Following are the top ten legal questions asked by people calling our office.

1. How long does it take for a divorce to become final in California?
   
   In California, a divorce is not possible to be final until at least 6 months and one day from the date of service of the other party. A party may petition the court to have their marital status dissolved at that time if the matters related to child custody, visitation, property issues and other matters remained unresolved at that time.
   
   
2. Does it make a difference if you are the Petitioner or Respondent?
   
   No.
   
   
3. Do we both have to reside in California?
   
   Not necessarily. If at least one party has been a resident of the State of California for six months, and a resident of the county for at least 3 months, the court will has jurisdiction to have your matter filed in California.
   
   
4. How much will my divorce cost?
   
   In addition to local court filing fees, the attorney fee for your divorce is based upon the complexity of issues, as every dissolution is different. Lawyer fees are determined by the experience of the attorney, complexity of issues and the fees charged in the community. Your fees will be paid as a retainer paid in advance and all time spent on your case will be charged against your retainer.
   
   
5. Do you accept checks or credit cards?
   
   Yes.
   
   
6. What experience do Mr. Graham and his associate, Ms. Neshanian have?
   
   Mr. Graham has been practicing law in Orange County for the past 33 years. He is a former prosecutor with the Orange County District Attorney. Mr. Graham has been specialized in the field of family law for the past 21 years.
   
   Ms. Neshanian has been employed at the Law Offices of Albert M. Graham, Jr. for the past four years. Her entire career encompasses family law ranging from the gamut of being employed at Legal Aid, as an extern at the District Attorney's Office, Family Support Division and private practice.
   
   
7. Do we handle cases involving the District Attorney?
   
   Yes. We readily have child support cases involving the Department of Child Support Services, formerly known as Office of District Attorney, Family Support Division.
   
   
8. Will you take my family law case on a contingency basis?
   
   Generally not. However, there are certain rare exceptions.
   
   
9. Can seek court orders requesting child custody and child support while my dissolution is pending?
   
   Yes. The court has the power to make pendente-lite orders, i.e. temporary orders related to custody and support until your trial date or final resolution of your matter.
   
   
10. Do I have to appear in court?
    
    You are not required to appear in court if you settle the matter amicably.