What areas of family law does Bloom Family Law handle?

At Bloom, we offer comprehensive legal services across all aspects of family law, including:

  • Full-scope divorce and legal separation
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support and spousal support (alimony)
  • Property division and asset valuation
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Paternity actions
  • Adoptions, including stepparent and same-sex couple adoptions
  • Mediation and collaborative divorce
  • Post-judgment modifications
  • LGBTQ+ family law issues

Our experienced family law attorneys are equipped to handle both straightforward cases and complex, high-asset divorces. We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring comprehensive representation across all family law matters.

How does your boutique approach differ from larger law firms?

Our firm’s boutique approach offers several key advantages:

  • Personalized Attention: Unlike larger firms where clients may feel like just another case number, we provide individualized care and attention to each client. You will work directly with experienced attorneys who are intimately familiar with every aspect of your case.
  • Tailored Strategies: We recognize that no two family law cases are identical. Our boutique size allows us to develop highly customized strategies that align with your specific goals and circumstances.
  • Efficient Communication: With our streamlined team, you'll enjoy direct and prompt communication with your attorney. We pride ourselves on responsiveness and keeping our clients informed at every stage of their case.
  • Collaborative Environment: Our close-knit team of attorneys regularly collaborate, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to complex cases without the bureaucracy often found in larger firms.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: While we offer high-quality legal services, our boutique structure often allows for more flexible and cost-effective solutions compared to larger firms with higher overheads. 
  • Focused Expertise: As a boutique firm specializing solely in family law, we offer deep, focused expertise in this area.

How long does a typical divorce take in California?

In California, the divorce process has some specific timelines and factors to consider:

  • Mandatory Waiting Period: California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service of the divorce petition before a divorce can be finalized. This means that even in the most straightforward cases, a divorce cannot be completed in less than 6 months and one day. If you and your ex reach full agreement before this time, you may submit a post-date judgment that the court will sign, and the judgment will become effective on the stated date.
  • Uncontested Divorces: If both parties agree on all terms, a divorce can potentially be finalized shortly after the 6-month waiting period, typically within 6 months to a year from filing.
  • Contested Divorces: When there are disagreements on issues like property division, child custody, or support, the process can take anywhere from 12 months to several years depending on the complexity of the issues and court scheduling.

 Factors that can extend the timeline in California include:

  • Complexity of assets, especially in high-net-worth divorces;
  • Child custody evaluations;
  • The need for forensic accounting or other expert evaluations;
  • Trial preparation and scheduling, if settlement isn't reached;
  • Court backlogs, which can vary by county. Oftentimes, our clients retain a private judge to sign off on the judgment at the conclusion of proceedings to streamline this process.

At Bloom, we strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring our clients' rights and interests are fully protected. We will work with you to understand your goals and develop a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in a timely manner.

What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in California?

In California, legal separation and divorce are distinct legal processes with important differences.

Legal Separation:

  • Parties remain legally married
  • Parties cannot remarry
  • Parties can maintain certain marriage benefits (e.g., health insurance)
  • No 6-month waiting period
  • Can be converted to a divorce later
  • Legal separation can be useful for those with religious or personal objections to divorce, or those not meeting California's residency requirements for a divorce.

Divorce:

  • Legally ends the marriage
  • Parties are free to remarry
  • Terminates certain marital benefits
  • Has a mandatory 6-month waiting period
  • Requires meeting California's residency requirements (6 months in the state, 3 months in the county)

Both processes involve similar issues such as property division, spousal and child support, and child custody. The choice between legal separation and divorce depends on individual circumstances, which you can discuss in detail with an attorney during your consultation.

How is child support calculated in California?

California uses a statewide formula to calculate child support, often referred to as the "guideline" amount. The formula takes into account several factors:

  • Income of both parents
  • Amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren)
  • Number of children
  • Tax filing status
  • Retirement contributions
  • Mandatory payroll deductions and health insurance expenses
  • Childcare costs related to employment or education
  • Other factors that may affect available income for child support

While the child support formula is complex, courts and attorneys use specialized software to perform the calculations. It's important to note that while the guideline amount is presumed to be correct, there can be situations where deviations are appropriate.

At Bloom, we ensure all relevant factors are accurately represented in child support calculations and advocate for fair and appropriate support orders for our clients.

How do you bill for your services?

At Bloom Family Law, we bill using a retainer and hourly rate system:

  • Initial Retainer: We require an initial retainer fee, which is an advance payment for future services. The amount of the retainer varies depending on the complexity of your case and is discussed during the initial consultation. That amount is deposited and held in our client trust account (our “IOLTA”).
  • Hourly Rates: Our family law attorneys bill for their time at an hourly rate. Rates vary based on the attorney's experience.
  • Detailed Billing: You'll receive regular, itemized billing statements detailing the services provided and time spent on your case. We bill frequently so you can see exactly where your money is going.
  • Replenishing the Retainer: As your retainer is depleted, we may ask you to replenish it to ensure continuous representation.
  • Unused Retainer: Any unused portion of your retainer is fully refundable at the conclusion of your case.

We understand that legal fees are a significant concern for many clients. During your initial consultation, we'll provide a clear explanation of our billing practices and work with you to develop a plan that aligns with your legal needs and financial circumstances.

What sets your attorneys apart in handling complex family law cases?

Our divorce and family law attorneys are uniquely positioned to handle complex family law cases:

  • Specialized Expertise: Our practice is exclusively devoted to family law, allowing us to develop deep expertise in all aspects of this field, including complex financial issues and high-conflict custody disputes.
  • Continuous Education: We stay at the forefront of evolving family law through ongoing education and active participation in professional organizations.
  • Collaborative Approach: Our team regularly collaborates on complex cases, leveraging our collective expertise to develop comprehensive strategies.
  • Network of Experts: We maintain relationships with top financial advisors, forensic accountants, child custody specialists, therapists, realtors, appraisers and other experts crucial for complex cases.
  • Trial Experience: While we strive for settlement when possible, our attorneys are skilled litigators prepared to advocate effectively in court when necessary.
  • Holistic Perspective: We understand that complex cases often involve interrelated legal, financial, and emotional issues. Our approach addresses all these aspects to achieve optimal outcomes for the family.
  • Creative Problem-Solving: We think outside the box to develop innovative solutions for unique and complex family law challenges.
  • Client-Centric Focus: Despite the complexities, we never lose sight of our clients' goals and well-being, ensuring personalized attention throughout the process. You are why we do what we do.

Our track record of successfully resolving complex family law matters speaks to our ability to navigate even the most challenging cases with skill and dedication.

How do you keep clients informed about the progress of their case?

We prioritize clear and consistent communication with our clients at Bloom Family Law. Our approach to keeping you informed includes:

  1. Regular Updates: We provide scheduled updates on your case, regardless of whether there have been significant developments. This ensures you're always aware of the current status.
  2. Prompt Notification of Developments: When important events occur in your case, we notify you promptly, explaining the implications and next steps.
  3. Secure Client Portal: We offer a secure online portal where you can access case documents, view upcoming deadlines, and send messages to your legal team at any time.
  4. Scheduled Check-ins: We arrange regular check-in calls or meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and adjust strategies as needed.
  5. Detailed Billing Statements: Our itemized billing statements provide insight into the work being done on your case.
  6. Court Date Reminders: We ensure you're well-informed about upcoming court dates, deadlines, and any required preparations.
  7. Document Sharing: We promptly share and explain all relevant documents, including those received from the court or opposing counsel.
  8. Strategy Discussions: We involve you in strategic decisions, explaining options and potential outcomes to empower your decision-making.
  9. Accessibility: Our attorneys strive to be readily accessible to answer questions or address concerns as they arise.

We believe that an informed client is an empowered client. Our commitment to transparent and proactive communication helps reduce stress and uncertainty, allowing you to make confident decisions throughout your legal process.