Los Angeles Family Laws: Family law governs different aspects of familial relationships, including adoption, child custody, child support, children’s rights, divorce law, emancipation, marriage law, pre-marital agreements and spousal support.
California Divorce Laws & Resources
If you would like to learn more about California divorce laws, research the California Code on your own, or simply need a family law lawyer specializing in California divorce law at this time, you will find the resources you need by calling our toll free family law lawyer referral service at 800-723-1391.
California Family Law Courts:
Every county in California has its own Family Law Court in Superior Court, usually with some type of associated Family Court Services office which handles the administration of state law mandated mediation orientation, custody and visitation mediation and evaluations etc., as well as administration of whatever self-help clinics and other support programs which may be funded by the individual county.
There may be different local rules and forms for some Family Law proceedings in each county, so it is important to always check with the Family Court in the county where you file your divorce. That county will retain jurisdiction over your child custody and support matters, even if you move, until you make a formal request before the Court for a change of location (venue) to the new county where you reside, in or out of California.
There are many options when seeking family law legal assistance. In some cases a family law attorney is not needed and you may be able to file legal papers on your own. If that is the case, our family law referral service will direct you to local agencies where you can get free legal guidance on your family law case. However, in many cases a family law attorney is the best option and if this is your situation, our pre-screened family law attorneys will make a difference.
A family law attorney can help…
- Assess your legal situation. An experienced family law attorney can help you assess your legal situation and provide the following services:
- Help you sort through and present your personal goals for the division of assets, living arrangements and child support and custody issues.
- Either file, or help you file, the appropriate papers for a divorce in your state. If you are legally separated and your state permits, your attorney can help you seek a court ruling on alimony and child support.
- Advise you on potential problems relating to assets, shared debts, bankruptcy, alimony, custody, support, pensions, IRAs, 401ks, social security benefits, tax ramifications, possible abandonment issues (for example, when one spouse moves out of the family home), etc.
- Help determine if your soon-to-be spouse or soon-to-be ex has concealed assets.
- In other types of family legal matters, it is much safer to have an attorney:
- Draft a pre-nuptial agreement to protect your personal assets in the event of divorce or death.
- Help in the adoption of a child to protect against possible future claims from the birth mother, father or their relatives.
- Help you protect your rights in connection with artificial insemination, either as a donor or as a custodial parent.
- Protect your children’s rights to public education and benefits – including special education services.
- Defend against the termination of your parental rights or to obtain the termination of another’s parental rights.
- Provide legal coaching. If you are representing yourself, consider finding an attorney to act as your legal coach. For a modest sum, a lawyer experienced in family law can be both (1) a consultant--to help you understand the law applicable to your individual problem, give you the pluses and minuses of your situation, guide you through the correct legal customs and procedures in your community, customize your legal papers, and act as a sounding board, or (2) a representative --to later take over as circumstances arise.
- Use knowledge of local court customs and practices to your advantage. An experienced family lawyer knows the local court rules and procedures and the personal preferences and inclinations of the judges. Knowing this, the attorney will endeavor to maneuver your case before the judge who is most likely to give you a favorable ruling.
- Negotiate. If your family law matter involves negotiations, and negotiating is not your strong suit, get legal help. Negotiating complex issues on your own puts you at risk of agreeing to terms in which you give away too many rights or agree to conditions that are unenforceable.
- Represent you in court. If your family matter becomes complicated or contentious and now needs to be resolved by a judge, a family law attorney is critical, especially if the other side has one. A lawyer’s trial experience and guidance can make a big difference in how your case is presented and ultimately decided.
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