Los Angeles — Southern California Divorce Lawyers
Serving Southern California Including Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
The termination of a marriage or registered domestic partnership in California is handled through a dissolution proceeding in the Family Law courts, traditionally called a "divorce," even if the termination is uncontested or amicable.
When children or substantial assets are involved, the court proceedings can become complicated, stressful and expensive. Even in the cases where children are not a significant issue or the assets are not substantial, individuals need efficient and attentive representation.
At Bennett & Erdman, we are a result-oriented law firm that is dedicated to providing all of our clients with high-quality service. Located in Los Angeles and serving the men and women of Southern California, we feature two Certified Family Law Specialists, Certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization.
In addition, one of founders, Roberta Bennett, has been named by California Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top family law attorneys in California. In addition, Ms. Bennett has appeared on television and has been interviewed on the radio concerning matters such as divorce, family law and domestic relationships.
For additional information about us, the benefits of retaining our services and the other areas of our practice, please visit our firm overview page.
Bennett & Erdman — Lawyers for Your Life
To discuss your divorce or dissolution matter with an experienced attorney who is also a Certified Family Law Specialist, please call 323-935-0041 or 310-824-0471.
Los Angeles — Area Divorce or Dissolution Attorney
In a contested divorce or dissolution, we work toward settlement, because we believe that is in your best interest. If a case cannot be settled, we make every effort to resolve as many issues as possible prior to going to trial. In the end, if some or all of a matter must be resolved at trial, we have the strength and experience to get the job done. With nearly 30 years of family law experience behind us, we can handle a wide range of divorce and dissolution issues in Southern California, including:
-
Custody, visitation and support: Often the most important and contentious issues at the end of a marriage or relationship relate to how or if parents will share custody and time with their children and how those children will be financially supported. Having an experienced attorney by your side can help to ensure that you are able to maintain a solid relationship with your children.
-
Spousal support/alimony: There are two types of spousal support (historically referred to as "alimony"), which are generally referred to as "temporary" support and "permanent" support. Temporary support is generally awarded during the pendency of a legal action to ensure a standard of living for both parties until the final division of assets and/or a final support order is made. Permanent support is an award made at the conclusion of the legal action to provide ongoing support for one partner that has less income and/or assets on which to live. Notwithstanding the reference to "permanent" support, such support obligations are rarely intended to continue forever but are instead typically required for a period of time commensurate with the length of the marriage.
-
Division of property: Virtually every divorce/dissolution involves a division or allocation of property, including real estate, business interests, financial assets and personal property. Generally, community property is divided or allocated equally between the parties while separate property is allocated according to a parties' separate property ownership. Some property has a dual characterization, or has changed character during the relationship (called transmutation), which must be determined and addressed in the division/allocation process.
-
Division of debts: Most divorces/dissolutions also involve the division or allocation of the debts held by the parties. Some debts are deemed joint or community debts, which may be considered the responsibility of each party equally but which may be allocated in an uneven manner based on how the parties' assets are allocated. Other debts may be charged solely to the party who incurred the debt.
-
Breach of fiduciary duty: Often one party to a marriage or domestic partnership has engaged in activity that violates their fiduciary duties to their spouse/partner. These issues must also be uncovered and addressed in the dissolution proceeding.
-
Domestic violence: Acts of domestic violence during a relationship can give rise to special legal proceedings to protect the victim. They may also directly impact the rights or obligations of the party committing the violence.
For information about California divorce law, or to discuss your divorce or dissolution matter with a skilled attorney who is also a certified Family Law Specialist, we invite you to call us at 323-935-0041 or 310-824-0471. If you choose, you can fill out our intake form and an experienced lawyer will contact you.
