Family Lawyers in Santa Ana
Personal, effective representation across every family law matter — from bilingual attorneys who serve Orange County families.
Personal, effective legal representation in all areas of family law
Family law issues can bring some of the most emotional and uncertain moments in a person’s life. Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, questions about support, or concerns about your child’s safety, the process can feel overwhelming. Many families come to us stressed, unsure of what to expect, and wanting someone they can trust to guide them forward.
At Fontes Law Group, our Santa Ana family law attorneys help clients navigate these difficult situations with clarity, compassion, and steady support. We work to make the process as efficient as possible and help you avoid the common pitfalls that can slow a case or complicate your rights.
Not every family dispute needs a courtroom battle. Many parents and spouses reach comprehensive agreements through negotiation or mediation. When cooperation is possible, we help you understand your options, protect your interests, and build solutions that support your future and your children’s well-being.
When your case requires litigation. When cooperation breaks down or safety becomes a concern, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for you in court, bringing strategic preparation, strong communication, and a deep understanding of California family law to every hearing.
Experience. Compassion. Results.
We combine decades of legal experience with a client-first approach, guiding you through California’s legal process with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy.
- Proven success through divorce, custody, support, and property division
- Every team member speaks Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- No fees for your initial consultation
- Trusted by families across Southern California
Attorneys who will stand beside you
Catherine J. Navarro
Leads our Family Law & Probate practice and a 2022–2025 So. Cal Rising Star.
Natalie Sanchez
Criminal defense attorney serving Orange County, Riverside and Los Angeles. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Family law services
From the first conversation to the final order, we focus on the outcome that protects your family.
Divorce
Fault and no-fault dissolution, from amicable agreements to contested litigation, always with your long-term interests in view.
Child Custody & Visitation
Legal and physical custody, visitation, and parenting plans built around your children’s stability and best interests.
Child Support
Support established, modified, or enforced under California guidelines and your family’s real circumstances.
Alimony
Temporary and long-term spousal support, calculated fairly and argued with your financial future in mind.
Domestic Violence
Restraining orders and protection for you and your children, handled with urgency and discretion.
Division of Assets
Community and separate property — the home, accounts, debts, and assets — divided clearly and equitably.
Paternity/Maternity
Establishing parentage to secure custody, visitation, and support rights for parents and children.
Guardianship
Guardianship of a minor or dependent adult, handled with the same steady, family-first approach.
Limited Conservatorship
Conservatorship for a developmentally disabled adult, guiding your family through the court process.
Family laws in California
Family laws in California touch some of the most personal and emotional parts of a person’s life. Whether you are separating, creating a parenting plan, seeking financial support, or trying to protect your children and your safety, you deserve guidance that is steady, clear, and centered on your long-term well-being.
At Fontes Law Group, we help families in Santa Ana understand how California’s family laws apply to their situation. We explain your rights in simple, everyday language, help you make informed decisions, and guide you through the legal process with as little stress as possible.
Why family law matters
Family law decisions can shape your life for years to come. Custody arrangements influence your child’s stability. Financial support orders determine your ability to move forward. Property division affects your long-term security. Because these issues are so important, the law gives families a structure to protect their rights and create fair solutions. Our job is to help you understand that structure and use it to protect what matters most. We focus on:
- Creating stability for children
- Ensuring fair financial outcomes
- Protecting victims of violence
- Keeping cases efficient and respectful
- Reducing conflict whenever possible
- Standing strong when litigation is necessary
Factors that impact the cost of divorce in Santa Ana
Although it is impossible to predict the cost of your dissolution, keep in mind the following factors:
- Whether there are litigation costs, such as expert witness or court reporter fees
- Whether there are children and child custody disputes
- The nature of the contested issues
- The number of issues on which the parties agree
- The level of cooperation between the opposing parties and lawyers
- Whether your case involves legal questions that are new to California
- Your attorney's hourly rate
- Your conduct and that of your spouse
How a family law attorney can support you
Family law issues are stressful because they touch the parts of your life that matter most. Whether you are facing a custody dispute, a separation, financial concerns, or safety issues, the uncertainty alone can feel overwhelming. You do not have to work through these decisions by yourself.
Fontes Law Group supports families throughout Santa Ana, offering clear guidance, steady communication, and a plan that protects your rights. We take the time to understand your story, explain the law in simple terms, and help you make choices that reflect your goals and your family’s needs. Whether you need help establishing custody, requesting child support, securing safety through a restraining order, or creating a parenting plan that works for your children, our attorneys stand with you.
Reasonable, flat fees with payment plans available
We quote reasonable fees for all of our family and divorce cases. Cases are mostly handled on a flat-fee basis, and payment plans are available. Our sophisticated, efficient, affordable, and client-centered services set us apart as we help our clients achieve their goals.
Helpful resources
FAQs about family law
Do I need to be legally separated before filing for divorce?+
No. California does not require legal separation before divorce. You can file for divorce immediately as long as you meet the residency requirements.
How does spousal support (alimony) work in California?+
Temporary support often follows a formula, while long-term support considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, contributions to the relationship, and financial needs.
Who gets custody of the children in a California divorce?+
Courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges look at factors like each parent's involvement, stability, safety, and the child's needs. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers.
How long does a divorce take in California?+
California has a mandatory six-month waiting period, but the total length depends on whether the case is contested, how quickly paperwork is completed, and whether issues like custody or property division are disputed.
What is the legal definition of community property in California?+
Community property includes most income, assets, and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse earned or purchased them.
Let’s discuss your case
Confidential and in your language. Tell us a little about your situation and we will reach out within one business day.