Hello,
I'm based in California and I've been married for over 30 years. Things have gone south in recent times, and my wife has leveled several false accusations against me, the most serious of which is of sexual misconduct with our son, which is absolutely not true. She has reported these allegations to various authorities, but no actions have been taken so far. My primary concern is my son's safety and well-being, as he has witnessed these incidents and has confirmed my innocence.
While I'm considering divorce as a solution, I'm unsure of how to proceed given the severity of the accusations. How can I protect myself and my son from further harm? What kind of lawyer should I be looking to hire? I understand there are family lawyers, divorce lawyers, and even child custody experts. How do I ensure the lawyer I choose has the necessary skills and knowledge? And what are the average prices for such services in California?
Thanks for your help.
Commonly posted questions...
Legal Solution
The response provided below is specific to Divorce attorneys in the jurisdiction of California. If the response is inadequate, please submit a detailed inquiry.
The Depth of The Situation
The legal implications of your situation are multifaceted. Given the severe allegations of misconduct, it's essential to consider the need for not just a divorce lawyer, but potentially a criminal defense lawyer. Moreover, ensuring your son's well-being could necessitate consultations with child custody professionals.
- California Family Code - It's crucial to understand California's laws concerning marriage, divorce, child custody, and spousal support. California's Official Government Website can provide a gateway to these specific laws.
- Criminal Defense - You may need to acquaint yourself with the state's penal codes, especially if the accusations escalate to legal charges.
- Child Custody and Welfare - Given that the safety and well-being of your son is paramount, familiarizing yourself with California's child custody laws can prove beneficial.
Possible Solutions
- Immediate Legal Counsel: Given the gravity of the allegations, it's essential to find the right lawyer who specializes in such cases and can help refute these claims legally.
- Document Everything: Ensure you have a comprehensive record of all events, text messages, emails, and any other correspondence that might indicate her aggressive behavior or false accusations. This will be pivotal in court.
- Counseling and Therapy: Consider engaging a therapist for your son, which can serve as a neutral avenue for him to express his feelings and provide a professional account if needed.
Average Costs for Legal Services in California
Legal Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Initial Consultation with Divorce Lawyer | $250 - $400 |
Child Custody Consultation | $200 - $350 |
Full Representation in Divorce Case | $5,000 - $25,000 |
Criminal Defense Consultation (If Needed) | $300 - $600 |
Full Representation in Criminal Defense | $3,000 - $15,000 |
Note: Costs can vary based on the complexity of the case, the reputation of the lawyer, and other unforeseen variables.
Further Clarifications
To help you better, can you provide more information about the current legal actions, if any, that your wife has initiated? And have you already consulted any legal professionals regarding this?
Key Points to Consider
- Have you secured all personal documents and sensitive information?
- Is your son receiving any counseling or therapy to cope with the situation?
- Do you have witnesses or anyone else who can testify to your character and the situation at home?
Q1: What are my rights if falsely accused of a crime in California?
In California, everyone has the right to a fair trial. It's crucial to hire a competent criminal defense lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and to refute any false allegations.
Q2: Can text messages and emails be used as evidence in court?
Absolutely, text messages and emails can serve as evidence. They can either substantiate or refute claims made in court. Hence, always keep a record of relevant communications.
Q3: How long does a typical divorce proceeding take in California?
The duration of divorce proceedings can vary based on the complexities of the case. However, in California, there's a mandatory six-month waiting period from the time the respondent is served until the divorce can be finalized.
Q4: What is the difference between legal and physical custody of a child?
Legal custody pertains to making decisions about a child's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody deals with whom the child lives. Both can be joint (shared) or sole (given to one parent).
Q5: How are assets typically divided in a California divorce?
California is a community property state, which means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered owned equally by both spouses, barring certain exceptions.