Family Law Attorney in Shafter, CA

Why a Lawyer Is Important for Family Law Cases

Family law cases are governed by complex statutes found primarily in the California Family Code. Even seemingly straightforward matters can contain numerous exceptions, changes, or complications due to adjustments based on your own individual circumstances, and those changes can mean lasting legal and financial effects. However, an attorney is skilled in handling these matters and knows how certain situations may impact how your case will proceed.

Having legal representation matters because:

• California courts follow strict procedural rules and deadlines
• Judges have broad discretion in custody, support, and property matters
• Mistakes or omissions can negatively affect future modifications
• Negotiations often require legal strategy to protect your interests

Attorney Vincent A. Gorski is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, meaning he has not only obtained a significant level of experience in this particular area of law but has also demonstrated substantial proficiency in handling a variety of matters, setting him apart as one of the premier advocates in the field. Only a very small percentage of attorneys ever achieve Board Certification in their field of work.

What to Know About Divorce Cases

California is a no-fault divorce state under Family Code § 2310, meaning a marriage can be dissolved due to irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing. A divorce agreement can include a number of different considerations, impacting nearly all aspects of the lives of both parties, especially if any children were born during the marriage.

We can handle all aspects of a divorce, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support/alimony
• Property division
• Visitation schedules

Whether you’re working with your spouse to negotiate an agreement or you have reached an impasse that necessitates litigating the matter before a judge, our team is prepared to guide you through your proceedings with a focus on practical outcomes that align with California law.

Child Custody, Support & Visitation in California

Child-related matters are among the most sensitive areas of family law. California courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody and visitation decisions under California Family Code § 3011.

California recognizes both legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody is what most people think of when they think of custody disagreements, and usually pertains to where a child lives (including when and for how long). However, part of a child living with one parent means that parents must also decide how they will make decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, which is established by legal custody. Custody in all of these cases may be sole (100% belonging to one parent) or joint (shared by a determined percentage), and other factors in a divorce may hinge on this determination.

Courts are required by California law to keep both parents involved in the lives of their children as much as possible, provided that their involvement is in the best interests of the child. Some factors that can influence this decision include:

• The child’s health, safety, and welfare
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The nature of each parent’s relationship with the child

For non-custodial parents or third parties (such as grandparents), visitation, also called parenting time, is designed to maintain meaningful contact with these children whenever appropriate. If you wish to learn more or pursue a custody-related matter, schedule a consultation and talk to us today. California also calculates child support obligations using a statewide formula set forth in Family Code § 4055, which considers:

• Each parent’s income
• Time spent with the child
• Health insurance and childcare costs

If you’re looking for assistance with a family law matter, reach out to the team at The Gorski Firm for a consultation today. Se habla español!