Areas of Family Law

With decades of experience in family law, Yvonne Rizzo and her team can provide support on almost any need that arises. Below are some of the most common areas of family law. Many of our clients need support with more than one arena throughout various stages of their case:

Divorce: Divorce, or the dissolution of a marriage, is one of the most common areas family law covers. The divorce process begins with either party filing a formal petition. The petition may include claims to property, custody details, spousal support, and attorney fees. Once the petition is filed, the receiving spouse has 30 days to respond. Next, each party will disclose property or use a standard dissolution procedure to work through issues of child custody and other details. Support from a family law attorney can ensure that the proceedings go as smoothly as possible.

Legal Separation: Clients may choose separation for personal, religious, financial, or health reasons. Divorce and separation follow separate processes and have different legal consequences. Following legal separation, the couple no longer jointly acquires debts and assets, but they will remain legally married. Related family law concerns may include child custody, spousal support, or transitioning from legal separation to divorce. For guidance on choosing divorce vs legal separation, book a consultation with your family law attorney, or read more on our blog.

Child Custody: Child custody typically begins with a state-mandated mediation session where all parties are represented. After the first mediation, either party may appeal the decision based on a variety of factors, including relocation, health issues, legal standing, and other factors within the best interest of the child. Family law covers the court-required mediation process, appeals, and any other related concerns. See additional Child Custody information resources here.

Division of Property: Following a divorce or separation, you may need legal guidance on the division of property. In some cases, the initial divorce petition may include property division details. Property may include income, cash, and other assets. Note that California’s community property laws may need to be covered in detail by your family law attorney.

Child Support: Family law covers the establishment and execution of child support agreements. Child support may be required of one or more parties in the case of a divorce or separation. Child support is calculated based on a tool provided by the Department of Child Support Services. The amounts may be temporary or long term, depending on your individual situation.

Alimony or Spousal Support: Spousal support and alimony are covered by the realm of family law. Either of these arrangements may be allocated on a temporary or permanent basis. Temporary support may be required during the divorce or separation process. Permanent support negotiations are covered in family law hearings which take into account income, assets, debts, age, and health of all parties. Schedule a complimentary consultation to determine the best course of action in your case.

Domestic Violence: When exploring what does family law cover, it’s important to note that cases of domestic violence are included in this category. Seek a family law attorney with specialized training in this field, as well as expertise on how domestic violence can impact matters of divorce, parentage, and custody rulings.

Parentage: Parentage is an increasingly complex arena of family law. Parentage is a term that refers to circumstances where an individual may act as a parent regardless of their biological relationship to the child. Parentage agreements may also be relevant in situations of Assisted Reproduction (including sperm donor agreements, egg donor agreements, co-maternity agreements, or surrogacy agreements). Seek council from an experienced family law attorney on these complex matters. 

Pre-marital & Post-marital Agreements: Pre- and post-marital agreements allow both parties to determine how property and assets should be managed after the dissolution of a marriage. Premarital agreements must allow time for counsel to review proposed agreements. Keep in mind that both pre- and post-marital agreements are subject to interpretation; it’s essential to work with a family law attorney to ensure your assets are protected.