Consult a Family Law Attorney or Divorce Lawyer Today

The Law Offices of Tobie B. Waxman focuses on the individual needs of each client, including the best interests of any children involved. I am a skilled family law attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience representing clients throughout Los Angeles. Schedule a free initial consultation with me as soon as possible to speak to me in person and learn more about how I can help you. My firm serves the Greater Los Angeles Area and I offer reasonable and competitive hourly rates.

 

Do I need a divorce lawyer? 

Facing divorce without the counsel and representation of an experienced divorce lawyer is not a good idea. Reduce stress.  Avoid mistakes. Get a clear and binding agreement.  Avoid delays.  Property settlements, support and child custody disputes can be very complicated.  A divorce lawyer can hep you understand your rights and duties.  A divorce lawyer can assist you if an unexpected problem comes up.  And, a divorce lawyer can advise you on how much money, if any, you should pay or receive for spousal and/or child support.  Having a divorce lawyer by your side to guide you will ensure that you are aware of your options, understand all of the legal documents and terminology involved in your case, and are prepared to get results.

 

How do I choose my divorce lawyer? 

 

How long does it take to get a divorce?
In the state of California, the minimum time it takes to get a divorce is six months after the date the respondent has been served with the summons and petition for divorce. It is possible to have your divorce judgment entered before these six months are up, but your status as divorced individuals will not become official until the end of the six-month period. It is not possible to predict how long a divorce will take. Each divorce is different and will involve different obstacles. Uncontested divorce processes generally take much less time than contested cases that require litigation in court. Divorce litigation involves court dates, hostility between the parties, and lengthy courtroom battles over matters such as child custody, support, and property division. 

 

 

How much does it cost to get a divorce?
There is no simple way to answer this question. Each divorce is different and, therefore, takes a different length of time and costs a different amount. Each case involves a $435 filing fee for the initial petition, as well as fees of $60 or more for motions that are filed. On top of all of this are attorney fees.  Lawyers, like most professionals, are hourly workers. The product we sell is our time. You are paying for this time by the hour, which is charged in increments of 6 minutes (i.e. 1/10th of an hour).   The more time your divorce lawyer spends on your case, the more expensive it will be. The amount of time I spend on your case depends on you, your spouse, your spouse's attorney, and the issues involved in your case.

 

Couples who are at odds with each other will incur much larger bills than those who seek to end their marriage through mutual agreement.

 

How is child support calculated?
California family law judges - and anyone with access to the internet - can use computer software to determine the amount of child support for a given divorce case. This software uses an algorithm that calculates child support after inputting factors such as the father's gross income, the mother's gross income, and the percentage of time each parent has custodial time (physical child custody) with the cihld(ren), as well as deductions for health insurance, union dues, and retirement. These are only a few of the factors that come into play. Speak with a divorce lawyer for assistance with determining how much child support will be.

 

Will I lose everything in divorce?
California divides assets and property into either separate property or community property. Separate property may include any assets or property that you acquired before marriage, as well as any assets acquired during marriage that were a gift to you alone or acquired by inheritence.  Anything that you acquire during marriage that does not qualify as separate property is community property and is subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. Consult a divorce lawyer today to learn whether or not certain property is subject to be divided in your divorce.