Family Attorneys In Brentwood, CA
Family law issues are often sensitive and involve difficult, emotional situations that could have a long-lasting effect on you and your family. The guidance of an experienced Brentwood family lawyer can make a big difference in how your case progresses and the outcome.
When you need compassionate legal representation, whether it is for divorce, custody, or dividing property, Kramer & Zitser, LLP can help. We are two senior attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience in guiding families through their family law cases and getting results.
The Basics of Family Law
Family law addresses a variety of legal matters concerning relationships between family members. It includes:
- Child custody
- Divorce
- Alimony
- Child support
- Property division
- Prenuptial agreements
For Brentwood families, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County Family Law Division helps people resolve family law matters. Kramer & Zitser is familiar with the local Brentwood court system and can leverage this knowledge to reduce errors and delays.
Common Family Law Challenges
Family law in California has some unique challenges. Since it is a community property state and known for its high cost of living, along with complex legal procedures, family disputes can quickly become complicated.
California is a no-fault community property state. This means you don’t have to assign blame for a divorce, and almost all assets acquired during the marriage are considered community property and must be divided equally. Even though the law requires full financial disclosure during a divorce, some spouses try to hide assets in order to keep them after the divorce.
Child custody disputes are another challenge faced in family law. If parents cannot agree on a co-parenting plan, it could turn into a custody battle. California recognizes several types of child custody.
- Physical custody
- Legal custody
- Sole physical custody
- Joint physical custody
- Sole legal custody
- Joint legal custody
California Family Code §3170 states that in cases involving a custody dispute, the parent must attend mediation through their court’s Family Court Services at the Spinetta Family Law Center. If parents have a court date for a custody dispute, they must complete mediation before going before a judge. Your family law attorney can provide you with guidance and serve as an advocate during mediation.
If an agreement is reached during mediation, you can receive a court order. If an agreement is not reached, a judge can decide on custody and visitation.
High Net Worth Divorce
In California, about 75 out of every 1000 people are divorced. Some of these divorces involve couples with higher net worth than the average. A high-net-worth divorce in California often involves significant financial holdings, complex business interests, several real estate properties, and a variety of investment interests.
The added financial complexities in a high-net-worth divorce often bring unique challenges that are less common in other divorce cases. These can include:
- Hiding assets. High-net-worth divorces have the potential for one spouse to attempt to hide or transfer assets to reduce the other spouse’s settlement. It can be done by transferring money to friends or family, undervaluing a business, or moving money to offshore accounts.
- Accurate asset valuation. Determining the value of assets is often a point of contention. Each spouse may hire their own valuation professional, and they may not come to the same conclusion. Negotiating the valuation is a critical part of the process and requires an experienced family law attorney.
- Complex spousal support calculations. The calculation for spousal support for high-net-worth cases is not as straightforward as the guidelines used for other divorce cases. If a spouse’s income is exceptionally high, the court may base the amount of support on the marital standard of living rather than the established formula.
- Business valuation. If one or more spouses own a business, valuing it can be a major part of the divorce proceedings. An accurate valuation is critical for equitable distribution.
Why Hire a Family Lawyer
If you are going through any family law issues in Brentwood, it is in your interest to consult with a family attorney. Family issues may seem like they should be resolved within the family unit, but they can quickly become complicated and contentious. A Brentwood family attorney has the knowledge and experience to help you overcome obstacles that may come up, so you can achieve a positive outcome.
FAQs
What Rights Do Fathers Have in California?
Fathers in California have the same legal rights as mothers when it comes to custody. California laws focus on the interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. California Family Code § 3011 considers the health, safety, and welfare of the child, any history of abuse, and that the child has a right to continued contact with both parents unless it is not in their interest.
What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?
The three C’s of divorce are communication, cooperation, and compromise. Following the three C’s can make a divorce less stressful and even speed up the process. Open communication helps both parties understand what the other needs; cooperation means working together to achieve the goal of a smooth divorce; and compromise by both parties can help save time and money.
Is It Worth it to Get a Family Lawyer in Brentwood, CA?
It is usually worth it to hire a family lawyer in Brentwood for family legal matters. If your situation involves significant assets, child custody disputes, or domestic violence, an attorney is critical. A knowledgeable attorney is familiar with California family law, and they can provide objective advice throughout the process, whether you are going through a divorce, seeking custody of a child, or seeking child support.
What Looks Bad in a Custody Case?
Some things that look bad in a custody case include not prioritizing the interests of the child or children. You want to avoid speaking negatively about the other parent, as it can have a significant impact on your child’s emotional state. Other things that look bad in a custody case include substance abuse, skipping scheduled visits and ignoring court orders.
Contact a Family Attorney in Brentwood
If you are contemplating divorce, have a child custody issue, or are planning to get married and want a prenuptial agreement, you can benefit from an experienced family law attorney. Contact Kramer & Zitser, LLP, today for a consultation. We can discuss your case and determine the optimal way forward.
