Welcome to The Sands Law Group, where we believe that family law is more than just legal proceedings. Our team of family attorneys in Los Angeles understands that family law matters can be some of the most difficult and emotional experiences that individuals may face. That is why we are committed to providing our clients with tenacious, empathetic and personalized legal services that cater to their unique needs.
We take pride in our extensive experience in family law, and our attorneys are equipped to handle a range of matters, including divorce, child custody and support, alimony, property division, and more. Our approach is strategic and client-focused, with a deep understanding that every case is different and requires a tailored approach.
At The Sands Law Group, we believe in creating a comfortable and supportive environment for our clients. We listen attentively to your concerns and work with you to develop a plan that achieves your desired outcome. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators, and we strive to settle disputes outside of court whenever possible. However, if a trial is necessary, we will vigorously advocate for your interests.
We understand that going through a family law matter can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at The Sands Law Group is here to guide you through the process, and we look forward to helping you and your family navigate this difficult time.
Family Lawyers in Los Angeles
The practice area of family law broadly encompasses everything from marriage, divorce, and child custody, to criminal matters including stalking and domestic abuse. Whatever your needs, the experienced, compassionate Los Angeles family law attorneys at The Sands Law Group, APLC will guide you through this challenging process in the quickest, most cost-effective, and least painful way possible.
We offer premier, unbundled legal services, affordable fees, and a multi-lingual staff who can communicate with Los Angeles clients in five languages: Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, French, and English. Contact our Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys at The Sands Law Group, APLC or call us at 213-788-4412 today for a confidential consultation about your case.
Our Family Law Practice Areas
We handle all aspects of family law, from child custody to property division. The most common matters we deal with include:
- Divorce—The dissolution of marriage can be an extremely stressful, costly process. But it doesn’t have to be. With the help of an experienced divorce attorney, the process can be significantly less expensive and painful.
- Child Custody—Determining the custody arrangement for children when parents decide to end their relationship is often the most emotional and frustrating part of the separation. Furthermore, the laws surrounding child custody in California are quite complicated. It is essential to have a divorce lawyer near me to help you navigate this challenging process.
- Child Support—Children have the right to be financially supported by both parents in California, and child support payments aim to ensure that this right is fulfilled – we have created a child support calculator to help you predict your monthly child support payments in California.
- Spousal Support—Formally referred to as alimony, spousal support is sometimes paid by the higher-earning spouse to allow the lower-earning spouse to maintain the standard of living they were accustomed to during the course of the marriage.
- Property Division—California is one of only nine “community property” states in the country, meaning that marital property is typically divided 50/50. In many cases, this does not mean a 50/50 split. But having an experienced property division attorney by your side can make all the difference in the world.
- Prenuptial Agreements—A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a prenup, is a legal document that protects the spouses’ income and assets from being subjected to the default property division rules of a California divorce.
How Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys Can Help
When it comes to certain matters of family law, it is not uncommon for people to think they can handle the issues themselves. Online, do-it-yourself divorces abound, appearing to offer a quick, cheap, easy way to terminate a marriage and move on with your lives. But as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for with do-it-yourself divorces. Even in the most amicable family law matters, issues can arise. Without the legal knowledge required to handle these issues, they can quickly become contentious. Whether you have minor children and substantial assets, or no children and few assets, consulting with a family law attorney is always in your best interest.
Your attorney should thoroughly review your unique situation, determine the best legal strategy for moving forward, and employ mediation or a collaborative approach whenever possible. Legal matters can be stressful and emotional on the surface, but they are even more complex below the surface. Family law is a complex and constantly evolving area of the law, and having a skilled Los Angeles family law attorney by your side can make or break your desired outcome.
Contact Thomas Sands Attorney, Our Compassionate Los Angeles Family Lawyer
If you have questions about any family law matter, the skilled legal team at The Sands Law Group APLC can help. Whether you are just beginning to consider divorce, need to modify a child support arrangement, or are embroiled in a contentious dispute over the division of marital property, our compassionate, knowledgeable Los Angeles family law attorneys will ensure that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the entire process. Contact us today or call us at 213-788-4412 for a confidential consultation about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my divorce take to finalize in California?
The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in California can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the issues involved, the level of conflict between the parties, and the court’s availability. In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the divorce petition is served before a divorce can be finalized. However, if the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all issues, such as property division, child custody, and support, then the case may go to trial, which can significantly prolong the process.
Generally, an uncontested divorce that involves few disputes and no children can take as little as six months to complete, while a contested divorce can take several months or even years. It is best to consult with a family law attorney at The Sands Law Group who can assess your situation and provide a more accurate estimate of how long your divorce may take to finalize.
What factors are considered in determining child custody and visitation rights in California?
Child custody and visitation rights are determined based on the best interests of the child. California law recognizes two types of custody: legal custody, which refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, and physical custody, which refers to the child’s living arrangements.
In making a custody determination, the court considers several factors, including:
- The child’s age, health, and emotional well-being
- The relationship between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, including food, shelter, and medical care
- The child’s ties to school, home, and community
- Each parent’s history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other criminal behavior
- The child’s preference, if the child is of sufficient age and maturity to express a preference
The court may also consider any other relevant factors that affect the child’s best interests. Once custody is established, visitation rights are determined based on the child’s best interests and the non-custodial parent’s right to maintain a relationship with the child. California law encourages frequent and continuing contact between the child and both parents, unless there is evidence that such contact would be harmful to the child.
How is spousal support calculated in California, and for how long will I have to pay or receive it?
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is determined based on a number of factors set forth in California law. These factors include the length of the marriage, the earning capacity and needs of each party, and the standard of living established during the marriage, among other considerations.
Unlike child support, there is no formula for calculating spousal support in California. Rather, the court has broad discretion to consider all relevant factors and fashion a support award that is fair and reasonable in light of the circumstances. In some cases, the parties may agree to a spousal support amount and duration through negotiation or mediation.
The duration of spousal support in California is also based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of each party, and the ability of the supported spouse to become self-supporting. In general, the longer the marriage and the greater the disparity in earning capacity between the parties, the longer the duration of support may be.
However, there is no set formula for determining the duration of spousal support in California. Instead, the court has broad discretion to consider all relevant factors and make a determination that is fair and reasonable under the circumstances. In some cases, spousal support may be ordered for a specific period of time, while in other cases it may be awarded indefinitely.
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