CLICK HERE FOR A CONSULTATION Laurence J. Brock is a California State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist
Divorce Lawyer Chino Hills
If you are considering separating from your spouse or splitting up with a longtime partner, you may find it helpful to work with a divorce lawyer from Chino Hills who understands the California court system and how our laws apply to you.
What Can a Divorce Lawyer Do for You?
A Chino Hills divorce and family lawyer can walk you through several issues, from establishment of paternity to asset and debt discovery. In addition to providing you with case-specific legal advice that’s tailored for your situation, your attorney will be able to represent you and your children in court on a variety of matters.
Establishment of Paternity Cases
In the state of California, before the court can decide on child custody or order child support, paternity must be established. That means a child’s father must either voluntarily declare his paternity or submit to DNA testing that proves his connection to the child.
Either parent may request that the court order DNA testing, but in some cases, the court may require it without a parental request.
In some cases, men with no biological connection to a child can be considered that child’s father. Every situation is unique, so if you have questions, it’s best to ask your attorney.
Child Custody Disputes
While it is always best when parents can agree on child custody and visitation arrangements, that isn’t always possible. In fact, many child custody cases escalate to litigation. If yours does, you may find it beneficial to have a Chino Hills divorce attorney by your side throughout the process.
When a custody case makes its way into a California courtroom, the judge is required to find an arrangement that reflects the child’s best interest. Our judges consider many factors, including:
- The child’s age and health
- The child’s relationships with each parent
- Whether there is a history of physical or substance abuse within the family
- Each parent’s ability to care for and provide for the child
In some cases, judges ask for outside help to determine what’s best for the child. They do this through a 730 Evaluation, which requires your family to go through an interview process with a professional evaluator. The evaluator will then provide his or her recommendations to the court, and the judge will make a decision based on the evaluator’s findings.
Child Support and Spousal Support Cases
Once paternity has been established and child custody has been settled, the court can order child support. In the state of California, there is a very specific formula that dictates how much child support will change hands between parents. The child support formula takes several factors into account, including:
- Each parent’s income
- The child’s special needs
- How many children a couple shares
- The amount of time each child spends with each parent
This math can get extremely complicated. This is another reason why you need the help of a divorce attorney that you can trust.
Accurate Business Valuations
If you have a family business and you’re going through a divorce, that business needs to be valued properly so it can be equitably distributed during the property division phase of your divorce.
Asset and Debt Discovery (and Property Division)
Asset and debt discovery is very important during divorce. In the absence of a prenuptial agreement, a couple’s property must be divided fairly and equitably.
If you and your ex-spouse cannot agree on what is fair and equitable, or if the judge has decided that what you have agreed upon is not fair, a complete inventory your possessions will be a key factor in your property division case.
Domestic Violence
If you or your child is a victim of domestic violence, our first priority is your safety. Whether you need to petition the court for a restraining order or you simply need help with your divorce from an abusive spouse, you may find it very helpful to have a divorce lawyer by your side during this difficult time.
Work with a Divorce Lawyer
Because divorce can cause so many complicated issues to arise, many people find that it’s best to work with an experienced attorney.
Call us at 909-466-7661 or contact us online. We’ll be happy to evaluate your case and help you determine your next steps so you can move forward with your life.
