Our Services
Divorce, Legal Separation, Annulment
These are three different ways to legally end or change a marital relationship. Divorce dissolves a marriage entirely, legal separation allows couples to live apart while remaining legally married, and annulment is used to declare a marriage legally invalid from the start.
Paternity
Paternity cases are used to legally establish the identity of a child’s parent, where the parents are not married. Determining parentage is the first step before custody, visitation, or child support can be ordered.
Custody & Visitation
Custody determines who has legal and/or physical responsibility for a child, while visitation refers to the parenting time granted to the noncustodial parent. Courts decide these matters based on the best interest of the child.
Child Support & Spousal Spport
Support orders are intended to ensure financial stability for a spouse or child. Child support is usually based on income, time-share, and other factors; spousal support is determined by factors like length of the marriage, earning capacity, and financial need.
Restraining Orders
A restraining order is a court order that protects individuals from abuse, harassment, or threats. In family court, this often refers to Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, which can include protections against immediate family member, such as a current or former parter or spouse,. In civil court, this is ofter referred to Civil Harassment Restraining Order, which includes protection from a neighbor or person whom you do not share a familial relationship. Elder Abuse Restraining Order is often used when an elderly person is seeking protection due to their age.
Emergency Orders
Emergency (ex parte) orders are urgent requests for temporary court orders, often used in situations where someone’s safety or immediate well-being is at risk. These are typically short-term and require formal hearings.
Wage Assignment
A wage assignment allows support payments to be deducted directly from a person’s paycheck. These are commonly used to ensure timely payment of child or spousal support.
Name Change
California law allows individuals to change their legal name through a court petition. This process includes filing paperwork, publishing a notice (in most cases), and attending a hearing before a judge grants the request.
Expungements
An expungement is a legal process that clears a conviction from your criminal record under certain conditions. While it doesn’t erase the record entirely, it can help with employment, licensing, and housing opportunities.
Small Claims
Small claims court is designed for resolving disputes quickly and without a lawyer, typically involving amounts up to $10,000. Common issues include unpaid debts, property damage, and breach of contract.
Wills
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s property and affairs should be handled after death. It can also name guardians for minor children and designate an executor to carry out your wishes.
Health Directives
A Health Care Directive outlines your medical treatment preferences and appoints someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate. It helps ensure your wishes are followed during a medical emergency.
Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant
An Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant is used to remove a deceased joint tenant’s name from a property title. This document is typically filed with the county recorder to update ownership records when one co-owner has passed away.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you trust to manage your financial, legal, or personal affairs if you are unable to do so. It ensures decisions can be made on your behalf without court involvement.
Transfer on Death Deed
A Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed allows real property to pass directly to a named beneficiary upon the owner's death, without going through probate. It’s a simple way to ensure property transfers smoothly while maintaining full ownership during your lifetime.
