Facing family law challenges?
Lazar Legal Solutions is your go-to partner for expert support that won't break the bank. Call us at 805-585-3828 to discuss how we can assist you in various family law matters.
Lazar Legal Solutions and Mediation saves you time, money, and emotional strain with a mediated divorce.
First appointments are always free.
20+
Years of Experience95%
Success Rate2000+
Families SupportedAt Lazar, we offer professional assistance on a range of family law matters, ensuring that you receive the support you need without the high expenses associated with other firms. Our services include:
Divorce mediation is about you and your soon to be ex-spouse deciding your own divorce and what is best for the both of you and most importantly, your children. In mediation, you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party, the mediator, and with their help, you work through the issues you need to resolve so the two of you can end your marriage as amicably and cost effectively as possible. The issues covered include but are not limited to the following:
- Distribution of Property (Assets/Liabilities)
- Child Custody and Parenting Time
- Child Support/Maintenance
- Retirement
- Taxes
How Mediation Works
The couple, with the help of the mediator, discusses and comes to mutual agreement on the above issues. Sometimes agreements come easy, sometimes they take time and a lot of work. When agreements are hard to reach, that is when the mediator intervenes. It is the mediator’s job to keep the lines of communication open, brainstorm ideas, reality test the couple, teach empathy and assist the couple in their decision making process.
Mediation is flexible and confidential. It gives you and your spouse a way to settle the conflict between you in a way that helps you to work together as parents. This is extremely important if you have children and must interact with your ex-spouse after you are divorced.
A divorce mediator is neutral and doesn’t “work” for either parent. That means the mediator cannot give advice to either party. They must remain neutral no matter what the situation.
What the mediator can do, though, is assist the divorcing couple in formulating ideas that can eventually lead to agreements that will stand the test of time. That open and free exchange of information frees up both spouses to negotiate with each other in confidence.
Legal Custody and Physical Custody
People often think about custody in terms of “legal” custody and “physical” custody. Legal custody means having the right to make important decisions about your children, such as where they go to school, what religion they are, and major medical decisions. Physical custody refers to the children’s living arrangements.
Custody can be “sole” or “joint.” Sole custody means only one parent has custody. Joint custody means the parents share custody. If parents share legal custody, they must make important decisions about their children together. If parents share physical custody, the children take turns living with each parent.
A parenting time schedule tells when the children spend time with each parent. If a court order says “reasonable” parenting time, parents must work out the specific dates, times, and other conditions together. The children’s ages, how far apart the parents live, and the parents’ schedules can affect a parenting time schedule.
If a judge orders specific parenting time, all the details are included in the court order. It may work best to have a specific parenting time schedule if you and the other parent can’t easily talk to one another or agree on a parenting time schedule.
Many family courts have a standard parenting time schedule that may be used in your order. A standard parenting time schedule normally gives parents every other week and/or weekend. Holidays are split between the parents, and they switch each year.
If one parent is irresponsible or has harmed or threatened to harm the children, the judge may order parenting time to be supervised by a third party.
Most parents know that it’s important to choose someone to take care of your kids if something were to happen to you. Yet, too many parents don’t understand why it’s important to legally document your choice of guardian.
What Is a Legal Guardian?
Because children under the age of 18 are considered minors and not capable of taking care of themselves, they must always be under the care of a legal guardian. The guardian has both the ability to make decisions for the child and the responsibility to financially support the child.
What Steps Can I Take?
- Make sure you have a will that designates the person you would choose to care for your children.
- Talk to the individual(s) you’ve chosen so they know what steps to take.
- Execute a standby guardianship document that authorizes someone to take legal custody immediately.
California Probate is a legal proceeding required to settle a deceased person’s estate, paying all debts of the decedent, and distributing the property to the heirs and beneficiaries. When a Living Trust holds the title to some of the decedent’s property, however, that property can pass to the beneficiaries without going through probate.
A court probate of a will, depending on the size of the estate, can be expensive and time-consuming. The probate process varies dramatically between states, but can be completely avoided with proper estate planning.
If we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a will. If you don’t make a will before your death, state law will determine who gets your property and a judge may decide who will raise your children.
What a Will Won’t Do: Many kinds of property — perhaps some of the most valuable things you own — don’t necessarily pass through your will.
Living Trusts: The main reason for setting up a revocable living trust is to save your family time and money by avoiding probate after your death. But there are other benefits as well.
- Living Wills & Powers of Attorney for Health Care
- Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Forms
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney
If you are facing an unlawful detainer or eviction situation, Lazar is here to provide the legal support you need. Call us to discuss your unique circumstances and find a solution.
Why Choose Lazar Legal Solutions for Your Family Law Needs?
Client-Centered Approach: At Lazar, our clients are our top priority. We take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns, tailoring our services to provide the best possible outcomes.
Expertise in Divorce: Our team of experienced paralegals specializes in divorce document preparation, ensuring accuracy and compliance. We bring over two decades of expertise to streamline the divorce process.
Compassionate Child Custody Guidance: Child custody matters require sensitivity and expertise. Lazar is committed to understanding your family dynamics and crafting custody arrangements that prioritize your child’s well-being.
Financial Clarity in Family Support: Family support matters, including child support and spousal maintenance, can be financially complex. Lazar provides clear and concise guidance, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations.
Mediation Excellence: Opting for mediation is a wise choice for an amicable divorce. Lazar’s skilled mediators facilitate open communication, helping you and your spouse reach agreements on crucial issues.
Document Expertise for Wills, Trusts, and More: Crafting essential legal documents is a cornerstone of securing your family’s future. From deeds to wills, trusts, and power of attorney, Lazar’s paralegals ensure accuracy and clarity.
Over 20 Years In Practice
No life is without challenges and difficult situations – and when you are going through a tough time, you need to be certain that you have the best help available. At Lazar, our team is here to ensure you get the support that will result in the most positive outcome for your situation.
