San Juan Capistrano Family Law and Divorce Lawyer
Your children’s future. Your financial security. Your peace of mind. When family relationships break down, these things hang in the balance. If you’re facing divorce, custody disputes, or other family law issues in San Juan Capistrano, you need a lawyer who fights for what matters most to you.
Family courts in Orange County handle hundreds of cases each month. Without proper legal representation, you risk losing time with your kids, paying more than you should, or walking away with less than you deserve. The decisions made in your case will affect your family for years to come.
At RM Law Group, we’re here to help you sort through the mess, understand your options, and find the best way forward. We’ll help you understand your rights, so you can make the best decision for you and your family. Learn more about our family law firm.
You can find us conveniently located in Irvine, just a short drive from San Juan Capistrano. Our Irvine office is at 2030 Main Street, Suite 225. The drive from San Juan Capistrano takes about 20-25 minutes via the 5 Freeway, and Main Street is a major thoroughfare, so it’s simple to get here whether you’re coming from the historic downtown district near Mission San Juan Capistrano or from the newer residential areas off Ortega Highway.
Recent Review
“Michael truly takes care of his clients. He is knowledgeable and knows exactly how to fight for your case. One of the things I appreciated most was his transparency, especially when it came to finances. Before working with Michael, I had another attorney who seemed more interested in draining my wallet than resolving my family law issues. Michael is the complete opposite—he genuinely cares about helping you reach a resolution. Thank you, Michael!”
How Our San Juan Capistrano Lawyers Can Help You
At RM Law Group, our family law attorneys help people in San Juan Capistrano and throughout Orange County with a range of family legal issues. We know that family law issues can throw your entire life off track. Whether you’re going through a divorce or trying to determine paternity, hiring a family law attorney is the best way to protect your future.
Here are just some of the cases we handle:
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property and asset division
- Paternity
- Restraining orders
- Modification of orders
Family law matters in San Juan Capistrano are typically handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange, which serves South Orange County residents. Our team is familiar with the local court procedures, the judges, and the specific requirements that apply to cases filed in this jurisdiction. This local knowledge can make a significant difference in how efficiently your case moves through the system.
Your Questions Answered About California Family Law
How long does a divorce take in California? California requires a six-month waiting period from when you serve divorce papers. Simple cases can finish right after the waiting period. Complex cases with custody disputes or significant assets take longer, sometimes over a year.
Can I get custody of my children if I move out? Moving out doesn’t automatically affect your custody rights, but it can impact your case. If you leave your children with your spouse, the court might view this as agreeing to that arrangement. Get a custody order in place before making major living changes.
How much will my divorce cost? Divorce costs vary widely. Simple, uncontested cases might cost a few thousand dollars. High-conflict cases with trials can cost tens of thousands. Most cases fall somewhere in between. Your attorney can estimate costs based on your specific situation.
Do I have to pay spousal support? Not everyone pays spousal support. The court considers factors like the length of your marriage, each spouse’s income, and standard of living. Marriages under 10 years typically result in support for half the length of the marriage. Longer marriages may result in permanent support.
What if my ex doesn’t follow the court order? You can file a motion for contempt if your ex violates court orders. The court can enforce orders through wage garnishment, asset seizure, or jail time. If your ex isn’t folloing court orders, document all violations and contact your attorney immediately.
Can I modify child support later? Yes, you can request a modification, but only if circumstances change significantly. Job loss, income increases, or changes in custody time can justify modification. You need to file a petition with the court and prove the change in circumstances.
What’s the difference between legal and physical custody? Physical custody determines where your child lives. Legal custody covers who makes important decisions about healthcare, education, and religion. You can have joint legal custody but different physical custody arrangements.
How is property divided in California? California is a community property state. Assets and debts from the marriage are split equally. Separate property stays with the person who owns it. Complex assets like businesses or retirement accounts may require professional valuation.
Do I need to go to court? Not necessarily. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. You might only go to court for brief hearings or to finalize agreements. High-conflict cases or trials require more court appearances.
How do I choose between attorneys? Meet with several attorneys before deciding. Ask about their experience with cases like yours, their communication style, and their fee structure. Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable working with throughout your case.
Contact Our San Juan Capistrano Divorce & Family Law Attorneys
Facing family legal issues can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s talk about your situation, answer your questions, and help you see the path ahead. Give us a call at (949) 561-1520 or fill out the form on our contact page. Our San Juan Capistrano divorce and family lawyers can help you through this difficult time.
While our main office is in Irvine, we proudly serve clients throughout South Orange County, including San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo. We understand the unique needs of families in these communities and are committed to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation.
