Orange County Family Law Attorney Protects Your Legal Rights

Southern California lawyer guides you through divorce, custody and related issues

Family law controversies are rarely simple and are often emotionally charged. Whether you’re facing a divorce, a child custody or support issue or any other family law matter, enlist the help of the Law Offices of James P. Cronn in Santa Ana. Our office has helped clients resolve their family law issues for more than 20 years, including many military and former military members. We handle your case with the care and attention it deserves, knowing the importance of reaching a solution that safeguards your interests. Every aspect of your case is personally supervised by founding attorney James P. Cronn, from your very first consultation until the final court order.

Experienced Southern California lawyer explains the process of divorce

Many clients are apprehensive about getting divorced because they aren’t sure of the process. In California, all divorces are “no fault,” based on the ground of irreconcilable differences. The process begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce. The other spouse has 30 days to respond.

Without a response, the divorce can be granted by default. If the spouse does respond and disputes such issues as property division, alimony, child custody or child support, the case goes through a pre-trial process that involves discovery of each spouse’s financial circumstances and other relevant information. Before trial, most couples participate in a Mandatory Settlement Conference. If they can agree on all key terms of the dissolution, a marital settlement agreement is entered, allowing the divorce to become final. If a settlement is not reached, the divorce proceeds to trial, in which the court will rule on the disputed issues.

At a minimum, your divorce will take six months from the date the divorce petition is filed. Contested divorces typically last longer. We work diligently to avoid contention while seeking results that are beneficial to our clients’ financial interests and family concerns.

An attorney with service experience handles military divorce

Any divorce can be difficult, but military divorce is often especially cumbersome because of the special laws involved. James P. Cronn is a former Marine is currently a Judge Advocate General with over 16 years of service. He fully understands the unique issues military families face, including long deployments overseas that cause marriages to crack. Our firm represents military members and their spouses, using our experience not only with California law but also with the federal laws that apply specifically to military families. This includes the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and related federal laws relating to complications arising from overseas deployment.

Attorney seeking productive resolutions to child custody and support issues

Questions of child custody and support are some of the most important issues in family law. Their resolution determines who your children live with after a divorce (physical custody), who will make important decisions regarding health care or education (legal custody), how visitation will be scheduled and how the children will be provided with proper financial support.

Whether you are obligated to pay alimony/spousal support or are the recipient of these payments, you’re entitled to a fair outcome. Spousal support amounts are calculated by judges using several factors.

All of these issues are decided on a case-by-case basis, with the courts focused on safeguarding the children’s best interests. We will work tirelessly to make persuasive arguments supported by evidence that will achieve an outcome that fosters your parental rights.

Skilled attorney protects your rights during property division

Dividing assets and debts is a critical and often contentious part of divorce. California is a community property state, which means assets and debts acquired during the marriage generally will be divided 50/50. However, some property is considered separate even if obtained during the marriage, such as an inheritance or gift received by one spouse individually.

Division of military benefits is an area of property division in which we have strong knowledge and experience. We know how to handle the division of military pensions under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) as well as medical, commissary and exchange benefits and privileges for divorced spouses under that law’s 20/20/20 rule.

Contact a Santa Ana family law firm offers a free initial attorney consultation

The Law Offices of James P. Cronn in Santa Ana is a proven resource for civilians and military members with family law issues in Southern California. Our attorney and legal team are devoted to seeking the best possible outcome for you and your family. To schedule a free consultation, call 714-973-8633 or contact us online anytime.