We understand that the process of going through a divorce is a stressful and emotional experience. The decision making process can be challenging and the impact is life-changing. Divorce can alter the family dynamic, assets, and your financial future. We strive to ease the affects of this uncertain and stressful period.

Our qualified lawyers are experts in all aspects of the process and are proactive in advancing your case. Whether you require a simpler, uncontested dissolution or have a highly complex matter involving an extensive estate and difficult child custody issues, our firm is equipped to protect and advance you and your family’s rights.

This area of the practice can appear daunting and confusing. We have tremendous experience in handling these arrangements. Support may be ordered to be paid by one or both of the parties based on a variety of factors.

Child support usually lasts until the child or children have reached the age of 18 and/or finished highschool. Calculating this figure is based on such things as parents’ earning capacity, the number of children, expenses such as education and medical needs, and time children spend with each parent, among others.

While there are general guidelines for support, the court will usually approve variations if both parents agree on an amount.

Premarital/Prenuptial agreements are often used to allow parties who are contemplating marriage define their financial relationship, including how they would like their property divided if there is a separation or divorce.

This is common in cases where one party has more property, assets or debts than the other.

Postmarital/Postnuptial agreements are similar, however, it is implemented after the commencement of marriage.

Determining custody arrangements of a child or children can be emotionally difficult. In the case of divorce, two types of custody must be determined. Physical and legal.

Physical custody describes with which parent the child lives and when.

Legal custody describes to which parent lie the rights and responsibilities of making decisions regarding the upbringing of a child. Examples include education, medical, and religious upbringing.

Custody decisions tend to begin in favor of some form of joint custody, however, sole custody may be granted if it is deemed in the best interest of the child.

The lawyers at Harris-Ginsberg are also expert when it comes to “move-away” cases - when one parent wishes to relocate out of state with the child or children.

Additionally, we have an attorney who is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a degree in Counseling Psychology specializing in child custody matters who has been a mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Under California law, same-sex couples or Domestic Partners, are afforded and subject to many of the same rights, obligations and responsibilities as spouses in a marriage.

If the parties choose to dissolve this partnership, Harris-Ginsberg attorneys are experts in navigating this area of the law and are extremely experienced in all issues that may arise such as custody, support and tax-related concerns.