Personal Service. Individual Attention.
Extensive Family
Law Experience
When you need to resolve important family law matters, an experienced lawyer can provide the legal counsel you need to make the choices that are right for your specific situation. I am family law attorney Paula D. Kleinman. Clients will receive personal representation through every stage of their legal dilemma.
Practice Areas
With more than 20 years of experience practicing family law, I am committed to using my experience to help you find the best solution for your particular circumstances. Located in Vista, I represent clients across San Diego County such as Oceanside. From my office across the street from the North County Division of the Superior Court of California, I also represent people who live outside of California with cases in San Diego County courts.
Divorce
Paternity
Child Custody/Visitation
Child Support
Domestic Violence
Modification of Order
Mediation
Frequently Asked Questions
Just the idea of divorce or separation is incredibly painful, causes stress and is surrounded by numerous questions. Here are a few common questions that may help ease your distress and get you thinking about the next steps.
The divorce process in California starts with a summons and a petition, typically filed by a family law attorney at the petitioner’s request. A petition for dissolution of marriage is similar to a lawsuit, but instead of filing a lawsuit by a plaintiff against a defendant, a spouse files a petition (also known as the petitioner) and asks for a divorce against the other spouse, who is named as a respondent. If the divorce is contested, litigation is often necessary to resolve issues surrounding the separation. If the divorce is uncontested and both parties agree, they may want to consider mediation as a more amicable and affordable process of marriage dissolution.
Mediation is a more effective and more amicable way to go through a divorce. Divorce mediation can usually help two spouses get through the divorce process in an expedited fashion and also save them money on court costs and other legal fees associated with the divorce process.
The timeframe of a California divorce process is affected by two principal issues, but is primarily determined by the areas of disagreement between the two spouses. Areas of disagreement between the parties in a divorce must ultimately be resolved before a divorce is completed. California residents who both amicably agree that they’ve reached the end of their marriage, may want to consider resolving their issues via mediation. With the impartial guidance of an attorney trained in mediation, couples can work together to reach a consensus about their divorce terms. They often find that mediation is more advantageous to everyone involved and quicker than resolving it via litigation through the court syste
Typically, the petitioner pays to file the petition for dissolution of marriage, and each spouse handles their own attorney fees. There are several types of situations when a judge can order one side to pay the other side’s lawyer’s fees and/or court costs. It’s best to consult a family law attorney to discuss your options. We offer a free 1/2 hour initial consultation. Schedule a time by contacting me online or by calling 760-542-6072.
Why Hire
Family Law Attorney
Paula D. Kleinman
- I am committed to using my 20 years of family law experience to help you find the best solution for your particular circumstances.
- You will work with me personally until your divorce, child custody issue, paternity or other family law issue has been completely resolved. Not a paralegal or legal secretary.
- I take the time to meet with you to understand your goals and will work to create solutions that achieve these goals.
- I am capable of helping you negotiate a favorable settlement in negotiations or mediation, and am equally comfortable helping you litigate your case in family court.
- I advocate zealously on behalf of my clients and will never advise you to accept a settlement that does not meet your needs.
A Family Lawyer You Can Trust
From Our Clients
