FAMILY LAW

Family Law cases often deal with very tough issues and decision-making. More often than not these issues and

decisions have a lasting impact on the families involved.

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At any time, people in southern California may face divorce, need spousal support, child support, seek child

adoption, and require help with asset division.

Due to the complexities and risks of these matters you need experienced and considerate divorce attorneys who are ready to protect your interest and help you navigate this complex process.

With the Law Offices Of Angela Swan, we fight for your interest in order to maintain fairness, security, and dignity. 

In the following sections, we will explore some of the common areas we deal with in family law starting with divorce. 

LOCAL DIVORCE LAWYER

Divorce is a process with many steps that lead to the termination of a marriage.

As a process, there are a number of issues that might arise like division of property, child custody, child support, and alimony. 

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While there are instances where an attorney might not be necessary for filing for a divorce, most marriages are complex enough to warrant hiring a lawyer.

To be sure, your interests are better served and protected when you have an attorney. 

ALIMONY

Commonly referred to as spousal support, alimony exists to make sure both spouses have equal financial footing once the divorce process is complete. 

To accomplish this a sequence of payments are made by the spouse with the higher income to the other spouse.

These payments are made during the divorce process and can sometimes continue after the divorce process. 

CHILD CUSTODY

When it comes to child custody in the state of California parents are often encouraged to share both legal and physical custody of the children.

This of course depends on whether it is within the best interest of the child. Nevertheless, child custody can be broken down into four different types: 

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• LEGAL CUSTODY: legal custody decides on which parent will make important life choices about the child's healthcare, education, and welfare. 

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• PHYSICAL CUSTODY: physical custody revolves around decisions regarding which parent has the right to have the child live in his or her house.

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• JOINT CUSTODY: joint custody involves a sharing of parental responsibilities for the child and is a combination of both legal and physical custody.

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• SOLE CUSTODY: Sole custody is when one parent is granted full responsibility to make important decisions about the child. 

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CHILD SUPPORT

Child Support (or child maintenance) is a regular repeated payment made by a parent for the financial welfare of a child or children.

This welfare includes but is not limited to basic needs like housing, food, clothing, education, and medical expenses.

In California, a judge decides the amount of child support that is paid based on established state-wide guidelines. 

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It's important to remember that each parent is legally obligated to the financial welfare and support of the child.

The court will make a child support order based on both parents' income levels and the amount of time each person physically spends with the child.

Parents who refuse to pay or delay paying their child support face serious consequences such as but not limited to property liens and or mandatory wage withholding. 

DIVISION OF PROPERTY

When going through a divorce you and your spouse must decide how to divide both property and debts.

Under the California community laws, debts and assets acquired during the marriage belong equally to each spouse.

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Consequently, each spouse is responsible for an equal percentage of the debt and community property is to be divided equally between you.

When you divide your community property and debt the agreement should ensure fairness and equality.  

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