Bel Air Family Law Attorneys

Preparing for marriage and ending one are both pivotal moments in a couple’s relationship. Both choices have significant ramifications for each partners’ future. For high net-worth individuals, especially, there are extra considerations to be made and steps that need to be taken to safeguard their assets. To successfully navigate these intricacies, it’s important to hire trusted Bel Air family law attorneys who can advocate for you to ensure your interests, assets, and relationships are protected according to your needs.

S.L. Pitts represents high-asset couples and families as they prepare for the beginning or end of marriage. We help both parties by facilitating difficult discussions so they can develop and outline agreeable conditions that can guide them on their path forward. A family law attorney from our team provides support and helps couples traverse these major life changes with confidence.

What Constitutes Family Law in California

Family law is a broad area of the law that encompasses several aspects of marital and familial relationships. It often centers around the joining and separating of a union and determining what is in a child’s best interest, among other aspects. The California Family Code sets forth rules governing these relationships and dictates the requirements and proceedings applicable to each area under its purview. When issues arise, lawyers evaluate each situation in light of state governance to determine how best to proceed.

Family law attorneys provide oversight and counsel on specific matters such as prenuptial agreements, divorce, division of assets, child custody and support, and more. These matters are often complex and require the knowledge and skills of a lawyer to navigate the concerns, goals, and constraints involved in these cases. Your lawyer will ensure that all proceedings are carried out in accordance with the law so all parties are protected. They also understand the special considerations and actions that must be taken for high-earning couples.

When you need to hire a lawyer to represent you in a family law matter, S. L. Pitts can provide you with the guidance and advice you need to navigate some of the following issues:

Because family law includes many facets of family relationships, family law lawyers in Bel Air, California, are equipped to handle a wide variety of issues. They also comprehend the nuances that are associated with each area. A lawyer understands what may be at stake and is prepared to protect you, fight for you, and negotiate for you in both amicable and contentious situations. Below is a closer look at each of the primary areas of family law.

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage and divorce are momentous moments that are often accompanied by weighty expectations from both partners. How each party will behave during the marriage or divorce proceedings, how finances will be handled, and how children will be factored in can all result in disagreements if both parties cannot reach a consensus on how these and other matters are to be handled. This is where a family law lawyer near me can provide the direction necessary to resolve these issues as calmly and as quickly as possible.

At the beginning of a marriage, couples can establish a prenuptial agreement to outline conditions for their assets and finances during marriage and in the event they choose to file for divorce. While the execution of prenups may be upheld to varying degrees in California, these agreements can help couples make important decisions about their finances. Family law lawyers near me can assist with drafting a prenuptial agreement, navigate any issues with execution, and provide legal counsel if questions or issues arise.

Conversely, if a couple chooses to end their marriage, a lawyer can oversee divorce proceedings and provide representation to ensure your rights are protected. They can also provide legal support to ensure all California divorce requirements are met during the process. A lawyer can also assist with the division of assets, as separate and community property must be considered when splitting up assets and debts. For high-asset divorces, legal counsel is essential to navigate the complexities that come with the dissolution of such a union.

Custody and Parenting Plans

Custody agreements and issues are often complex and have a propensity to escalate quickly. Each parent may have different expectations of what custody and child support will look like. It is essential that a skilled lawyer facilitates these discussions so these matters are settled fairly and with the best interest of the child in mind. A lawyer will help both parents discuss and determine how parenting responsibilities will be divided and handled. As these decisions are made, these agreements will be used to develop a parenting plan that will provide a structure for you and your family to follow once the divorce is finalized.

On a high level, parenting plans outline daily schedules, vacations and holidays, and any other visitation allowances that you both have agreed upon. However, a solid parenting plan goes more in-depth to outline how decisions, expenses, healthcare, and school responsibilities are handled, among other considerations. A process for how to manage and resolve conflicts should also be included for the health of the relationship and the child’s wellbeing. Finally, depending on the age of your child, different stages of life should also be considered.

Domestic Violence

Victims of domestic violence may suffer physical, verbal, or emotional harm from their partner, especially if there is a long history of such behavior. While victims may be hesitant to make a move against the spouse mistreating them, they do have the right to take legal action and seek protective orders. Family law lawyers can assist victims with taking steps to protect themselves and their families from a violent spouse.

Additionally, a lawyer can also help defend those accused of domestic violence. They can help gather evidence to establish false accusations and show that domestic violence is not applicable. A lawyer can also advise on what actions to take to ensure you do not hurt your defense.

Interstate and International Considerations

A family law attorney near me can provide representation in instances where a divorce or custody issue arises that crosses California or U.S. borders. These circumstances require that jurisdiction be established prior to resolving the issue in order to determine what laws apply to the case.

These factors can significantly impact many areas of family law proceedings and should be entered into with the experienced guidance of a lawyer. A lawyer will protect your rights and negotiate an agreement while ensuring applicable international and interstate laws are not violated during the process.

Mediation and Family Law in Bel Air, California

Mediation can be an important and beneficial step when couples divorce. This process, which involves a trained mediator, allows couples to work together to divide up their assets and separate their lives in a calm and collaborative environment. Mediators, who act as an objective third party, will hear both partners and their requests, guide them through the process, and help them make decisions on a variety of matters. This option is ideal for couples who are seeking an amicable divorce, want to keep their divorce private, and have control over how their property is divided up. Mediation is often less expensive and faster than litigation.

While mediation is optional in divorces without children, couples who have children are required to attend mediation according to California Family Code § 3170. During this process, a mediator will facilitate discussions regarding various parenting responsibilities, help both parents come to an agreement, and develop a parenting plan. At the end of the process, a mediator will often make a recommendation to the court about what is in the best interest of the child, who should receive custody, and if any special considerations should apply.

Financial Considerations During Divorce and Custody Proceedings

Protecting your finances is crucial during a divorce or other family-related issue. Division of assets or other impending changes to your family structure can significantly impact your financial situation during and after a divorce. Your finances may look completely different after they are extricated from your partner’s finances. As such, it is important to closely monitor and protect your finances during divorce to minimize risks and unwelcome surprises.

Assets and Debts

To safeguard your financial situation, you should have a thorough understanding of what assets and debts you have both as an individual and as a couple. This information ensures you receive the share you are entitled to and does not put your assets at risk. You should also closely monitor your credit report during this time to understand the health of your finances and how your creditworthiness may be impacted by the divorce. If you have not already done so, have accounts in your name to ensure you have protection and adequate control over your own income and other assets.

Financial Considerations Involving Children

Additionally, it is also important to consider your finances when children are involved. When seeking custody, a strong financial situation may improve your chances of it being granted to you. While multiple factors are evaluated, a parent’s finances can impact the outcome when measured against what is in the best interest of the child and who is in the best position to provide for them. Similarly, if you are responsible for providing child support, this can affect the stability of your finances and how much you may be able to contribute. As such, it is best to monitor your assets and debts and take necessary steps to protect, maintain, and/or improve your finances where possible.

Protecting Your Assets

A family law attorney in Bel Air, California can help you determine the best actions to take for your specific situation so your finances are insulated from heavy impact during divorce or custody proceedings. Your lawyer will also ensure your needs and the needs of your child are considered and advocated for when decisions and arrangements are made. They can also help prepare you for adjustments to your income, assets, and debts once the proceedings are complete.

Family Law Attorneys Near Me Provide Valuable Guidance

Family law matters are often complex and require the aid of a lawyer. Lawyers possess an intimate knowledge of California’s many statutes relating to marriage, divorce, and children and can provide sound counsel and oversight on a number of family legal matters. They provide clarity on what options are available to you depending on your situation and what laws apply to the matter you need to resolve. They will also ensure all legal requirements are met and that all relevant paperwork is filed correctly and in a timely manner.

Hiring a family law attorney is beneficial for securing the most advantageous outcome possible. Your lawyer will gain an in-depth understanding of your situation when you begin working together and identify the most effective strategies and actions to secure the results you seek. They will use this information to advocate on your behalf. Your lawyer is committed to negotiating on a number of issues in order to broker an agreement that you and your partner are both satisfied with.

Your family law lawyer is there to fight for you through a difficult and often emotional time. Their compassionate support can help you navigate the many decisions that need to be made regarding your family. Your lawyer steadfastly protects your family and your rights to ensure safety and that the best interests of those involved are considered.

S.L. Pitts Can Help Protects Your Rights

S.L. Pitts has extensive experience representing high-earning households. Our team provides tailored strategies designed to meet the needs of our clients’ unique family situations and resolve issues as swiftly as possible.

Regardless of whether you are looking ahead toward marriage or seeking to dissolve the union and all that it entails, our firm provides trusted counsel so your interests are protected at every stage. To learn more about our Bel Air family law attorneys services, contact us to make an appointment.