Our Family Law Firm's Obsession With Excellence

Strategic planning, communication and result focused representation

We handle every case with discipline, diligence, and a no-nonsense advocacy style.

Our family law firm achieves success on behalf of our clients because we take the time to know our client's reasonable goals and needs and prepare to meet both inside and outside the courtroom. Along the way, we collaborate and strategize with our clients to ensure we spend time on issues that matter and do not allow ourselves or our clients to get caught up in the other party's or lawyer's nonsense.

Each client knows their case's status at all times because we expect nothing less from ourselves, and you should expect nothing less from the best family law attorneys.

No guessing, no wondering how your case is going.

No worrying about whether your attorney will be prepared for court.

Your goals are ours, and let us show you how we get there.

The Pillars of Effective Family Law Representation: Discipline, Diligence, and No-Nonsense Advocacy

These elements are not just theoretical concepts but practical necessities that guide a divorce attorney in achieving outcomes consistent with the facts and the law. Below, we explore why these principles are essential and how they manifest in real-world family law cases.

Discipline: The Foundation of Effective Case Management in Family Law

The best family law attorneys are disciplined in handling cases from start to finish. Discipline means a systematic approach to every aspect of a case.

Meeting Deadlines and Preparation: Discipline means knowing all the filing and service deadlines and ensuring the attorney and the client are fully prepared for court proceedings. This preparation includes understanding the case's facts and relevant law and how to advocate each. Avoiding last-minute work on cases is a hallmark of discipline, as it reduces the risk of errors and ensures that all arguments are well-considered and supported by evidence.

Focused Communication: Discipline extends to communications with the other party's lawyer. A disciplined attorney keeps discussions focused on the facts, the law, and the issues that truly matter. They avoid getting sidetracked by emotions or issues that do not merit the time and cost commitment. This focus is important in ensuring that the case moves forward efficiently and that the client's interests remain at the forefront.

For example, a disciplined attorney will gather and organize financial documents in a high-asset divorce. They will inform the client of all developments and prepare properly for each court appearance, avoiding surprises.

Diligence: The Key to Thorough and Effective Family Law Representation

Diligence in family law means knowing a case's facts and the applicable law. No two cases are identical, and taking a cookie-cutter approach is ineffective and potentially harmful. A diligent lawyer understands the unique aspects of each case and takes the necessary steps to gather all relevant information.

Understanding the Facts: In a divorce case involving the splitting of assets, diligence requires a discussion between the attorney and client about what constitutes community property, separate property, or a mixed asset. The attorney must know what facts and information are necessary to prove each category and take steps to gather this evidence.

Tailored Strategies: In cases involving alimony or child support, diligence involves understanding the income available for support and determining whether the case requires imputed income or job seek orders. If one parent misreports their income, a diligent attorney will recommend hiring a forensic accountant early on and conducting the necessary discovery to gather the needed documents and information.

Custody and Protective Orders: In custody disputes, diligence means collaborating with the client to determine whether to request sole or joint legal and physical custody, what the parenting plan should look like, and whether additional orders are needed to protect the children. In cases involving domestic violence or child abuse, or false allegations, the attorney and client must discuss how these factors will impact the custody case.

Diligence is about being prepared for all aspects of a case, no matter how complex. Without diligence, family law representation is incomplete and ineffective.

No-Nonsense Advocacy: Essential in High-Conflict Family Law Cases

A no-nonsense advocacy style is necessary in high-conflict or highly contested cases. This approach keeps the attorney, and the client focused on preparing the case for a hearing and presenting effective factual and legal arguments.

When Settlement Fails: In some cases, an approach focused on settlement may reach a dead end, especially when the other party takes unreasonable positions. Hoping for a reasonable settlement is often futile in these situations. A no-nonsense attorney recognizes when to stop negotiating and start preparing for a hearing.

Making Strategic Decisions: Tough decision must be made: Should the client accept a less than optimal deal because the other side won't get reasonable, or should they proceed to a hearing and let the judge decide? A no-nonsense attorney will guide the client through this decision, focusing on what is realistically achievable in court.

For instance, a no-nonsense attorney will shift from negotiation to litigation in a contested child custody case where the other party refuses to compromise and is asking for agreements that endanger the children. The attorney and client will gather the necessary evidence, prepare the client for court, and present a strong, focused case to the judge, making it clear that their client's position is reasonable and supported by the facts.

Let Us Bring Discipline, Diligence, and Our Style of Adovacy to Your Case

Discipline, diligence, and a no-nonsense advocacy style are not just abstract concepts but the bedrock of effective family law representation. Contact us for a strategy session to determine how we may be a good fit for your case.

Your Strategy Session

About your strategy session

Southern California Offices

Locations

Our Services and Fees

Frequently asked questions

Strategy sessions are designed for those who are serious about their family law case, want to make informed and intelligent choices, and seek result-focused representation.

Peter is a rockstar. This firm assisted me against a gatekeeper mother. The professionalism from this firm motivated me to become a paralegal. I intend to retain again in the future because more complexities has risen and I am confident this firm will help me gain more custodial time.

- JC

Choosing a good family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. I was referred to Farzad & Ochoa Law Firm by a family member. I was fortunate to be assigned to Peter. He is passionate in what he does. He is kind but firm, tough when need be. His attention to detail was impressive compared to other lawyers I have had in the past. I was in awe of his performance in...

- SB

Read what our clients say
previousnext