“I was scared the bill would grow every time I called. It never did: the number on page one was the number I paid, plus the court's fee.”
Gaby V.Divorce
Family law · Santa Ana
Splitting up hurts. Not knowing what's next shouldn't.
Divorce, custody and child support at a fixed fee you can read before you sign. I'm Anahí Ceballos, a Santa Ana family lawyer, and I work in English and in Spanish.
Fees
Fees explained first, then the conversation
Most families don't need a surprise bill on top of everything else. Here is how each kind of case is charged, what it covers and what it doesn't.
Uncontested divorce
A flat fee when you and your spouse agree on the main questions. I draft, file and finish the paperwork.
See divorce detailsCase review and a plan in writing
Every form drafted and filed
Settlement agreement drafted
Final judgment prepared for the judge
Parenting plan and support
A flat fee for a written schedule for the kids and a support figure both parents can live with.
See custody detailsWeekday, weekend and holiday schedule
Child support worksheet and figures
Travel, school and doctor decisions spelled out
Agreement ready to file
By the hour
For cases where the other side disagrees. You get a budget for each phase and a bill every month.
Talk it throughNegotiation and mediation
Court appearances and hearings
Itemized bill every month
A starting retainer, unused part returned
Your written fee agreement states your exact fee. Court filing fees, process-server costs and expert fees are paid separately, and the court sets them, not this office.
Family law
Start with the part that's hurting
Three kinds of cases fill most of my week. Pick the closest one: each page says what happens, what it costs and what to bring.
Divorce
Agreed or contested, a divorce is mostly paperwork and decisions. I take the paperwork so you can make the decisions.
About divorce
Custody and support
Where the kids sleep, who pays for what, who decides about school. Written down so it holds up on a bad Tuesday.
About custody and support
Protective orders
When you're afraid of someone you share a life with. Safe ways to reach me, and papers filed fast.
About protective orders
Parents who've been where you are
“We'd argued about holidays for two years. Anahí put it on one page, and we both signed it.”
Wendy L.Parenting plan
“She answered in Spanish and wrote to the judge in English, so my mother could read every page I signed.”
Jaime R.Custody and support
Each client's case is different, and what happened for one family doesn't predict what will happen for yours.
Asked at the kitchen table
What if my spouse and I can't agree?
Then the by-the-hour option fits better. I'll tell you on the first call which one your case looks like, and I'll tell you if that changes.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. A flat fee can be split into payments over the first few months. The schedule is in your fee agreement before you sign anything.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, and so does Brenda, who answers the phone. I explain everything in the language you choose. Court papers are in English, and I go through each one with you.
Is it safe to message you?
Tell me in your first message how it's safe to reach you: call, text or email only. Use Quick exit at the top of any page to leave this site fast, and clear your history afterward if someone else uses your device.
What happens on the first call?
We talk through where things stand, which package looks right and what it costs. You leave with the fee in writing, whether or not you hire me.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
No law says you must hire one. People do when there are children, a house or debts in the middle, or when they're afraid of the other person. I'll tell you honestly if you can manage on your own.
Write to me
Tell me where things stand
A few lines are enough. I'll read it myself and answer within one business day, the way you've told me is safe.