Given the complexity of family law, why do people represent themselves? Oftentimes they have no choice. Court-appointed counsel in family law matters is not a right as in criminal law. Legal services agencies in California are able to serve relatively few people who have family law issues due to funding limitations. Even then, legal service agencies serve low-income people with special requirements such as domestic violence. Sometimes even middle-class parties find it hard to secure an attorney. The average family law attorney in California charges more than $300 per hour and requires a retainer of approximately $5,000. Such families are increasingly finding themselves with no paycheck, a diminished amount of equity in their homes, and reduced savings, leaving them unable to afford high-priced attorney. Even people who start out with attorneys at the beginning of their cases often run out of money and become self-represented before their cases are over.
The Pasadena Law Offices of Frazee/Laron opened to assist the average citizen in family law matters with limited budgets. The law firm charges based upon the specific case needs and attempts to secure a settlement between the parties without expending unnecessary legal fees and costs.
