Family Law Attorney in Irvine, CA Providing Compassionate Support to Help Families Through the Legal Process

Family law is one area of the law that most civilians will have some experience with at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this is also where lawyers see some of the most sensitive legal matters, contentious trials, and emotional negotiations to ever play out in a courtroom setting.

While we may like to believe that we know our families and loved ones well enough that we can negotiate terms with little difficulty, often this is wishful thinking. Divorce proceedings, child support, spousal support, property division, and child custody are discussions that can turn heated very quickly. And, should one side elect to hire legal counsel (as is their right), it would be wise for the other party in the matter to also seek legal advice from a certified family law specialist.

The Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy has served clients in matters of family law and debt relief for over 20 years. In all cases, the attorney will attempt to help his clients avoid costly litigation. However, should any legal disputes lead to contested litigation, the attorney will defend your rights pursuant to your goals in hopes of achieving the most satisfactory outcome for all involved.

Attorney Patrick O’Kennedy is a member of the State Bar of California, one of the most notoriously difficult state bar entrance exams to pass in the country, and is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association.

To discuss your case in more detail, contact our law firm to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.

What Practice Areas Does the Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy Have Legal Experience?

Marriage is one of the most important decisions we can ever make in our lives. And when we decide to build a home, have children, and start a future with another person, we do so only with the best of intentions.

However, sometimes things just don’t go how we planned them.

While we may think of marriage as a matter of the heart, it is also a union recognized by laws. And, as such, in order to formally proceed with the dissolution of such a union, the law must be involved.

If you are considering hiring family lawyers for your legal needs, this firm represents cases such as:

Asset protection.

Child custody and visitation.

Child support.

Divorce proceedings.

Domestic violence.

Family law litigation.

Joint custody arrangements.

Marital property division.

Mediation.

Restraining orders.

Spousal support and alimony.

If you have questions or concerns about other practice areas not mentioned here, please reach out to our staff and we would be happy to assist you.

Do You Need Professional Mediation for a Dispute Over Child Custody?

California is a ‘no-fault’ divorce state. Whereas other states may require that the party filing for divorce state that their spouse did something wrong, California does not need either party to make such a claim. The dissolution of a marriage is a sad thing and sometimes it really is nobody’s fault.

In such instances where the two parties are moving on in relatively good terms and want to avoid the costly spectacle of courtroom proceedings, there is the option of hiring a mediator.

In mediation, both parties in the divorce agree to bring in a neutral third party with professional qualifications in family legal matters. With the support of the mediator, the two divorcing individuals will discuss their goals, their needs, and where they are (or are not) willing to compromise.

Even with two level-headed people who agree on most things, divorce proceedings can quickly unravel into high-stress situations. With the mediator there, things should proceed more smoothly, as it is their job to ensure that both parties feel satisfied at the end of the negotiations.

Do You Really Need Family Law Attorneys for Your Legal Matters?

Divorce, spousal support, child support, and child custody are among the most complex and emotionally overwhelming legal processes. But with that being said, there are some instances where two divorcing spouses can properly negotiate the terms of their split without the need for a stranger with any legal specialization in the family law practice area.

Such instances are rare, however.

Sometimes it is emotionally difficult fractures of trust that make divorce proceedings without attorneys more challenging, such as cases where one spouse was unfaithful or abusive or spread lies about the other person.

Other times it can be a question of money, particularly when child support, spousal support, child custody, and asset division enter the discussion.

Children, whether their biological parents are divorcing or if the child was adopted or the result of a previous union, also pose difficulties in divorce. While the judges and courts are often reluctant to split up a child from their biological mother, there are instances where the father or another parent figure feels they are better suited to raising the child. In such instances of contested child custody battles, having the legal guidance of experienced family law attorneys can be vitally important.

And still, in some cases with large shared estates, it can be nearly impossible for two people to wrangle the necessary details of assets, finances, and property while also dealing with the emotional turmoil of a divorce. In such instances, divorce attorneys who are experienced with the financial aspects of divorce can be very helpful.

The Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy is well-versed in these types of cases. His solo practice offers compassionate, knowledgeable legal support to those facing difficult matters related to family laws. Whether your case is simple or complex, you would benefit from the support of Patrick O’Kennedy.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Family Lawyer Today

If you have questions about divorce, child support, spousal support, alimony, child custody, mediation, and other areas of family law, please contact our law office today to schedule a confidential consultation with our legal staff. You are under no obligation to retain the attorney’s legal services if you feel that it is a bad fit — you may use the free case evaluation to help you decide.

Attorney Patrick O’Kennedy has been practicing law in the state of California for over two decades, with offices located in Orange and Irvine, CA. With the Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy representing your needs, you can feel more confident that your rights are being properly looked after and that every effort is being taken in pursuit of your goals.

To schedule your free initial consultation, call us firm at (714) 919-1855.