What are the Best Resources for Parents and Spouses Involved in a Paternity, Divorce or Legal Separation Case in San Diego in 2014?

Free In-person or virtual Consultation With An Experienced Family Law Attorney Who Practices In San Diego Superior Court In Divorce, Legal Separation & Paternity Cases

Nothing takes the place of education, training and experience before the San Diego Superior Court Bench when it comes to giving legal advice as well as being a licensed attorney practicing for years in San Diego County. All cases are different and unique however the law which applies to each case [whether it is a legal separation, paternity or divorce] is the same. The law often looks to “precedent”. Precedent is using an existing or past case or statute or law or legal theory to analyze for a future event. Attorneys are trained to analyze under IRAC. “I” is for the issue. “R” is for the rule of law. “A” is for the analysis. “C” is for the conclusion. It is very important that you understand how the attorney will analyze so that you can obtain accurate information to make an informed and intelligent decision about your family law case as well as to make your consultation with the attorney of value to you. For example, what is your issue or what are your issues? If your issue is to have a joint legal and joint physical time sharing with the other parent, then you need to inform the attorney of this. Once the attorney knows your issue, you can then discuss realistic expectations using the law as well as the attorney’s experience in the court house where your case is located. Continuing the example, the rule of law for custody and visitation presumes joint legal and joint physical absent other factors. Once the rule of law is analyzed, then you can move to the conclusion which should be to try and settle in accord with law as analyzed. This can be very non complex or can be very complex depending on the issue. While the law regarding best interests of children is set out in the law, many parents and spouses with the same fact patterns will have different parenting plans either by agreement or by court order. Emotions can run high in paternity, divorce or legal separation cases and family law cases are often some of the most contentious of all. The benefit of a free in-person or virtual consultation as well is that you can meet the attorney who will handle your case and judge the credibility of the attorney and their office. For a San Diego case, it is recommended to consult with a local San Diego lawyer who has experience in the court house, and preferably before the Judge, in which your case is being heard. Make sure the attorney you consult with has an active license to practice law in San Diego. How can a discussion with an experienced family lawyer not help you to make informed and intelligent decisions about your case as long as you consult with one who is honest and experienced?

Family Law Facilitator

If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, and your family law case is in San Diego County, you can ask for assistance from the San Diego Superior Court from the Department of the Family Law Facilitator. While this office will not represent you, you can get legal advice on how to fill out forms and legal procedures. These are highly trained personnel who assist self represented litigants in this most complex area of the law. The disadvantage can be the wait time which can be significant but there are also benefits such as this service is at no charge. This is an excellent resource and highly recommended.

Official San Diego Superior Court Website

The Court website is an excellent resource. The website address is www.sdcourt.ca.gov and there are forms and information for self represented parties. There is no cost to use this website and this also contains the court calendar and holiday hours as well as other useful information. This is an excellent resource and has the benefits of being available 7/24.

Other Resources

There are many other resources including paralegal services, on line document preparation services as well as the San Diego County Law Library and educational websites. Another good resource is to speak with one of your friends or relatives who have been involved in a family law case in San Diego and see who they used as an attorney and what advice they can give to you starting out. Of course, do not rely on any legal advice they give unless they are also a licensed family law attorney!

Doppelt and Forney, APLC Is A Local San Diego Law Firm Which Offers A Free In-person or virtual Consultation

We offer a free in-person or virtual consultation. Our consultation is also confidential whether you hire our firm or not. An experienced family law attorney will give you a consultation and discuss techniques and strategies for your individual issues. Feel free to call and set up an appointment for your family law case.