Family Law Solutions That Put Children First
Every step of a divorce has the potential to become contentious no matter how well-intentioned both parties are. The support of a skilled family law attorney who advocates for you and your children can help you focus on your own healing and your next steps in life.
Child Custody and Visitation
Many of the toughest questions in a divorce case focus on the needs of the children. Child custody and visitation are sensitive issues, and an experienced family law attorney can help advocate for a parenting plan that best meets the needs of your children.
There are many custody and visitation schedules that meet the unique needs of each family’s situation. Whether a primary custody agreement with visitation for the other parent is ideal or a joint custody agreement is the best option for the children, a comprehensive schedule is necessary. This schedule will cover holidays, the school year, school breaks, vacations, and other situations.
By keeping the children’s physical, mental, emotional, and relational needs in mind, a parenting plan can be crafted that is fair to everyone involved. A fair parenting plan should protect the relationships that each parent has with their children while ensuring that children have the chance to thrive in this new stage of life.
Child Support
Ideally, a child’s quality of life should not change during or after a divorce. Child support ensures that both parents contribute fairly and meaningfully to the upbringing of their children. A child support arrangement accounts for the various expenses that come with raising children, including shelter, food, clothing, school fees, medical care, extracurricular activities, and other needs.
During our consultation, we will discuss child support calculations in California to help you figure out how much you will pay or receive in child support. The child support amount will account for the division of other expenses, such as medical bills, activity fees, and other occasional expenses.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is suitable in some cases. If one spouse sacrifices work or educational opportunities to support their partner in their career growth, raise children, or take care of the home, they could be entitled to spousal support. Spousal support obligations vary, based on a number of factors, such as:
- Each party’s income and potential income
- Prenuptial agreement stipulations
- The length of time it may take a lower-earning partner to become financially stable
- Length of the marriage
- Financial or career sacrifices made by each partner
- Age and health of each party
Every situation is different, and working with an experienced family law attorney puts you in an excellent position to protect your best interests.
Assets and Debts
A divorce can lead to financial turmoil on both sides, and a fair division of assets and debts can ensure that both parties are able to provide for their children and their own needs. Some topics to discuss with your attorney include:
- Equity in your home and other investments such as stocks and businesses
- Division of retirement plans and pensions
- Who is responsible for marital debt
- The cost of legal fees and who is responsible for paying them
- Division of money in checking and savings accounts and other financial accounts
- Paying for health and car insurance
- Insurance beneficiaries
Contact Us
You likely have lots of questions as you prepare for this major change. We are here to help you through the process so you can stop worrying and stop stressing. Contact KL Family Law to discuss your case.
