We provide free initial consultations to prospective clients.
You are eligible for a free consultation if you live in the geographic area in which we serve (Orange and Los Angeles Counties) or you have a case pending in these areas.
Please remember that the foregoing services DO NOT create an attorney/client relationship. Rather it is a chance for you to assess our law firm as your potential attorney, and for our law firm to assess you as a potential client.
Parents must attend mediation prior to a court hearing in which child custody is an issue. Mediation is a form of negotiation between the parents with the help of a professional mediator.
Each county has a different mediation process. The mediation is normally free of charge when using the court's mediators. If the parties use a private mediator, then one or both parents may have to pay for the mediation.
The mediator interviews both parents, and depending upon the circumstances, the children. All communications made to the mediator by the parties is confidential. The judges do not know what is discussed in mediation. Only in rare cases of allegations of molestations or imminent danger are the contents revealed.
Orange CountyOrange County uses Superior Court Mediators. They do not make recommendations to the Court on parenting plans.
However, where there are allegations of concern for the welfare of the child, the mediator may recommend a psychological evaluation, a child custody investigation, a domestic relations investigation, an attorney conference, or that an attorney be appointed to represent the best interests of the child.
Los Angeles CountyLos Angeles County has a mediation program known as Parents and Children Together, or "PACT". Parents must attend the orientation and parent education program prior to attending mediation.
If the parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan, the Family Court Services Child Custody Evaluations Office may be ordered to provide the court information and recommendations. There may be a fee for the evaluation.
| Divorce/Legal Separation |
| Custody & Visitation |
| Child Support |
| Spousal Support |
| Property Division |
| Paternity |
| International Custody Issues |
| Non-Marital Rights |
| Tax Issues |
Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (Senate Bill 54)
recognizes in California same-sex marriages performed outside of California prior to November 5, 2008, provided they were entered into legally in that jurisdiction.
Assembly Bill 612
proposes to require that stricter rules of evidence applicable in criminal proceedings apply whenever the court considers an allegation of physical or sexual abuse perpetrated against a child in a custody proceeding. The bill would also provide that unproven, nonscientific theories, including, but not limited to, alienation theories, as specified, are not consistent with generally accepted clinical, forensic, scientific, diagnostic, or medical standards.
Assembly Bill 459
proposes as an additional option to compel an opposing party’s compliance with Declaration of Disclosure requirements, the option to file a motion showing good cause to grant the complying party's voluntary waiver of receipt of
the non-complying party's disclosure. This bill would make it much easier to proceed against a party who fails to cooperate once they have filed a Response.
Each county maintains a Facilitator's Office located at the court house. There, a party is entitled to assistance in his or her family law matter.
Facilitators do not attend court on your behalf!
Role of the facilitators:
•Provide information regarding the case
•Help you fill out court forms, orders, and judgments
•Prepare support calculations
•They will give you instructions on follow-up steps
•Refer you to other resources.
Use the correct form
It is important that you know what form to use. The Judicial Council has designated certain forms as "adopted for mandatory use" which means you MUST use that form.
DON'T BE FOOLED!
There are many websites that sell "California Family law forms." Do not pay for them! They are provided free of charge in .pdf format at the California Supreme Court website located here:
Local Family Law Rules
Orange County
Los Angeles
Facilitator’s Office
Orange County
Los Angeles County
Child Support Services Offices
Orange County
Los Angeles County
Other Links:
Child Support Handbook
California Family Law Report
California Bar Association
