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Family law
We take family law that touches children and permanency. It is a deliberately narrower list than a general practice would offer — and it is the list we actually do well.
Uncontested and contested divorce, from a simple agreed filing to a matter with a business, a pension and a house in dispute.
Legal custody (who decides) and physical custody (where the child lives), and the parenting plan that makes it work week to week.
Establishing, modifying and enforcing support — including the arguments that actually move the number.
For caregivers who need legal authority for a child now, and for adults who can no longer make their own decisions.
Who the law recognises as a parent, and how to make that certain before a dispute arises.
Where there is abuse, threats or an immediate risk to a child, the court can act within days — sometimes hours.
Orders age badly. Jobs change, children grow, people move. When circumstances change substantially, the order can change too.
Clear agreements made calmly, in advance, with full disclosure on both sides — which is exactly what makes them hold up.
How disputes get resolved
Litigation is expensive, slow and public, and it hands the decision to a stranger. Where it is safe and sensible, we try to resolve matters another way — and we prepare every file as though it may end up in front of a judge anyway.
Most parenting plans and property settlements are agreed this way. Fastest and cheapest when both sides are reasonable.
A trained mediator helps you reach your own agreement. Many California courts require it before they will set a contested hearing.
Both parties, both attorneys and often a financial neutral and a child specialist, all committed in writing to settling out of court.
When there is danger, bad faith, a genuine legal dispute, or one side simply will not engage. We do not shy away from it.
Call 911 in an emergency. For confidential support at any hour, contact National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-799-7233 (or text START to 88788), or the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-978-3600 (24 hours, in 13 languages). We can seek an emergency protective order, and we can do it quickly. Please do not rely on this website or its contact form to reach us urgently.
Next step
Consultations are confidential and there is no obligation to hire us. Bring your questions, your paperwork and your timeline — we will tell you plainly what the process looks like, what it is likely to cost and how long it should take.