Orange County Family Law Expert: Jeffrey D. Stearman, Esq.
Any child custody decision in California will rightly concern itself with the best interests of the child above all else. Balancing the child's best interests and accommodating the goals of the parents can be a delicate process. If you are in the midst of a custody battle, be sure you have a strong advocate in your corner who can help to ensure that your rights are given proper consideration.
At the Huntington Beach, California-based Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I have more than 41 years of experience as a family law attorney. I have a deep understanding of the law, and I will fight aggressively to protect your parental rights in child custody and visitation proceedings. Contact my law office by email or call (714) 871-7778 for a free initial phone consultation.
Child Custody Assistance in California
As a Huntington Beach child custody lawyer, I understand how important your children are to you and will fight to ensure their best interests are protected while your goals are being achieved. There are many factors a court can look to when determining custody, including:
Child custody is split up into two parts — physical and legal. Legal custody involves the ability to make decisions regarding the child's medical, educational, and religious choices. Physical custody refers to the daily care and residence of the child. I can help you resolve issues that arise with both. Expert Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Orange County CA.
Seeking a Fair Child Support Settlement or Order
Each parent has a responsibility to support the well-being of their children, and that responsibility does not cease if the marriage ends in divorce. California follows definite guidelines in calculating child support amounts. In cases where there is a dispute over the data used to determine the level of child support, an experienced divorce lawyer can work to reach a more favorable outcome on your behalf.
The Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman in Huntington Beach serves clients throughout Southern California. I help them to resolve all types of family law matters and have worked with many clients to reach a positive outcome in child support disputes. I have over 41 years of experience practicing law. Furthermore, I have a comprehensive understanding of California family law, and I know the best approach to building a case that supports your position.
Impacts on the Level of Child Support
The court looks at a number of factors when making its determination on child support payments. The number of children being supported; the income levels of both parents; parenting time (timeshare) according to a custody agreement, court determination or court order, and other factors all come into play. I will work to ensure that the court considers the correct criteria in its calculations.
I also help clients with modification and enforcement issues. Furthermore, I know all the requirements for modifications, and I can help you request a change that better fits your current circumstances. If you are having trouble collecting your child support payments, I can help you through the process of notifying the Department of Child Support Services and representing you at any hearings as necessary. On the other hand, if you believe you are unfairly being targeted by the Department of Child Support Services for current or past due support, I can assist in defending you at any child support enforcement hearing. Expert Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Orange County CA.
Orange County Spousal Support and Alimony Lawyer
Alimony (also known as spousal support) is not automatically awarded in California divorce cases. The court considers many factors before making a decision in these matters. California's law gives the court broad discretion in awarding or denying alimony, and it is important to have an attorney on your side who can protect your interests.
At the Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I have successfully represented clients on both sides of spousal support cases. I offer my clients over 41 years of experience practicing law. I was raised in Fullerton and have been a resident of Orange County all my life. Furthermore, I know the law, and I know the best approach to building a case that supports your side of the argument.
Working for a Fair Settlement or Court Order for Support
In cases where spousal support is awarded by the court when an agreement cannot be reached, it can be temporary or permanent, depending on the court's ruling. Among the issues the court will consider in making its decision are the length of the marriage, the age of the spouses, and their physical and mental health. The court will also look at the standard of living during the marriage and each spouse's earnings or earning capacity. The specifics of the divorce agreement, including child custody and support, will also be considered.
I also help clients with spousal maintenance/support modifications. Any change in either spouse's income, marital or cohabitation status, or passage of time can be grounds to request a modification. I am committed to helping you reach the most favorable settlement or court order available for your case. I handle every aspect of your case myself and keep you informed about the progress of your case at every step. Expert Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Orange County CA.
Your Orange County Relocation Lawyer
Similar to any family law decision involving children, the choice to move out of state with a child is taken very seriously by the courts. If you are planning a move with your child or wish to prevent your child from being taken across county or state lines, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney.
At the Huntington Beach-based Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I have more than 41 years of experience assisting clients with their family law needs. If you have questions regarding move-away cases and protecting the best interests of your children, I will answer them. Contact my law office by email or call (714) 871-7778 for a free initial phone consultation.
Reasons for Moving and How the Court Perceives Them
Even if the intentions behind a move are legitimate and do not involve the purpose of driving a wedge between the child and another parent, the court may still deny moving out of California. The court will look at many factors when deciding if a move is in the child's best interests, including:
At the Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I focus on child custody and child relocation laws. I will work with you to build a case that will achieve your goals.
Parenting Time in Huntington Beach
One of the main factors a court will focus its attention on during a relocation is the parenting plan that is already in use. Both parents' past behaviors will be closely scrutinized and investigated in order to come to a conclusion that best protects the child involved. As child custody and move away attorney, I will work closely with you to prepare you for court and your appearance before a judge.
Orange County Domestic Violence/Restraining Order Lawyer
Domestic violence accusations are taken very seriously in California. When law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call, someone almost always gets arrested as a result. There doesn't even have to be any actual violence involved in the incident. In many cases, the perceived threat of violence is enough to have a restraining order issued.
Both the accuser and the accused have rights that need to be considered in these matters, and you should have an attorney on your side who has the experience and knowledge to properly handle your case, whether accuser or accused. At the Huntington Beach-based Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I have been practicing law in Southern California for over 41 years, and I have worked with countless clients on both sides of domestic violence issues.
The Right Experience to Protect Your Interests
A restraining order to prevent domestic violence or prevent many other actions can be issued against you without your knowledge and without you having the opportunity to defend yourself. Once a temporary restraining order has been issued, you can be kept out of your house and away from your children; or prevented from the use and control of certain items of the property until a hearing on the matter has been held. In some cases, false accusations are made to hurt your standing in a divorce proceeding. I can represent you at your hearing and seek to disprove any false allegations that have been made against you.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, I can assist in protecting your safety and well-being and the safety of your children by petitioning the court for temporary and permanent restraining orders.
I also help clients with the enforcement of restraining orders. If you are having trouble keeping an abusive person away from you and your family or trouble getting the restrained person to follow the court orders, I can help you to petition the court to have the person held in contempt for violation of the restraining order. The law is very clear in these matters, and you have rights with regard to your safety and the safety of your children.
Huntington Beach, California Spousal Support/Custody/Visitation Modifications Lawyer
When circumstances in your life change, you may be able to raise or lower your support payments based on your needs. It is important to have a California attorney in your corner who knows how to properly calculate your income and evaluate your situation in order to best protect your interests.
At the Huntington Beach, California-based Law Office of Jeffrey D. Stearman, I have been helping clients modify their agreements for more than 41 years. If you have questions regarding child custody or support matters, contact my law office by email or call 714-871-7778 for a FREE initial consultation.
Modify Child Support and Modify Child Custody and Visitation Orders
Whether your work hours require a change in your visitation schedule or your income levels have changed, requiring a modification of child support, we can help. California follows strict guidelines for child support payments. The calculations use parenting time and income levels to determine the correct amount your child needs. I can analyze the factors affecting your support payments and fight to get a change that will protect your rights.
In order to modify a child custody order, a significant change must have occurred, usually one that can cause harm to the child. Events that could require a change to a custody agreement include relocation, a drug or alcohol problem, or a parent's new love interest who presents a danger to your child.
Spousal Support Modifications
There are two main types of spousal support — temporary and permanent. Permanent support is issued after the divorce is completed. A judge sets a temporary support order during the divorce process to attempt to maintain the lifestyles of both individuals. Factors a judge uses to determine the support amount include: