Riverside Family Law Lawyer

Legal matters concerning your loved ones are never easy, but an experienced lawyer can help alleviate some of the burden. Riverside family law attorney Catherine A. Schwartz understands the emotional elements involved in the end of a marriage, custody battle, or any other family law matter. She dedicates herself and her law firm to helping her Riverside clients through a legally complex, highly personal, and sometimes adversarial process.

Every Aspect Of Family Law Covered

At the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey, our practice of family law focuses on the following:

• Divorce/legal separation — We spend time with clients to inform them of their rights and options in preparing for post-divorce lives. In some cases, counseling and therapy could be of benefit. For others, legal separations or annulments are more appropriate.
• Child custody and visitation — The best interests of children should be the focus of legal or physical custody agreements. Court-approved mediation is required by the state and is encouraged by Riverside family lawyer Catherine A. Schwartz.
• Child support — Married or divorced, parents are responsible for financial support of their children. Statutory formulas exist that account for income, expenses and time spent with children. The standard of living prior to the dissolution may also be taken into account.
• Spousal support — Also known as alimony or maintenance, spousal support helps spouses maintain the marital standard of living and ease the post-marriage transition. No formulas exist, and duration is based on the discretion of the courts.
• Property division — The most amicable and uncontested of divorces can turn contentious if disputes over property arise. Oftentimes, these disagreements end up in litigation when couples cannot agree on what they believe is marital and nonmarital property.
• Domestic violence — A sad and sometimes tragic side of divorce, domestic violence accusations can impact custody and visitation agreements. Frustration can lead one spouse to lash out physically or make false allegations to gain an advantage in a divorce proceeding.
  Juvenile dependency/juvenile delinquency — When a child is suspected of being mistreated, abused or neglected, we help families get through a challenging juvenile court process. We help children emerge from a bureaucratic system to reunite with parents and avoid possible juvenile delinquency.
• Paternity actions — Establishing parentage is often necessary when the legal parents of a child are not married. Without a signed voluntary declaration of paternity, blood testing is needed. Once paternity is established, we help our clients work out custody and support arrangements.
• High net worth divorce — Complex, high-asset divorces require careful handling to protect your financial interests. When significant property, business assets, or investments are involved, experienced legal guidance is essential to achieve fair and accurate asset valuation and distribution.
• Military divorce — Divorce involving military families presents unique challenges, including division of pensions, benefits, and compliance under federal law. The Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey helps clients navigate these complexities to protect their rights and secure a fair outcome.
• Same-sex divorce/domestic partnerships — The end of a same-sex marriage or domestic partnership can raise distinct legal considerations. An attorney can provide knowledgeable guidance to help you resolve issues, including property division, support, and custody.
• Modifications — No divorce is ever really “final.” Incomes rise and fall. Extra jobs to help make ends meet can take parents away from their children. A lost job can adversely affect a noncustodial parent’s ability to make child support and alimony payments. When your life inevitably changes, we can help you make the necessary modifications to your parenting plans and spousal support arrangement, so your and/or your child’s standard of living remains intact.
• Parental relocations — When a parental relocation, child relocation or “move away” after a divorce threatens to disturb a child custody or visitation routine — and harms the best interests of the child — our team of skilled family law attorneys has the experience you can trust to get positive results.
• Ex parte emergency hearings — In California, an ex parte application is a request of a court to make an emergency order in the event that harm may come to someone in a family. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey help clients seeking or responding to these requests.
• Restraining orders/protective orders — If you’re facing threats, harassment, or abuse, obtaining a restraining order can provide immediate legal protection. An attorney can help you secure protective orders to provide safety and peace of mind.
• Grandparents’ rights — In certain situations, grandparents may seek custody or visitation rights when it serves the child’s best interests. Attorneys guide families through these sensitive conversations and advocate for meaningful relationships to be maintained.
• Guardianships — Establishing guardianship over a child, disabled adult, or senior may be necessary to provide the care they need and protect their well-being. Lawyers assist their clients throughout the legal process to help family members provide stability and long-term protection for their loved ones.

What a Family Law Attorney Does

A Riverside family lawyer provides legal guidance and representation in matters that impact families and personal relationships. From the beginning of a family law case, they help clients understand their rights, evaluate their options, and develop a strategy that aligns with their goals. Whether the issue involves divorce, custody, or financial support, an attorney works to protect their client’s interests while keeping the process as efficient and manageable as possible.

In addition to courtroom advocacy, a family law attorney plays a key role in resolving disputes outside of litigation. They prepare and review legal documents, negotiate settlements, and assist with mediation to help clients reach fair agreements. Their involvement helps you make legally sound decisions that are enforceable and in line with your and your family’s interests.

By providing both legal knowledge and practical guidance, a family lawyer helps their clients navigate complex and emotionally challenging situations with clarity and confidence.

When to Hire a Family Lawyer

Family laws can be complicated, and while you have the right to represent yourself in these matters, making small mistakes can lead to lasting consequences. Consider hiring a family lawyer as soon as a legal issue begins to impact your rights, finances, or family relationships.

While some matters may start informally, situations involving divorce, custody, or support can quickly become complex or contested. Having an attorney early in the process helps you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.

A family law attorney is especially important when there is conflict between parties, particularly when cooperation and compromise seem impossible. Legal guidance can help you create agreements that are fair, enforceable, and aligned with your goals. It may be time to hire an attorney if any of the following are true:

• You are considering or have already filed for divorce or separation.
• Child custody or support is disputed.
• You need to establish or modify a child or spousal support order.
• There are disagreements over property or asset division.
• Domestic violence or safety concerns are involved.
• You need help enforcing an existing order.

FAQs

Q: How Much Will a Family Lawyer Charge in California?

A: The amount of money that a family lawyer may charge varies greatly, depending on the facts of your case and the background of the attorney. If you’re in the middle of a complicated family law case like a hostile divorce or a custody battle with an uncooperative coparent, the cost of an attorney may be greater. Similarly, an attorney with years of experience in handling cases like yours may be more expensive than a lawyer who is just starting out.

Q: What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?

A: The three C’s of divorce are communication, cooperation, and compromise. You and your spouse need effective communication to minimize conflict and express your needs. Being open to compromise means each spouse is prepared to make concessions, which fosters a fair agreement.

Cooperation helps the process move more quickly and efficiently. While your marriage may be ending, you and your spouse may still be in each other’s lives. Following these principles can make that more manageable.

Q: What Deems a Parent Unfit in California?

A: In California, a parent may be deemed unfit if their conduct endangers a child’s health, safety, or welfare. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody battles. They look at factors such as abuse or neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues that may impair parenting, abandonment, and failure to provide basic needs. Judges rely on evidence like reports, records, and witness testimony to determine whether a parent is unfit.

Q: What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

A: One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a custody battle is letting your emotions get the better of you, making you lose focus on your child’s best interests. When you’re more concerned with beating the other parent than you are with creating a deal that fulfills your child’s needs, you’re not only likely to fail in court; you’re also likely to make the process more stressful than it already is.

Hire a Family Law Attorney From the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey

Whether you’re trying to create a custody agreement for your child or navigate the stress of a divorce, you want an experienced lawyer on your side to give you the legal support you need. Hire a family law attorney from the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey for compassionate, dedicated guidance. No matter what type of family law issue you’re facing, our team is committed to providing exceptional service.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey at (951) 338-6199 to schedule a free initial consultation. You don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own.