Los Altos Family Lawyer

Los Altos Family Attorney

Emotions can run high when family and legal proceedings are mixed. When sensitive issues are involved, such as divorce, child custody, and property division, choosing a Los Altos family lawyer can be vitally important in determining how effectively your legal problems are resolved and whether you are satisfied with the results.

Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes has been there for crucial support for families across Northern California for decades. Our founder, Tracy Duell-Cazes, has aided this community for over thirty-five years. She has served as a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee since 1997, and has both taught and written about local family law for years. She knows how difficult family legal matters can be and is here to help you through them.

Hire a Family Lawyer

Family law encompasses a large and complex set of rules and regulations. It is highly recommended to hire a family lawyer who can help you with your unique case. The following are just a few areas of family law that a Los Altos family attorney from our firm can help with:

• Divorce: In 2022, 5.88 per 1,000 Californian women reported getting a divorce that year. Divorce or dissolution involves ending a marriage, and our experienced family lawyer can help clients determine what method of divorce is right for them and guide them through property division, child custody & support, spousal support, mediation, and more.
• Nuptial agreements: Before and during a marriage, a family attorney may help create both pre- and post-nuptial agreements. A prenuptial agreement is an agreement between spouses signed before the marriage begins, and a postnuptial agreement is an agreement made after the marriage has occurred that can be used to supersede California’s community property laws. They are a great tool to define financial expectations, helping the couple avoid conflict later.
• Mediation: Family law matters involving biological parentage can be tricky for either party. Establishing paternity either through genetic testing or voluntarily can provide the right to child support, child visitation, health coverage, and inheritance benefits for the child and parents.
• Child custody: This is an important step in a divorce, but it could cover a variety of situations where the two parents are not living together. The terms for custody of children will include where the child physically spends their time, and also who has the ability to make decisions on behalf of the child. This can be split between the parents or granted to one parent with stipulations on visitation.
• Mediation: This is a great option for individuals who are able to be civil and come to agreements with the help of a neutral third party. This option may also appeal to those who wish to keep their legal matters private and avoid exposing their family issues in a public courtroom.Everything discussed in mediation is completely confidential. However, if mediation is not successful, negotiations for any decisions that haven’t been made a court order will need to restart from the beginning. Tracy Duell-Cazes can coach you through the process, offering advice and assisting you in arriving at agreements that you are happy with. This path can be cheaper and gives you greater control over the decisions made.
• Modification of orders: Sometimes, agreements and decisions previously made need an update. This can pertain to any matters mentioned above, or others not included. Whether it is spousal support because of a new career or a child custody arrangement because of a parent moving, Ms. Duell-Cazes can help determine if your circumstances qualify for modification and petition the court if so.

Having a Certified Family Law Practitioner on your side, like Tracy Duell-Cazes, means you have legal help from a truly dedicated professional who has vast experience with even the most complex family law matters. Her guidance can make stressful and life-altering decisions manageable, with experienced support and skillful negotiating, so you can move forward with plans that serve the interests of you and your family.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Los Altos, CA?

A: There is no set price in Los Altos, CA, for how much a family lawyer will cost. The nature of your case, such as its complexity and longevity, can all affect the cost. Additionally, experts’ fees and court expenses may contribute to expenses. Speaking with your family lawyer openly in a consultation will give you a better understanding of what your case may cost.

Q: Do You Have to Go to Court for Family Law Matters in Los Altos, CA?

A: Going to court is not necessary in some family law matters in Los Altos, CA. Mediation can be an option to deal with many family law matters without having to go to court. This may not be suitable for those who are unwilling to compromise or remain civil through discussions, but it can be a quicker, less-expensive, and private way to resolve family matters.

Q: Do You Need a Family Lawyer for Your Family Law Case?

A: You are not legally obligated to have a family lawyer for your family law case, but it is highly recommended. You will be expected to know all relevant laws, statutes, and rules in relation to your case. If you don’t have legal representation and the other party does, then it may affect your outcome negatively. When it comes to crucial life-altering agreements, an attorney is a good investment.

Q: What If You Want to Move Away From Your Ex-Spouse With Your Children?

A: If you are planning to move away with your children any distance that may affect the other parent’s timeshare, you must notify the other parent in writing forty-five days or more before relocation. Your ex-spouse can either approve or object. If they object, then you may face litigation in court. This likely will be held at the Family Justice Center Courthouse in San Jose. If it is determined that the move is not in the best interest of the child, the modification may not be granted.

Speak With an Effective and Dedicated Family Law Attorney Today

At Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes, Tracy Duell-Cazes is devoted to assisting families when they need it most. Experienced, effective, and compassionate representation can make an incredible difference in the outcome of your family case. Contact us for an initial consultation or visit our San Jose office.