modify a family law order?
Yes. If you have had a substantial change in your circumstances since
your family court order went into effect, such as a change in employment
or a need to relocate, then you can file a petition to modify your agreement
with the family court.
Can I contest a modification?
If your ex-spouse or your child's other parent has filed a motion
to modify a family court order, you do have the opportunity to contest
it. You may not agree with the other party's request to relocate or
change your agreement, and you can present your arguments before a family
law judge.
Contact an Orange County Attorney at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman to discuss your family law issue in California.