Question 1

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in El Monte, California?

Accepted Answer

Call 626-580-2100 to report non-emergencies in El Monte.

Question 2

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in El Monte, California?

Accepted Answer

Go to the police's Records Bureau located at 11333 Valley Boulevard to get a copy of the police report for incidents in El Monte. Contact (626) 580-2115 for further assistance.

Question 3

When are couples in El Monte required to undergo counseling during a divorce?

Accepted Answer

Under state law, El Monte couples going through a divorce must attend counseling if they cannot reach an agreement on child custody or visitation matters. If there is a history of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, both the abuser and the child must participate in separate sessions. Couples are typically ordered to share counseling costs, and the court will consider their financial situation.

Question 4

During a divorce in El Monte, is it possible for one spouse to buy out the other in the family business?

Accepted Answer

Yes, buying out a spouse from the family business is possible in El Monte with both parties' agreement. However, the buying spouse may need to pay more than half the business's value, as the selling spouse will no longer receive a share of its revenue. The final amount may include the current business value plus the selling spouse's potential earnings in the future.

Question 5

How does the court decide on child custody in El Monte?

Accepted Answer

When deciding on child custody in El Monte, the court takes into account the parents' living environment, finances, health, and well-being. It also checks if they have a history of violence and drug use and if they have a good relationship with the child. Additionally, the existing custody agreement and the child's preference will be considered before making the decision.

Question 6

How can a person create a child custody and visitation plan in El Monte?

Accepted Answer

To create a child custody and visitation plan in El Monte, a person can seek a lawyer to provide legal assistance in making one. A couple can also opt for mediation where they can work together to explore various options and understand the potential outcomes of each decision. Additionally, online resources produced by the local court can also be used as guide.

Question 7

What are the benefits of divorce mediation in El Monte?

Accepted Answer

The benefit of having divorce mediation in El Monte is that it allows couples to openly discuss issues and control decisions, leading to a faster proceeding and a positive impact on children. It is also a more economical option since one doesn't have to pay trial and expert services costs. Additionally, couples receive individualized attention from the mediator who keeps information private.

Question 8

What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

Accepted Answer

The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

File the divorce petition
Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
Make financial disclosures
Request discovery from your spouse
Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
Go to trial if necessary
Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

Question 9

How much does it cost to get a divorce?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

Question 10

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

Accepted Answer

Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

Question 11

How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

Accepted Answer

Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

Know your budget
Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

Question 12

What is an uncontested divorce?

Accepted Answer

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

Question 13

Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

Question 14

How long does it take to get a divorce?

Accepted Answer

The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

Question 15

How to prepare for divorce?

Accepted Answer

It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

Interview attorneys
Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
Get support from friends and family

Question 16

What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

Accepted Answer

Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

Question 17

What is divorce mediation?

Accepted Answer

When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
Carina Reyna - Principal	Active	6 yrs
Carina Reyna - Principal / Owner	Active	6 yrs

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
Alfred Chan - Principal	Active	22 yrs
Alfred Chan - Principal	Active	22 yrs

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
C. Stephanie Chen - Principal	Active	28 yrs
Chaoyi Chen - Member	Active	28 yrs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in El Monte, California?

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in El Monte, California?

When are couples in El Monte required to undergo counseling during a divorce?

During a divorce in El Monte, is it possible for one spouse to buy out the other in the family business?

How does the court decide on child custody in El Monte?

How can a person create a child custody and visitation plan in El Monte?

What are the benefits of divorce mediation in El Monte?