Certified Family Law Specialist | Divorce Lawyer Los Angeles
Family Law Attorneys handle issues relating to divorce, custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support, among other things. The emotional aspects of a divorce are difficult–the legal aspects should not be. A competent family law attorney should be able to guide your decision-making by providing you with information and legal options based on your budget. Not all divorces are complex, and the goal of a...
If you want child support or want to change an existing child support order, you must file an Request for Order with the Court. The forms you will need to complete are: Request for Order (FL-300) along with a Declaration, and an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150). You must provide 2 months’ pay stubs with your papers. **PLEASE NOTE THAT...
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE = DIVORCE A “dissolution of marriage” action is just a fancy name for a divorce case. In California, a married person can request a divorce by filing a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” along with a form called a Summons. The Summons is issued by the Court, and then both the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and...
As a family law attorney in Los Angeles will tell you, divorce results in chaos. Many things change in the wake of a divorce, including parenting, social relationships, financial state, self-perceptions and addresses. The stress of the divorce itself and its attending chaos may cause a person’s behavior to change and, perhaps, become odd. People might revert...
What does California law say about child support medical reimbursements? Law Offices Of Cathleen E. Norton If you have a child support order that includes a provision for reimbursement of health care costs, California law states that you must first give the other parent a statement itemizing the charges within a reasonable period of time. How long do...
Child Support Calculations – How Much Am I Entitled To? Child support in California is calculated based on 2 factors, primarily: 1) the income of both parents and 2) how much time each parent spends with the children. What is considered “income” for the purposes of calculating child support, you ask? The court may consider “income” from whatever source derived....
Change of Circumstance: Material or Substantial? It is established law that California requires a change of circumstances before a modification of child support will be granted. But what exactly constitutes a change in circumstances? Previous cases have simply said there must be a change of circumstances and left it at that. More often however courts...
Child Support Los Angeles Child Support Lawyers – Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton In California, child support is based on a mathematical formula known as “guideline. ” The amount of child support is based on primarily two factors: the relative income of both parents and how much time each parent spends with the child or children. It is...
Getting a Divorce? Child Custody and Visitation GETTING A DIVORCE? THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT CUSTODY AND VISITATION Many people believe that once they file for divorce, the Court will set a hearing date to determine custody and visitation of the minor children. Not true. In order to get child custody orders, one of the parties needs to file what is...
My child wishes to live with me. Can I get primary physical custody? Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton The good news is that the law changed as of January 1, 2012 to allow the child’s voice to be heard in family court. This law applies both to divorce and paternity cases. Essentially, the law requires the family law judge...
Child Custody Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton Los Angeles Child Custody and Family Law Attorneys Child Custody is often the most contentious part of any family law case. The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton understands that there is nothing more important than your children and their well-being. We are of the opinion that in order to have...
Custody…You Can’t Retain What You Don’t Have Law Offices Of Cathleen E. Norton Los Angeles Child Custody and Family Law Attorneys It may seem quite obvious, but a non-custodial parent can’t retain custody of a child they don’t reside with. That proposition is exactly what was attempted by the mother of a child in In re Miguel C.,...
Spousal Support (Alimony) Los Angeles Spousal Support and Alimony Lawyers – Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton Spousal Support (also known as Alimony) is paid by one spouse to the other to maintain the marital standard of living. There is no definitive formula for setting what is called “temporary” or “pendente lite” spousal support, even though the court...
Domestic Violence Restaining Orders: What You Need To Know A domestic violence restraining order can also affect child custody and child support. Many people also find it surprising to learn that a domestic violence restraining order may also affect their employment because the TRO is registered into a statewide computer system that lets police know about the restraining order. This...
Domestic Violence Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton Los Angeles Domestic Violence Restraining Order Lawyers Domestic Violence Restraining Orders are unfortunately common-place in family law cases. Sometimes they are legitimate, and other times, TROs are filed simple to gain an advantage in the underlying custody case. Regardless, both the alleged victim as well as the alleged perpetrator are entitled...
Hire An experienced Los Angeles Divorce and Family Law Attorneys The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton When you retain the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton to represent you, we become your advocate. Working together, we are able to provide individualized legal advice that is not cost-prohibitive. It does not make sense to hire an attorney...
In Need of Family Law Assistance? Our Law Firm Can Help! Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton If you are in search of a Los Angeles family law office with a compassionate approach to your domestic issues, search no further. The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton are designed around the notion that, in all circumstances, the client’s wishes are...
Welcome to the Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer blog. Perhaps you are here seeking knowledge to make informed decisions about your life. Perhaps you or someone you know is contemplating divorce. Regardless of your situation, understand that divorce can be scary but that learning more about the process will empower you. The more you learn and the more steps you take to...
Post-Separation Distribution, a heavy burden? New case law in California has changed the way that courts will address a “non-managing” spouse attempting to charge the other spouse of misappropriating community property assets. In Marriage of Margulis, the Fourth District Appellate Court held that when a showing is made about the existence and value of community assets...
Post-Separation Distribution: A Heavy Burden New case law in California has changed the way that courts will address a “non-managing” spouse attempting to charge the other spouse of misappropriating community property assets. In Marriage of Margulis, the Fourth District Appellate Court held that when a showing is made about the existence and value of community assets...
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: What You Need To Know A domestic violence restraining order can also affect child custody and child support. Many people also find it surprising to learn that a domestic violence restraining order may also affect their employment because the TRO is registered into a statewide computer system that lets police know about the restraining order. This...
Los Angeles Divorce and Family Law Attorneys After your Judgment is final, you may still have the right to modify certain portions of your final divorce decree. One of the most common post-judgment modification may be a Request for Orders to change the amount of child support you pay, or receive based on a changed circumstances. The other...
High-conflict divorce: a strategic escalation framework Measured Litigation Strategy in Los Angeles County and Ventura County High-conflict divorce cases present unique risks. Emotional volatility, reactive filings, domestic violence allegations, and custody disputes can rapidly increase cost and destabilize long-term outcomes. However, escalation without structure often undermines credibility and financial efficiency. A disciplined escalation framework allows...
Should you settle or go to trial? A Strategic Analysis for Divorce and Custody Cases in Los Angeles County and Ventura County One of the most consequential decisions in a divorce or custody case is whether to resolve the matter through settlement or proceed to trial. California family courts apply statutory standards regardless of the...
Can you afford not to hire a divorce lawyer? A Strategic Cost–Benefit Analysis for Divorce and Custody Cases in Los Angeles County and Ventura County Many individuals facing divorce initially focus on one question: “Can I afford a lawyer?” A more strategic question is often overlooked: “Can I afford not to hire one?” Divorce is...
Strategic divorce representation A Disciplined Framework for Custody and Financial Protection in Los Angeles County and Ventura County Divorce is not simply the end of a marriage. It is a legal restructuring of parental rights, financial security, retirement planning, and long-term stability. In high-stakes matters involving children, business interests, real estate, or executive compensation, outcomes...
What happens if you choose the wrong divorce attorney? A Strategic Perspective for Divorce and Custody Cases in Los Angeles County and Ventura County Selecting a divorce attorney is one of the most consequential decisions made during the dissolution process. Divorce litigation affects custody rights, financial stability, retirement assets, business interests, and long-term support obligations....
Should you file for divorce first? Strategic Considerations in Los Angeles County and Ventura County One of the most common strategic questions in divorce planning is whether it is advantageous to file first. In California, filing first does not automatically provide substantive legal advantage in property division or custody determinations. However, in certain circumstances, timing...
Is divorce worth the cost? A Strategic and Financial Perspective for Clients in Los Angeles County and Ventura County Individuals contemplating divorce often struggle with a central question: Is the financial and emotional cost worth it? The answer is rarely purely financial. Divorce affects parenting rights, long-term financial stability, retirement security, professional reputation, and personal...
Mistakes that cost people custody Strategic Errors That Undermine Parenting Rights in Los Angeles County and Ventura County In contested custody litigation, outcomes are rarely determined by who feels more wronged. Judges evaluate credibility, stability, judgment, and documented parenting history. Certain mistakes — often driven by emotion or poor advice — can materially weaken a...
