Family Law

M.C. Bruce understands that Divorce can be expensive, so he offers three different services on Family Law matters: “Limited Representation” in which he helps you prepare the papers but you represent yourself in court; “Flat Fee” representation, in which you pay up front an agreed-upon flat fee for specific services; and the traditional hourly fee, in case you want him to handle the entire matter and all negotiations and court appearances.

M.C. Bruce’s Notable Cases:

One client in Los Angeles had been through four other lawyers with her divorce, all of whom withdrew from her case. M.C. Bruce was able to obtain spousal support which had been owed for a year and effect a fair and final property settlement which ended the litigation.

Another client had a matter which originated in another county. M.C. Bruce was able to get papers filed in that county which secured the client’s right to custody for his children.

In one well known Dependency case in Orange County, M.C. Bruce fought to have the County return a mother’s daughter after some high handed and unethical actions by the Social Worker. The court not only returned the child to the mother, but he admonished the Social Worker on the record.

If You Are Getting Divorced:

1. Stop living with your spouse. One of you has to move out of the residence. Otherwise, there will be a question as to the date of separation.
2. Open a separate bank account in your name only IMMEDIATELY. Begin putting your wages etc. into that account.
3. If you are served with Divorce papers, contact a lawyer IMMEDIATELY. You only have 30 days to file an answer otherwise the court will proceed without you.
4. Peacefully take possession of your separate property. Separate property is that property which the law says belongs only to you, not to the “marriage community.” Your lawyer will be able to identify which items these are.
5. DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SPOUSE except for necessary topics, such as care of the children. Let your lawyer talk to your spouse during the pendency of the case.

The State Bar has approved of “limited representation” in which a lawyer can help a client with paperwork and other legal issues for a flat fee, allowing the client to represent himself/herself in court and save lawyers’ fees. For more information on this money-saving service offered by the Law Office of M.C. Bruce, please visit our website at: 900Divorce.com.

Flat Fees

Sometimes a divorce is rather simple, or a client already has a decree but might need a modification or other further limited work. In these cases, M.C. Bruce offers a flat fee for specific tasks, so that the client pays one fee and obtains the necessary work without worrying about a mounting attorney’s fee billing. M.C. Bruce will become your lawyer of record and represent you in court; however, for each separate motion or hearing, there will be a flat fee charged.