Laguna Hills Child Custody Lawyer

Laguna Hills child custody has two parts under California law: physical custody and legal custody. Joint custody allows the parents to have joint physical custody and joint legal custody. However, the court can award joint legal custody, and not award joint physical custody. Under physical custody, one parent may be granted sole physical custody where the child would reside with and be supervised by one parent. Under joint physical custody orders, the parents share physical custody, and the law ensures that the child have frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

Sole legal custody allows one parent the right and responsibility to make decisions about the health, education, and welfare of the child. Joint legal custody allows both parents to share these rights and responsibilities. California law does not establish a preference for sole or joint custody in contested proceedings.

There are considerations the law establishes in making Laguna Hills child custody awards. Public policy of California is to ensure the minor children frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Also, custody orders must be made according to the child's best interest. Domestic violence and a history of abuse will be considered by the court in determining the child's best interest. Move-away/relocation cases arise when one parent seeks to move to another jurisdiction. The court must evaluate the child's need for stability and continuity. Move-away/relocation cases are generally hotly contested.

Spousal Support/Alimony Lawyer

California spousal support can be temporary and long-term. Temporary support can be awarded while a dissolution or legal separation is pending. The court may award an amount depending on he party's need and he payer's ability to pay. Judges typically use the support software when ordering temporary Laguna Hills spousal support.

Long-term Laguna Hills spousal support may be ordered by the court in any amount, and for any period of time that the court deems just and reasonable. In making a determination for support, the court must base its decision on the marital standard of living. The court must also consider the extent to which each party's earning capacity will maintain the standard of living established during the marriage. The complete list of factors the court must consider are found in California Family Code section 4320.

Limited Scope Representation

California attorneys are allowed to provide Laguna Hills limited scope representation to clients involved in family law and civil cases since it was approved by the Judicial Council. Many parties to family law and civil litigation actions would like the help of an attorney for parts of their cases, even if they cannot afford full representation. Attorneys may appear at court hearings even if the attorney did not prepare the legal paperwork. In contrast, attorneys can prepare legal paperwork, but do not have to appear in court if the cause of action actually gets to the point of having court dates. Most people find that having an advocate at the court hearing helps alleviate additional stress that is naturally created with litigation.

Laguna Hills Divorce Lawyer

A Laguna Hills divorce is more than the end of a marriage. How the issues are addressed will affect your life and impact your loved ones. Family dynamics and finances are complex. When confronted with a divorce, the future feels uncertain and overwhelmingly complex.

You need a Laguna Hills divorce lawyer that is well versed in California State divorce laws. We are accomplished, experienced, and compassionate Laguna Hills divorce lawyers, able to handle the most complex and involved cases.

With Laguna Hills Divorce Lawyer Joe Torri on your side, you can move forward with confidence and breathe a sigh of relief.

About Laguna Hills, CA

After Mexico had gained its independence from Spain during the early 1800's, there were several loyalists who were granted land from California. A man named Don Juan Avila was granted a 13,000 acre ranch named Rancho Niguel. This was the future location of Laguna Hills. In 1874, a man named Lewis Moulton purchased this land. Mr. Moulton increased the size of the ranch to 22,000 acres. He primarily used ranch to raise cattle and sheep. The Moulton Ranch was subdivided during the early 1960's. Laguna Hill became part of this division. On March 5, 1991, the residents voted to incorporate the community as a city. The official date of the incorporation was December 20, 1991. In November, 1995, the northern Laguna Hills region and the size of the community was once again increased by 149 acres when the region called the Westside annexation was annexed to Laguna Hills on 18 September 2000.

During the Rancho Era, one of the major land grants that was developed was Laguna Hills. In 1821, after Mexico was granted independence from Spain, those who had friends in authority or had served in the government were provided with very large lands for grazing their cattle. Rancho Niguel, Rancho San Joaquin, and Rancho Lomas de Santiago covered a considerable amount of the westernmost part of the Saddleback Valley. A man named Don Juan Avila was granted the 13,000 acre Rancho Niguel on which Laguna Hills is currently located.

Don Juan Avila sold Rancho Niguel to Lewis Moulton in 1874. The land was increased to 22,000 acres as a result of this purchase. The land was used for cattle and sheep raising by Moulton and his partner, a man named Jean Piedra Daguerre. During the early 1960's, the Moulton Ranch was subdivided. A portion that was subdivided is currently known as Laguna Hills. The year 1991 brought the incorporation of the community as a city.

When the private senior community Leisure World was developed, Laguna Hills gained national recognition. Currently, the community of Leisure World has incorporated into the new community of Laguna Woods.

On March 5, 1991, the community of Laguna Hills was incorporated as a city, although the efforts to incorporate started in 1987. There were 86% the residents who voted to form the City of Laguna Hills. On December 20, 1991, the community officially became a city.

The annexation of the northern Laguna Hills region was approved by the City Council on November 14, 1995. On July 1, 1996, this region became part of the community.

With a considerable amount of support from some 1,800 citizens, the Westside annexation officially became a portion of Laguna Hills on September 18, 2000. This annexation increased the size of the residential area in Laguna Hills by some 149 acres, which included the Sheep Hills Park of the Aliso Viejo Community Association.

Free Initial Consultation

Our law office would like to hear your concerns about the family law issues that are arising. Contact us anytime for an initial complimentary consultation. We generally answer the phone during non-business hours within reason, and we will get back to you promptly if we are unavailable. Addressing family law issues promptly is critical. Our office will advocate for a fair outcome if you allow us to earn your trust.

Regain Peace of Mind

Our family law attorneys understand how difficult it is when one parent unjustifiably withholds children from the other parent or communicates a desire to move away with the children to another state or county. Obtaining child custody orders from the court will prohibit a parent from taking unjustifiable action. Also, our divorce attorneys know how important it is to divide community property, and to establish or defend against spousal support and child support. Rely on us to zealously argue for a fair and just outcome.

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