Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. If both parties can reach an agreement, many family law matters. Including divorce and custody, can be resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. I always look for the path that saves you time, money, and stress.
Do courts always favor the mother in custody cases?
No. California courts look at the best interest of the child and the history of caregiving. Not the parent's gender. If a father has been the primary caregiver, the court takes that seriously. The outcome depends on the facts, not assumptions.
Can I just hire you to draft one document?
No, and this protects you. I don't offer one-off document drafting for self-represented clients. If I'm involved in your case, I'm reviewing the full picture. That's the only way to give you real legal help, not just paperwork.
Do you work with Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes, fully. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish, and I work with the entire cultural context, not just the language. Every service I offer is available in both languages.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the complexity of your case. The best way to understand the likely cost is to book a consultation. I'll be upfront about fees and realistic about what your situation actually requires.