Beverly Hills Family Lawyer

Beverly Hills Family Law Attorneys Helping You & Your Family Plan for a Brighter Future

Beverly Hills is a city known for its wealth and high-end lifestyles. From Hollywood actors to other entertainers and public personalities, this city is brimming with luxury. However, it is no more immune to family law cases than anywhere else. From divorce to adoptions, the need for a Beverly Hills family lawyer is great. At Benefield Faulk Law, our family law attorneys come with over 15 years of experience in assisting clients through a wide range of legal disputes and cases.

There is nothing more important than family, which is why most people take steps to safeguard their rights. Are you getting married and want to protect assets acquired prior to the union? Are you looking to adopt a child but unsure of the legal aspects? Are you dealing with the sad event of divorce and child-related matters? When a marriage dissolves, it is painful for everyone involved. Many couples are simply not equipped for the legal process involved in this family law matter.

From property division to child support and child custody, divorce is a family law matter with many interests at stake. With a focus on serving clients during challenging legal matters, Beverly Hills family lawyers fight for the rights of families and help negotiate a solution.

What Does Family Law Cover?

Family law covers legal matters pertaining to family relationships such as marriage, divorce, adoption, child custody, and other family-related practice areas. Many family law attorneys also help clients in matters falling under one of these larger areas. For example, clients may seek marriage law assistance for pre-nuptial agreements or specifically for marital property services.

In a divorce, there are matters such as child custody and alimony. Emancipation (the proceeding in which a minor becomes an adult) and paternity (the proceeding in which a child’s paternal origin is determined) are additional examples of family law matters.

What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Attorney and Family Law Attorney?

A divorce attorney is a family law lawyer primarily serving clients in the legal proceedings of divorce. A family law lawyer may choose to focus on divorce cases. However, they still handle all family law matters related to the divorce, such as child custody, alimony, separation of property, and any other aspects of the dissolution of marriage. While many people assume a divorce lawyer is a specialized type of lawyer, the truth is that a divorce lawyer is a family law attorney capable of covering the same matters as any other family law attorney.

What Can a Family Law Lawyer Do For Me?

Divorce

A family law lawyer serves clients in divorce proceedings in matters like the dissolution of the marriage contract, assets, property, child custody, alimony, and other matters pertaining to the end of a marriage. Divorce is a difficult and emotional time for any couple or family. An experienced family law attorney makes divorce easier and less confusing while ensuring your interests are covered.

Property Division

One of the most complex areas of family law in Beverly Hills is that of property division. In a California divorce or legal separation, the couple will need to reach an agreement on how their marital or shared property will be divided. This can be an especially contentious topic in Beverly Hills, where the median household income is $127,979.

In a California divorce, all shared property, or property that was acquired by either party, is subject to an equitable split. Shared property can include:

• Real estate holdings, such as vacation homes or the family home
• Vehicles
• Home furnishings
• Retirement accounts
• Checking or savings accounts
• Businesses

Pre and Postnuptial Agreements

A pre-nuptial agreement is a legally binding document created by a couple prior to marriage. It may determine legalities of importance regarding the division of property and assets in the event of an eventual divorce. When a couple is already married, a post-nuptial agreement may also be created for the same purposes. A family law attorney will assist in the legal matters related to these agreements to help clients plan for the future with more peace of mind.

Child Custody and Child Support

Child custody is a sensitive matter which needs to be handled with care, especially for the sake of the children involved. A family law lawyer will assist in this matter by gathering evidence related to the stability of the home and representing the interest of their client in court. While child support is often a matter handled by the state, a family law lawyer may also assist in gathering and reporting information to the court on behalf of their client.

Adoption

Bringing a child into your home is a time for celebration, not stress. A family law lawyer will assist clients during the process to ensure correct paperwork and procedures are in place. If an issue arises during the adoption, having a family law lawyer offers peace of mind to help negotiate a happy outcome.

Domestic Violence

In Beverly Hills, domestic violence cases arise from Rodeo Drive to the estates up in the Hills. In 2023, over 100 calls were placed to the Beverly Hills Police Department regarding domestic abuse. Domestic violence can occur between family members or those in intimate relationships with one another, such as spouses, ex-spouses, intimate partners, parents and children, grandparents, or aunts and uncles. Domestic violence can include:

• Harassment
• Stalking
• Threats
• Destroying another individual’s personal property
• Physically hurting another individual
• Sexual assault
• Causing someone to be reasonably afraid for their own safety

Is Hiring a Family Law Attorney Worth It?

Dealing with any legal matter can be stressful, but when the matter is regarding your family, there is nothing more personal or important. A family law lawyer will serve as your go-to for questions about the process and help negotiate the best outcome for your family. From filling out confusing paperwork to representing you in a court of law, family law lawyers are here to serve clients when they need it most.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in California?

A: How much it may cost to hire a family lawyer in California varies. This is because there are several variables in these cases that can impact the final cost analysis. These include the duration and complexity of the case and the experience of your attorney. Always discuss attorney fees before agreeing to hire them.

Q: What Are the Most Common Child Custody Arrangements in California?

A: There are several types of common child custody arrangements in California. These can include situations in which the children:

• Live with both of their parents equally between the separate homes.
• Remain in the family home while their parents rotate in and out, based on the visitation schedule.
• Live with one parent, and the other parent has visitation rights.

Q: How Is Spousal Support Awarded in California?

A: In California, when a couple cannot come to a decision regarding spousal support on their own, they will need to look to the courts to make this determination for them. In California, the courts will take several factors into consideration when making this decision, including the income of both spouses, the earning capacity of both spouses, and the length of the marriage.

Q: What Is Not Considered Marital Property in California?

A: In a California divorce, you will hear the terms “marital property” and “separate property.” Separate property is typically not subject to the laws of property division. It can include:

• Items owned by one spouse prior to the marriage, including real estate and vehicles
• A business that was established prior to the marriage
• Any gifts or inheritances received by only one spouse

How Can We Help You Today?

We are here to help with any aspect of family law. We understand the emotional and financial impacts on the family during times of upheaval. Let us serve your legal needs or make plans for the future of your family. Reach out to us at (310) 271-7675 today and find out how we can help today.