With well over a decade of experience in family law, we strive to bring peace to Los Angeles families. We understand the complexities of family law in the state of California and work tirelessly to ensure that every case we take on is handled with respect, compassion, and expertise. To learn more about how we can help, contact an experienced Los Angeles family law attorney at Diaz Law Firm at (626) 261-0402 today.
Practice Areas & Services
Divorce
We work with individuals and families to restructure their lives following divorce. Legally referred to as dissolution of marriage in California, divorce involves the termination of the marriage, division of assets and debts, and the assignment of responsibilities regarding children. Because divorce is no-fault in California, it is possible for either spouse to dissolve their marriage at any time, if they wish to do so. We help individuals move through the divorce process smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that their rights are upheld at every step of the way.
Collaborative Divorce
Ending a marriage does not always need to be a tumultuous and contentious process. Through collaborative divorce, it is possible to negotiate matters related to the divorce agreement peacefully and harmoniously. Through mediation and diligent negotiation, the Los Angeles family law attorney at Diaz Law Firm works closely with families to terminate their marital union collaboratively, saving time, money, and emotional toll.
Mediation
During mediation, an impartial individual is selected to oversee the negotiation of differences. This is a valuable option for families that wish to cooperatively negotiate issues related to divorce and separation. As the mediation process must be carefully structured and conducted by a trained mediator, many people seek assistance from Diaz Law Firm.
Legal Separation
Alternative to the formal dissolution of a marriage, legal separation allows a couple to live separate lives while remaining legally married. Legal separation involves the creation of a court-ordered agreement that specifies the terms of your arrangement. This is an ideal option for couples who do not wish to fully dissolve their marriage but want to clearly define financial matters, property ownership, and issues related to child custody. Similarly, legal separation is attractive for couples who cannot pursue divorce due to personal or religious reasons, or who do not meet the California residency requirements to dissolve their marriage.
Child Custody
Divorce and legal separation impact the entire family, including, and especially, children. Matters related to child custody must be negotiated when deciding the terms of a divorce or legal separation agreement. During these negotiations, it is essential to consider the health and well-being of any child(ren) and ensure that they maintain stability in their lives and routines. This is a chief concern of the Los Angeles family law attorney at Diaz Law Firm, who compassionately advocates for the rights and best interests of children during divorce and legal separation proceedings.
Paternity
California law maintains a set of rules and regulations used to determine paternity. In most cases, if a child is born to a legally married couple, the determination of paternity is clear-cut. For unmarried couples, however, paternity must be legally established through a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage or by obtaining a court order. Without the establishment of paternity, a child born in California does not have a legal father. Establishing paternity is essential for understanding who is legally responsible for the care and support of a child. At Diaz Law Firm, we help families navigate these matters.
Child Support
Parents are legally responsible for the financial support of their child or children. Under California law, child support refers to the monetary amount that a court can order from a parent to account for the expense of raising a child. This amount depends largely on the parent’s income level, the percentage of time that the child will stay with the parent, and necessary child care costs. Child support negotiations can easily result in disputes and disagreements, making it important to seek legal assistance to uphold your rights through the process.
Spousal Support
When a marriage dissolves, one spouse may be required to provide financial assistance to the other. This support is designed to acknowledge the spouse’s contributions to the marriage and ensure that the recipient is able to achieve financial independence in spite of the divorce. The amount of spousal support depends on a range of factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the contribution of each spouse to the career and the household. The experienced Los Angeles family law attorney at Diaz Law Firm helps individuals navigate the different forms of spousal support agreements and work diligently to negotiate a fair agreement according to Family Code Section 4320.
Asset & Property Division
Dividing assets, property, and debt is one of the most important – and complex – aspects of a divorce or legal separation. During this process, a judge will determine how this division will occur, according to the guidelines set forth in California law. This can quickly become complicated if there are disputes regarding how assets should be divided, if there are large or unexpected debts, or if either spouse has a pension or retirement plan. Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz works closely with individuals to ensure a smooth division of assets and property.
Premarital Agreements
Premarital agreements – formal contracts created by two people before marriage – serve a variety of purposes. These agreements are used to clarify financial rights, protect spouses from each other’s debts, identify how property will be divided, and avoid disputes in case of divorce. Without a premarital agreement in place, these matters will be determined by the court during a legal proceeding. We help clients draft strong premarital agreements that most fully benefit their personal and financial preferences, thereby mitigating the likelihood of issues in the event of divorce.
Domestic Violence and Civil Harassment
It is important that if you or your children are in any kind of danger that you seek protection and help immediately before anything else. Victims of domestic violence and civil harassment have legal protections under California law. We work closely with individuals to successfully obtain domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) and/or civil harassment orders (CHOs) to protect themselves and their loved ones from abuse.
According to the California Code of Civil Procedure §527.6(b), harassment refers to intentional conduct that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses a specific person and serves no legitimate purpose. As harassment causes substantial emotional distress, many individuals take legal action to resolve the issue. We take matters related to civil harassment seriously and advocate for the rights of clients during all legal proceedings related to the case. We also defend against restraining orders if you have unfairly had a restraining order filed against you.
How to Find an Experienced and Dedicated Family Law Attorney Near You
Finding an experienced and dedicated family law attorney near you to represent your interests and uphold your rights is one of the most important legal decisions you can make. The right attorney will understand how to navigate complex issues with ease, serve as your trusted advocate and advisor, and handle your case with the utmost respect.
Reviewing the websites of potential law firms is often a common starting point for those considering divorce. Consider the core values of the firm, their areas of practice, and their testimonials to evaluate whether that firm aligns with your expectations. Will that Los Angeles family law attorney be able to successfully help you reach your goals? How long have they been practicing family law? Do other people recommend their services? These questions can help you determine if a specific attorney is a good match for you.
Does Divorce Fall Under Family Law?
Yes, divorce does fall under the umbrella of family law. In California, the Family Code is used to handle all matters related to divorce and legal separation. These laws will dictate how property, assets, and debts will be divided as well as how child custody and support agreements will be handled.
Hiring an Experienced Los Angeles Family Law Attorney at Diaz Law Firm
Navigating issues related to family law can be legally complex and time-consuming. Through compassionate, efficient, and diligent representation, we work with individuals and families to address complicated financial and personal matters. Los Angeles family law attorney Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz acts as a trusted advisor and zealous negotiator, upholding the interests of her clients through every aspect of their legal issue. To speak with an experienced attorney about your case, schedule a consultation with us at (626) 261-0402 today.