Atherton Family Lawyer

Atherton Family Attorney

Dealing with legal issues pertaining to your family can be an emotional experience. These types of cases tend to be more impassioned than other cases because they involve people’s closest relationships, and these relationships may drastically change when going through the legal process. Fortunately, an experienced Atherton family lawyer can help you by ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for a favorable outcome.

Why Choose Us?

At the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye, we understand how emotionally charged a family law matter can be. We handle our cases with the care and sensitivity they deserve while also fighting aggressively for our clients’ rights. We know that each case is unique, so we pay close attention to each client’s specific needs to advocate for a favorable outcome. With over 37 years of experience, you can count on us to fulfill your family law needs.

What Is Family Law?

Family law refers to legal matters, concerns, and conflicts that pertain to familial relationships. This primarily includes spouses, children, and partners. In family law, family members have legally recognized rights and responsibilities in a variety of situations. When making family decisions, the courts focus on the best interests of any children involved as well as the interests of the adults.

In California, family law assistance continues to be a need in the community. While the number of divorces has decreased in recent years, couples throughout the state are frequently getting divorced.

In California, 7% of men and 10.5% of women have been divorced. In addition to this, 48% of households have married couples in them, leaving the remaining 52% in single-parent households. This means that issues of child support, child custody, and/or divorce are likely to be components in these households.

Divorce

One of the main family law issues that requires legal assistance is divorce. Divorce (referred to as dissolution of marriage) is the legal process to end a marriage. Individuals may also request a legal separation where they remain married in the eyes of the law but live separately. An attorney can help you file the required paperwork for divorce or separation and assist you through the process.

Child Support and Child Custody

Considerations for children tend to be the most emotional issues in family law. A child’s relationship with their parents is arguably the most important one they will have, especially during their early childhood. Courts will look at a variety of factors to determine custody, such as each parent’s ability to care for the child and any history of abuse or neglect.

If both parents are deemed fit, they may be awarded joint custody depending on the circumstances. In other cases, one parent may be awarded physical custody while the other is granted visitation.

When parentage is legally established, both parents have an obligation to provide financially for the child. California has a state-mandated formula for determining child support. This formula considers both parents’ financial standing, who the child spends most of their time with, and any costs associated with the child, including schooling and medical care.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to abuse inflicted on one person by another with whom they are in an intimate relationship. This includes spouses, partners, ex-spouses, ex-partners, roommates, family members, and individuals who share a child. An attorney can help victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders, as well as recommend resources for safety.

Additionally, if a person has been falsely accused of domestic violence, a family lawyer can help defend them. Being accused of domestic violence and having a protective order against you can negatively impact your time with your children, your employment, and your reputation.

Establishing and Modifying Plans

An attorney can help you develop a parenting plan if children are involved. Parenting plans often include agreements on how the child will spend special times, such as holidays and school breaks.

Changes often happen, such as a parent getting a new job or moving out of state. An attorney can help you modify an existing parenting or custody plan that accommodates the changes but still prioritizes the child’s best interests.

Filing Petition

If you need to file a petition for a family law issue, an attorney can ensure that you complete the correct paperwork and do it in a timely fashion. This can avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. The primary location for family law cases for Atherton residents, including divorce, child custody, and support, is the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center in Redwood City.

FAQs

Which Parent Will Pay for the Attorneys in California Child Custody Cases?

In California, each party typically pays their own attorney fees in child custody cases. However, if there is a large income gap or if one parent is acting dishonestly, the judge may order the other parent to pay a portion of the other’s fees. The goal is to make sure both sides can fairly present their cases in court.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Family Court in California?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer for family court in California, but having one can be extremely beneficial for you and the outcome of your case. An attorney knows the law and has experience with the legal process. They can fight for your rights using tactics that you may not be aware of. They can also efficiently file the required paperwork for you, ensuring that you have not made any mistakes in the process.

Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

In California, the best interests of the child are taken into consideration when determining custody, not which parent “wins.” The goal of the courts is to encourage continued, deep connections with both parents. Unless one parent is unwilling or unfit, shared custody is typical. How each parent participates, their living circumstances, and their capacity to provide for their child’s needs all affect the result.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in California?

California judges prioritize the best interests of the child, taking into account things like each parent’s capacity to provide a secure environment, their emotional ties to the child, and their history of providing care. They also take into account any indications of neglect, abuse, or drug misuse. When it is safe and appropriate, courts prefer arrangements that provide regular and ongoing contact with both parents.

Contact the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye Today

If you have a family law matter, the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye can help you. Contact us today to get started.