Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer

Divorce (dissolution of marriage) in the Los Angeles County Superior Court is the most common family law matter we handle. Whether you need aggressive divorce litigation in a contested case, desire to pursue a divorce outside of court through private mediation or have an uncontested divorce, we have the experience and knowledge to guide and represent you.

Los Angeles divorce lawyer Charles M. Green and his legal team are skilled in litigating all divorce orders and negotiating for fair divorce agreements in contested and uncontested cases. We can skillfully handle your case to ensure that you and your rights are treated fairly during the property division process, especially in a Los Angeles divorce with significant assets or debts, and that you obtain the child custody, child support, spousal support, and visitation that you are legally entitled and for the best interests of your children. These issues can be highly disputed and fought over in court between spouses. Still, with the representation of one of the most experienced family law attorneys in Los Angeles County, you can have confidence in your lawyer’s ability to obtain the outcome to which you are legally entitled.

Charles M. Green, APLC, also has experience with less common but sometimes highly complex family law cases. We could draft a prenuptial agreement for you to preserve your premarital property’s character and clarify your spousal support obligations before marriage. After marriage, a ” Pre-nup ” agreement is similar to a post-nuptial agreement. Perhaps you or your child are the victim of domestic violence, and you need to file a temporary restraining order against the abusive spouse or parent. If so, we can help you take immediate action to receive the court-ordered protection that you need. We can also help you establish or dispute a paternity case.

Our legal team will also assist you in obtaining a court order modification of support or visitation or a financial property division. Our divorce firm will also provide the most competent legal representation in bringing or opposing move-away cases when the custodial parent desires to move and take their child with them. Still, the move would affect the other parent’s visitation or custody rights. Sometimes, the custodial spouse or parent acts too quickly, and then we could have an interstate child abduction case to obtain emergency orders for the return of the child before move-away litigation.

Sometimes, as part of the Divorce strategy, it is best to file a Bankruptcy to avoid significant community or separate debts. Our firm is skilled in the crossover issues of divorce, bankruptcy, and taxation.

Whatever Divorce legal problem has now become part of your life, we urge you to please take the time to meet divorce attorney Charles M. Green (CFLS) and his team of lawyers and paralegals to obtain the most professional yet compassionate understanding legal representation available in Los Angeles.

Achieving Fair Property Division in Los Angeles Divorces

Property division can be one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce. Marital property is split equally between parties in California due to community property division laws. This includes all earnings and acquisitions made with those earnings during the marriage and debts incurred while married.

The date of separation is a critical determinant of whether the property is considered community or separate. After this date, assets and debts acquired are typically deemed separate. But how do you ensure a fair division? Experts such as appraisers, forensic accountants, and business valuators are often brought in during complex divorce cases to assist in accurately identifying and valuing all assets.

Whether through negotiation or court order, the division process ensures that each party retains their fair share of the marital property. The objective isn’t about winning but securing a fair and equitable division that acknowledges each party’s contributions to the marriage.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights in Los Angeles Divorces

The welfare of children is often a top concern in the aftermath of a divorce. The child’s best interest is the principal factor in determining custody, and courts may even appoint a lawyer to protect the child’s interests.

Considerations such as the child’s age, health, emotional bonds with parents, and connections to school, community, or home life are pivotal in custody decisions. Courts also assess the safety and welfare of the child, considering factors such as drug abuse, illegal activity, or alcohol abuse in the home.

Parenting time, also known as visitation, ensures the non-custodial parent maintains a relationship with the child if one parent has sole physical custody. Visitation orders can include:

• Fixed schedules

• Reasonable visitation

• Supervised visitation

• No visitation at all

These orders are based on what serves the child’s best interests.

The child’s opinion may also be considered, particularly if the child is at least 14 years old and mature enough to express a preference.

Spousal Support and Financial Issues in Los Angeles Divorces

Financial matters can be a significant concern during a divorce. In California, spousal support can be awarded in divorce, legal separation, or restraining order cases and comprises temporary and long-term (permanent) support. Transparent communication about financial situations and well-documented agreements are crucial during spousal support negotiations in Los Angeles.

Temporary spousal support is ordered during divorce proceedings, while permanent support is calculated based on factors including:

• the length of the marriage

• income

• earning ability

• contributions to the marriage

• health

• financial need

These factors inform the courts’ determination of spousal support amounts. The financial implications highlight the necessity of an experienced attorney like Charles M. Green, a former CPA with financial expertise in divorce who is best qualified to navigate such intricacies of divorce proceedings.