Certified Family Law Specialist

Palmdale Family Law Attorney

Helping Californians with Family Law Issues

If your family is facing a legal complication involving divorce or another family law matter, you will need to take immediate action by speaking to our attorney from the Law Offices of John C. Bigler. With 25 years of experience, our Palmdale family lawyer assists clients with various types of divorce issues. We remain up to date on new laws and current legislation, such as the new laws concerning same-sex marriage in California.

Family law is a state-specific area of the law, and our attorney has a strong understanding on how these laws can affect your family. We have extensive experience and are passionate about helping the families we represent. Our firm fights on behalf of the client, and we do everything in our power to ensure the best possible case result.

Services

Legal Guidance from Our Palmdale Family Attorney at the Law Offices of John C. Bigler

If you are ready to move forward with your family law case, we can use our resources and knowledge to carefully guide you through the family court system. At our firm, the client is the decision maker. We can determine an action plan based on the individual's or family's goals for the case. Schedule a case evaluation at your earliest convenience to determine the most profitable course of action to most effectively protect your rights.

Contact the Law Offices of John C. Bigler by calling (661) 368-1181 today!

If you are facing any of the following family law issues, we can help with your case:

Child Custody

In California, child custody is divided into two categories: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is decision making power – the right to decide where the child goes to school, receives medical care, is old enough to drive and other decision related issues. Physical custody is the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The Court often awards the parents joint legal custody of their children but may not award the parties joint physical custody of the parties.

The important point to remember is that the judge decides legal custody and physical custody independently based upon the child’s best interest. California law dictates that either parent can obtain custody of the child or the parents can share custody. In either circumstance, the judge will base his or her decision on the best interests of the child. In a child custody case, money, emotions, and other issues can get in the way and cause substantial disputes between all parties.

Child Support

Child support refers to payments made from one parent to the other in a case involving children. Child support issues can be found in divorce case, paternity cases, and domestic violence cases. Child support is ordered based upon an algebraic formula driven by two primary factors: the amount of each parent's income and the amount of time the children spend with each parent. These calculations are complex and calculated with a court-certified software, referred to as "guideline" support orders by the court.

Trial courts are required by law to follow the formula and judges may not deviate from the formula. Litigation involving child support is usually disputing the inputs into the software, rather than the formula itself. In addition to the court ordered-support via the formula, the court also has the authority to order parents to share the costs of child care, medical, education, and other everyday expenses of the child.

Complex Divorce

Although some divorce cases only require settlement or mediation, many cases require complicated litigation. We handle all types of cases, including complex divorces. Some issues that can increase complexity in a case include child custody, property division, and domestic violence issues.

Divorce

If you need to have your rights protected during a divorce case, we can take action to ensure that your goals are met. We have a clear understanding of California's family laws, including the recent legislation on same-sex marriages. We receive daily updates about recent family law decisions that change the law. This process is time consuming and is not billable to the client. We review new cases to ensure our clients receive the benefit of the new court decisions. Our firm can guide you through the various terms of divorce, such as child custody, spousal support, child support, and property division. Our firm handles divorce cases that take place in the courtroom and those that are resolved through mediation and settlement.

Domestic Violence

At the Law Offices of John C. Bigler, we offer representation to victims of domestic violence as well as people who are accused of committing domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence and are pursuing divorce, we can ensure that your and your children's safety is made a top priority. If you are accused of domestic violence during a divorce case, we can protect your rights to child custody with aggressive representation.

Paternity

When parents who are not married have a child together, a paternity case is required to establish the couple's legal rights. Paternity cases answer the question: Who are a child's legal parents? The issue of paternity is one that can drastically impact your case. If you are a father pursuing custody or a mother in need of child support from the child's father, establishing paternity may be necessary. In paternity cases, the court will issue an order to state who the child's legal parents are and base various family law decisions on the paternity information.

Property Division

Property in California is defined as anything that can be bought or sold. California is considered a community-property state, which means that any assets acquired during the marriage will be equally divided between both spouses. Various factors will be assessed by the court to determine how the community property should be divided.

How Can a Family Law Attorney Help You?

A family law attorney provides valuable assistance during some of the most challenging times in life. Whether navigating a divorce, child custody dispute, or property division issue, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

One of the primary ways a family law attorney can help is by providing clear legal advice. Family law matters can be emotionally charged, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. An attorney explains your rights, options, and potential outcomes, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.

In complex matters such as child custody or support, an attorney ensures that the best interests of both you and your family are protected. Attorneys handle negotiations with the opposing party to help achieve fair agreements while avoiding unnecessary conflict. If necessary, they can represent you in court, advocating for your needs before a judge.

A family law attorney can also assist with legal documentation. Without the proper legal framework, documents may not hold up in court. An attorney ensures that all paperwork is prepared and filed correctly.

Additionally, family law attorneys provide ongoing support as life changes. Child custody arrangements or support agreements may need modification in the future due to job changes, relocation, or shifts in financial circumstances. An attorney helps you understand when these modifications are possible and how to pursue them.

Ultimately, a Palmdale family law attorney offers professional guidance, helping you resolve disputes, protect your rights, and move forward with peace of mind.

Contact our Palmdale family lawyer by calling (661) 368-1181 today to learn more about how we can help you!

Commonly Asked Questions

What factors does the court consider when determining child custody in California?

In California, when determining child custody, the court prioritizes the best interests of the child. This includes evaluating the child's emotional and physical needs, the relationship between the child and each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. The court also considers the child's age, health, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Additionally, the court may look at the child's preference if they are of sufficient age and maturity..

What should I do if I am a victim of domestic violence during a divorce?

Seek immediate help from local authorities or domestic violence shelters if you are in danger. Additionally, consulting with a family law attorney can provide you with the necessary legal support to protect your rights and ensure your safety during the divorce process. An attorney can help you obtain restraining orders, navigate custody issues, and advocate for your needs in court, ensuring that both you and your children are safe and supported.

How can a family law attorney assist with property division during a divorce?

A family law attorney plays a vital role in navigating property division during a divorce, especially in California, which follows community property laws. They can help you understand what constitutes community property and separate property, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process. An attorney will assess all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, negotiate fair settlements, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

Why Hire a Certified Family Law Specialist? Board-Certification in Family Law requires a demonstrated mastery of the practice area. Learn why only board-certified attorneys can be named experts in their field, and what this means for your case.

“Mr. Bigler, as well as his staff, have my best interests at heart.”
- A. Sansfield