Yuba City, CA Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

Retainer fees and hourly fees by Family Law attorneys in Southern California vary wildly based on the location and reputation of the law firm and attorney and the complexity of the case. The range is probably from a $2,000 retainer and $200 per hour and to a $30,000 retainer and $1,000 an hour (and even beyond for the biggest cases in downtown LA). If you have an average case, you should be able to find a suitable attorney for your needs in the $300/hr range. You may also want to consider how contested your case will be and if meeting with a mediator may help you come to agreements on many issues without the need for attorneys and judicial intervention. Unless there is some special provision in your retainer agreement, or you are paying a flat fee for some particular services, unused retainers are returned to the client after the final accounting of hours and fees. Yes, there is a provision in family law cases that states that each party should be entitled to representation early in the case, A court may order fees which are reasonably necessary to prosecute Family Code Proceedings. See Family Code 2030, 2031, and 2032. An attorney can help you make prepare this motion.

She is entitled to get her separate property inheritance out of the house but she has to trace the money used for downpayment and improvements. This is a dollar for dollar reimbursement without interest or appreciation.

Go to the courthouse in the county where your husband is a resident and search the court records for a divorce filing. Since you are in southern California, it might be possible to research the question on line by accessing the court house website for the county in which your husband resides. Good luck.