Clovis Family Lawyer

Clovis Family Attorney

Every family faces challenges. Often, these can be worked out privately, but in some cases, a family lawyer may be required. When a family or a couple is considering pursuing legal proceedings for their domestic and family matters, the barrage of paperwork and the hefty fees that come with filing a case can fall through the cracks. To avoid missing any important deadlines or requirements, many Clovis residents turn to a knowledgeable Clovis family lawyer.

Hire a Family Lawyer in Clovis, CA

Brian N. Chase found his passion in advocating for people, opening Chase Family Law in 2024. Rather than defaulting to an aggressive litigation approach, Brian N. Chase of Chase Family Law combines tenacious skills with compassion for the highly emotional aspect of family law. He works towards the most positive outcome in every family law case and prioritizes amicable resolutions for Clovis families.

What Is Family Law?

Home to approximately 125,833 residents, which includes 44,194 households, Clovis is a steadily growing community where family matters frequently intersect with changing life circumstances. Family law in Clovis encompasses the legal practice that addresses a range of domestic matters and family-related issues. This includes:

• Child custody
• Visitation agreements
• Domestic violence issues
• Certain areas of estate planning
• Divorce
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Modifications to child custody agreements
• Paternity

In short, any legal matter that involves the family is governed by California State family laws. Because these are often specific and have rigid deadlines for filing, you may want to hire a family lawyer to oversee your case and advocate for you during the case

Family Law Case Process

With some variations, most family law cases follow a similar process:

1. Petition. This starts the process of pursuing a family law case. A petition is a formal request to the court that outlines the case and claims. In Clovis, after a petition has been filed with the Fresno Superior Court, it is served to the other party. Once they are served the petition, they typically have 30 days to respond.
2. Response. After a petition has been filed and then served, the person who was served has a legal right to respond within 30 days. In their response, they can explain their side of the case and may agree or disagree with different parts of the petition. If necessary, they can also introduce new issues to the case. If they don’t respond within the allotted time, the court may default to granting the requests in the original petition.
3. Hearings. At this point, a Clovis couple filing a family law case, the Fresno Superior Court will call for a hearing to address any necessary temporary orders. By state law, temporary orders can be issued early in the case if the judge determines they are needed. These can be: temporary child custody agreements, child support, spousal support, and restraining orders, in the case of domestic violence concerns.
4. Discovery. Following the initial hearings, a phase of formal fact-finding takes place so both sides have the necessary information to argue their case. This is especially important to identify property gained during the marriage. Most contested family law cases require some amount of discovery. This can be a more tedious part of the process, depending on the areas and types of discovery.
5. Mediation. In California, mediation is often a mandatory step, particularly in any case involving child custody or visitation rights. The goal of mediation is to have both parties agree without having to go to court with the help of a neutral third party, like a mediator or family law attorney. If the parties can’t agree, the case proceeds to trial, and the judge will make the final judgment.
6. Final orders. After the judge hears all the case evidence, they will issue a final order. If the parties involved can agree on the case specifics, the case may be resolved without having to go to trial. Once the final order is issued, the case is considered resolved. Modifications can be made in the future, in some cases, specifically changes involving child custody or support after significant life changes.

FAQs About Clovis, CA Family Laws

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in California?

How much a family lawyer costs in California depends on several factors. Not all lawyers bill the same way. Some use an hourly rate, which can make for a more expensive total cost if the family law case is more complex. Others may offer a retainer. A family lawyer’s experience and location can also contribute to higher fees. Consulting with a family lawyer can give you more insight into what you can expect for expenses.

What Is the 7 Year Rule in California Family Laws?

The 7-year rule in California is actually a myth. It refers to the specific amount of time people believe living together will automatically make them a legally married couple in California. Unfortunately, this commonly held belief is false, and many people who move to areas like Clovis expect the 7-year rule to apply. This misunderstanding can cause issues in determining future property rights or child custody.

What Not to Say to a Family Court Judge?

When you’re in family court, it’s important not to say anything untrue or exaggerated. Lying to the judge is perjury, but most judges can also tell when your statement is fully accurate. Avoid any disrespect or arguing with the judge. This can make you look combative and unstable. It’s common to rehearse before a trial, but don’t memorize your statement. It’s better to sound natural and authentic, or you risk sounding insincere.

What Is the 5 Year Rule in California Divorce Laws?

The 5 Year Rule refers to two types of divorce law: summary dissolution (for shorter marriages) and the case dismissal rule (applies to all divorces).

Summary dissolution can be applied for marriages shorter than five years. It’s a simpler process that’s faster and has less paperwork, but includes other strict requirements. The case dismissal rule states that all cases must be brought to trial within five years of the original filing date, or the case will likely be dismissed.

Family law is a sensitive, often emotional, time for couples and families. Brian N. Chase of Chase Family Law, located in Hanford, CA, can provide you with the gentle guidance you need to pursue your family law case. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your family law case options.