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Legal Services
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In a family law case, there are only two options for resolving each issue, or your entire case: (1) reach an agreement, or (2) submit it to a court for a decision. Our approach is to always try to reach an agreement, and we are mostly always able to do that; but, if we have to go to court, because the other side is unreasonable, or the application of the law is unclear, we will- effectively. We know that at some point you have a limit as to how much you can compromise.
We work together to determine the overall benefit when deciding whether to settle or litigate, considering the cost of the intangibles to you, so you can move on to a more peaceful living situation as soon as possible.
You will know what to expect at all stages of your case. You will have access to your attorney when you have questions or concerns. You will be told in a very clear way what the likely outcome of your case or issue is, so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
We work together to determine the overall benefit when deciding whether to settle or litigate, considering the cost of the intangibles to you, so you can move on to a more peaceful living situation as soon as possible.
You will know what to expect at all stages of your case. You will have access to your attorney when you have questions or concerns. You will be told in a very clear way what the likely outcome of your case or issue is, so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Legal Services
Take a look at our family law legal services below and see which best fits your unique situation.
Complex/Time Consuming Divorce
Is your divorce complex? Maybe it's time consuming? Perhaps you have numerous assets or complicated assets? Are high conflict and emotions running the show?
Your unique situation may have questionable agreements in place, need an investigation of the facts or forensic accounting and/or other expert advice, have unique legal issues, difficult opposing party or counsel, or disputed custody issues. If any of these hits home, rings a bell, feels familiar then you may need litigation or mediation of your issues to get the divorce done and move on with your life.
Your unique situation may have questionable agreements in place, need an investigation of the facts or forensic accounting and/or other expert advice, have unique legal issues, difficult opposing party or counsel, or disputed custody issues. If any of these hits home, rings a bell, feels familiar then you may need litigation or mediation of your issues to get the divorce done and move on with your life.
Basic Divorce Legal Service
Are you wanting an attorney who will let you help? Do you want personal contact with your family lawyer? Confused by the different options for resolving your case?
For those going through what may be called a more traditional divorce with routine divorce issues, say both parties are employed, your goals are easily identified, the facts are easily ascertained, and the application of the law appears fairly clear - using this Basic Divorce Legal Service would mean that you, as our Client, could gather most of the facts and just need basic family law related advice of a more limited nature.
For those going through what may be called a more traditional divorce with routine divorce issues, say both parties are employed, your goals are easily identified, the facts are easily ascertained, and the application of the law appears fairly clear - using this Basic Divorce Legal Service would mean that you, as our Client, could gather most of the facts and just need basic family law related advice of a more limited nature.
Limited Issue Legal Service
Do you want help, but don’t want to have to use an attorney for all aspects of your case? Maybe your case is being reopened to address a specific issue (i.e., modification of support, custody, etc.)
Our Limited Issue Legal Services were created for those individuals or couples who are seeking direct, as-needed legal support for very specific or limited needs like Marital Agreements, Post-Judgment modifications, second opinions, consulting with parties in mediation, and similar. This legal service approach is ideal if you just want someone to consult with from time to time to help you through the legal process. Oh, and if things escalate to where you need an attorney qualified to take your complex matter to trial, we can assist there, too.
Our Limited Issue Legal Services were created for those individuals or couples who are seeking direct, as-needed legal support for very specific or limited needs like Marital Agreements, Post-Judgment modifications, second opinions, consulting with parties in mediation, and similar. This legal service approach is ideal if you just want someone to consult with from time to time to help you through the legal process. Oh, and if things escalate to where you need an attorney qualified to take your complex matter to trial, we can assist there, too.
Consulting for Self-Represented Parties
Are you wanting to remain self-represented (i.e., you don’t want to hire a lawyer)? Do you want to maintain control of your case and do the leg work?
If you are still speaking with your spouse or are at least amicable, then consider simply consulting with Lightner Family Law. It’s a great way to get the guidance and tools through the process, as needed, and to only incur charges and fees when you choose. Most importantly, you can head off pitfalls. In short, you're in control of how much you are spending for family legal advice.
If you are still speaking with your spouse or are at least amicable, then consider simply consulting with Lightner Family Law. It’s a great way to get the guidance and tools through the process, as needed, and to only incur charges and fees when you choose. Most importantly, you can head off pitfalls. In short, you're in control of how much you are spending for family legal advice.
Testimonials
“What I valued most was the straightforward discussions Lightner Family Law gave from the first day I met with them. Never being through this process, they informed me of what to expect and likely outcomes, so I could decide vs. guess and hope. I’m not saying every fear went away, but I did feel a lot more confident and could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Divorce is a life changing event and having the guidance every step of the way and being made to feel like you’re not another “client” but personalized care was very comforting. Michael Provenzale is a true professional, calm and understanding, he eased my daily angst that is created during this process, which is so important. I can’t thank Michael & Claire enough for easing this process for me. Divorce is difficult, having the right team represent you means everything, and I mean everything.”
- Steve
- Steve
“We’ve been doing business with Lightner Family Law and Dorothy for over two decades. As a vendor to the firm, we can happily give them the highest recommendation. She has always been friendly, professional and most of all for us, personable. Whenever an unforeseen issue has arisen as it occasionally does in this line of work, she has always been proactive in finding good solutions and treated us as a team instead of trying to find blame and we appreciate that. As for her ability, it speaks for itself.”
- Romeo Belarmino & Tim Krupsaw, At Law in Motion
- Romeo Belarmino & Tim Krupsaw, At Law in Motion
“I want to start off by saying that no divorce is easy. Lightner Family Law was my first choice for legal representation at a time when all other aspects of my personal life were so uncertain. I was very intimidated, to say the least, at the entire divorce process and all of the legal preparations involved. Claire took the time to always explain to me what was happening and what the options were in moving forward with the dissolution. Claire is an extremely well-versed attorney with many years of experience in the California Court system. I felt protected and secure with the decisions that she would advise me on and trusted her on all levels.
Dorothy, Claire’s assistant, is another integral part of Lightner Family Law. She never misses a beat and is extremely efficient at relaying all client/attorney communications. Her calm voice and soothing disposition made me feel at ease in times of high emotional stress. Her competence in family law is great and she is a great resource for the many facets of the divorce process.
Thank you both very much for all that you have done to help me move on in my life with dignity and respect.
- Jen
Dorothy, Claire’s assistant, is another integral part of Lightner Family Law. She never misses a beat and is extremely efficient at relaying all client/attorney communications. Her calm voice and soothing disposition made me feel at ease in times of high emotional stress. Her competence in family law is great and she is a great resource for the many facets of the divorce process.
Thank you both very much for all that you have done to help me move on in my life with dignity and respect.
- Jen