Los Gatos Family Law Attorney

Family Lawyer in Los Gatos, CA

Family law cases are among the most emotionally challenging legal proceedings a person can go through. Whether it be a high-stakes divorce, a lengthy custody battle, a contentious child support modification, or any other family law matter, a Los Gatos family law attorney can be your trusted ally throughout the process. When you need dedicated representation for a family law matter, you can trust the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes.

What to Expect When You Choose the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes

When you partner with the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes, you can expect compassionate support from a family law lawyer with over three decades of experience. Founding attorney Tracy Duell-Cazes knows what it takes to manage tough cases, whether they are emotionally or legally complex. As a top-rated lawyer by Super Lawyers every year since 2009, you can trust that Tracy Duell-Cazes can fight to protect your rights and pursue your interests.

California’s family laws can be complicated to understand. Making a mistake in family court can have lasting impacts on your life, which is why it’s wise to trust an experienced attorney to manage your case.

Divorce and Alimony

Divorces are never easy, and they’re even more challenging when things are contentious between you and your spouse. In 2022, California residents filed 111,894 marital cases in family court. We help our clients throughout the process, from property division and alimony to child custody and child support. Whether your spouse is amicable or the divorce becomes a high-conflict dispute, we have the tools and knowledge to help you secure what’s rightfully yours.

In many divorce cases, one spouse is ordered to pay the other support to assist them financially after the separation. Whether the receiving spouse earned less money or elected to stay home to take care of children, alimony is designed to reduce the effect of unfair economic hardship. Sometimes, spousal support can last for the rest of the recipient’s life. In other cases, it may have a set expiration date, or it may end when the recipient remarries.

Whether you need assistance securing spousal support or modifying an alimony agreement, we can help you secure the funds to which you’re entitled.

Child Custody and Support

Child custody cases are among the most emotionally charged proceedings within family court, and with good cause. These cases decide how much time parents get to spend with their children and what decision-making powers they retain over them. When parents can’t come to an agreement on their own, the court steps in to make a decision that’s in the child’s best interests. We can work with you to create a fair parenting plan and fight for your rights.

Similarly, we can argue for child support payments if you’re the custodial parent. There were 922 child support cases filed in Santa Clara County in 2021, speaking to the prevalence of these disputes. Child support is meant to help a custodial parent with the expenses of providing for their child. These agreements are designed to fairly split the expenses of medical care, education, and other needs of the child.

Visitation

When one parent is awarded sole custody of the child, the other parent often receives visitation rights. The visitation order details when the parent can see their child. This could include days and times during the week the child is with this parent, which holidays they spend together, and what special events the parent can have time with their child. If the child’s safety is a concern, parenting time might be supervised.

As a family law attorney, Tracy Duell-Cazes can help parents create a mutually beneficial agreement with fair visitation.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost in Los Gatos, CA?

The cost of a family law lawyer in Los Gatos, CA, varies by case and by attorney. Complicated disputes are typically more costly than simple cases, and you can expect a higher fee when you hire a family law attorney with years of experience and a track record of success compared to a new lawyer who hasn’t established themselves yet. Make sure you discuss the fee structure with your attorney during your initial consultation.

What Should You Never Say to a Family Court Judge?

There are many things you should never say to a family court judge. The number one thing you shouldn’t do is lie, especially about the other parties involved. In many ways, your character can be on trial in family court disputes, and getting caught in a lie certainly works against you. Also, avoid badmouthing the other parent in child custody battles. The goal is prioritizing your child’s best interests, not smearing your ex-spouse.

What Is the Five-Year Rule in a California Divorce?

The five-year rule for divorces in California refers to the deadline for a summary dissolution. If a marriage lasts less than five years and the couple has no children, they may qualify for summary dissolution. These types of divorces are often quicker and cheaper. Know that there are specific requirements for a summary dissolution. Speak to a Los Gatos family attorney to know if this is the right option for you.

Is California a 50/50 Child Custody State?

No, California is not automatically a 50/50 state for child custody. Each parent is given equal opportunities in court to argue why being the custodial parent is within the best interests of the child, and the court does not have any predetermined bias toward one parent or the other. However, the ultimate parenting agreement could split custody and visitation by any combination of percentages.

Hire a Family Law Attorney From the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes

Regardless of the type of family law dispute you are facing, it’s wise to get an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side. Divorce proceedings can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Hire a family law attorney from the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes to protect your rights and fight for you. Contact us today to discuss your case.