Frequently Asked Questions

California has a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the petition is served. Uncontested divorces may finalize shortly after this period. Contested divorces — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — can take significantly longer depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of cooperation between parties.

California courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Factors include the child's age and health, the emotional bond between parent and child, each parent's ability to care for the child, any history of abuse or substance use, and — depending on the child's age and maturity — the child's own wishes.

While you can file a restraining order petition on your own, having an attorney ensures the petition is properly prepared, evidence is well-organized, and your rights are fully protected at the hearing. In cases involving children, allegations of abuse, or complex circumstances, skilled legal advocacy can make a critical difference in the outcome.

Guardianship gives a non-parent the legal authority to care for and make decisions for a child, while the parents retain their parental rights. Adoption permanently transfers all parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents. Guardianship can be temporary or ongoing, whereas adoption is permanent.

A Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) finding is a state court order declaring that a child under 21 has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents, and that it is not in the child's best interest to return to their home country. This state court finding is a prerequisite to applying for SIJS-based immigration relief with USCIS.

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application, the USCIS service center handling the case, and your specific circumstances. Family-based green cards can take 1–3 years, while some employment-based and humanitarian applications may process more quickly. Our firm monitors timelines closely and keeps you informed of realistic expectations throughout your case.

Generally, individuals who entered without inspection are not eligible to adjust status within the United States and must consular process abroad. However, exceptions exist — such as for certain family members of U.S. citizens, VAWA self-petitioners, and SIJS recipients. We evaluate your specific circumstances to determine the best available path to lawful status.

Asylum grants permanent protection, a path to a green card, and the ability to petition for family members — but requires filing within one year of arrival (with limited exceptions). Withholding of removal has no filing deadline but provides fewer benefits: it only prevents removal to the persecuting country and does not lead to permanent status or family reunification.

Not necessarily. Certain criminal convictions can have serious immigration consequences, but the impact depends on the specific offense, the date of the conviction, and the type of relief you are seeking. We conduct a thorough analysis of any criminal history before filing and, when possible, work to minimize or overcome the impact of past convictions.

In many cases, yes. Certain applications — including adjustment of status, asylum, DACA, and U Visas — allow you to apply for employment authorization (Form I-765). Work permits are typically valid for one to two years and can be renewed while your underlying application remains pending. We help clients file work authorization applications alongside the primary petition.

The value of a personal injury case depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses (past and future), lost income, the impact on your ability to work, pain and suffering, and whether the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious. During your consultation, we provide an honest preliminary assessment based on our experience with similar cases — but every case is unique.

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. For claims against government entities, the deadline is much shorter — typically six months to file an administrative claim. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your recovery. We strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to preserve your rights.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to overstate your share of fault to reduce their payout, which is why experienced legal representation matters.

Even seemingly minor accidents can involve hidden injuries that become apparent days or weeks later. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that does not account for ongoing medical needs. An attorney protects your interests, handles all communications with the insurance company, and ensures any settlement fully compensates you before you sign away your rights.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, and aligns our interests with yours: maximizing your recovery.

First, remain calm and comply with law enforcement. Do not resist, even if you believe the arrest is wrongful. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney — clearly and politely. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. Anything you say to police, cellmates, or even on recorded jail calls can be used against you. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

A first-time DUI conviction in California typically carries penalties including: 3 to 5 years of summary probation, fines and penalty assessments totaling approximately $1,800 to $2,000, a 4-month or 6-month driver's license suspension, completion of a 3-month or 9-month DUI education program, and possible jail time (often served through community service or alternative sentencing). Penalties increase significantly for higher blood alcohol levels, accidents, or prior offenses.

Yes — certain criminal convictions can have devastating immigration consequences, including deportation, inadmissibility, mandatory detention, and permanent bars to lawful status or citizenship. Crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, drug offenses, and domestic violence are particularly dangerous for non-citizens. This is why it is critical to have an attorney who understands the intersection of criminal and immigration law before accepting any plea agreement.

In California, most criminal convictions remain on your record permanently unless you take affirmative steps to clear them. Certain misdemeanors and felonies may be eligible for expungement under California Penal Code § 1203.4, which reopens the case, withdraws the plea or verdict, and dismisses the charges. While an expungement does not erase the record completely, it can significantly improve your ability to pass employment background checks and qualify for professional licenses.

Yes — absolutely. Being innocent does not guarantee a favorable outcome. The criminal justice system is complex, and prosecutors are skilled at building cases. Without an experienced defense attorney to challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present your side of the story effectively, innocent people can and do face wrongful convictions. An attorney protects your rights, ensures due process, and fights for the outcome you deserve.

Yes — in most cases, we can obtain certified copies of Mexican civil registry documents on your behalf without you needing to travel. We work with a network of correspondents and civil registry offices throughout Mexico. In some instances, a power of attorney may be required, which we can prepare and help execute for you.

Children born in the United States to at least one Mexican parent are generally eligible for Mexican citizenship by birth. Additionally, individuals born in Mexico who later acquired U.S. citizenship can retain their Mexican nationality — Mexico recognizes dual nationality. The specific documentation required depends on where and when the birth occurred and the parents' citizenship status at the time.

Mexican divorce decrees are generally recognized in the United States under the principle of comity, provided the divorce was validly obtained under Mexican law and at least one party had a genuine connection to Mexico (domicile or residency). However, some U.S. states scrutinize foreign divorces more closely than others. We ensure your Mexican divorce meets all legal requirements for recognition in both countries.

Processing times vary depending on the type of document, the specific civil registry office, and the state in Mexico. Simple certified copies can often be obtained within 1 to 4 weeks. Amendments, corrections, or late registrations take longer — typically 2 to 6 months. We provide realistic timelines based on the specific circumstances of your request and keep you informed throughout the process.

If you own real estate or significant assets in Mexico, a separate Mexican will is strongly recommended. Mexican inheritance law differs from U.S. law in important ways, and a U.S. will — even if translated — may not be executed efficiently by Mexican courts. A properly executed Mexican will ensures your Mexican assets pass according to your wishes without unnecessary delays, expense, or legal complications for your heirs.