Pasadena Divorce Attorney

Caring About Our Clients

At The Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we have over 30 years of experience in the area of family law. We personally know how important and life-changing decisions regarding family law matters can be. Within our firm, communication with the client and understanding their individual needs is paramount. What some consider details, such as answering client emails or phone calls, we feel is vital during any family related legal matters. Divorce, child custody, child support and many other issues deserve the services of a caring and experienced Pasadena divorce lawyer.

We take pride in being able to competently resolve all issues dealing with family law. We strive to reach a resolution outside of court when this is possible. It can spare our clients financial burden while lessening some of the emotional impact on them. We also work aggressively to help our clients if matters need to be concluded using the court system.

What We Can Do for You: Divorce Practice Areas

Child Custody
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of a divorce is determining child custody. If you have found yourself in this situation, there are probably many questions going through your mind. There are various different types of child custody to choose from, so it can be helpful to have a family attorney explain to you your options. Click here to read more about child custody.

Child Support
When a couple divorces, the parent who has physical custody may be entitled to receive monthly payments from the other parent. This does not only include couples that were married, but other parents as well. Child support will differ by situation, but it is usually based on income, health care costs for the child, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the number of children. Click here to read more about child support.

Custody Modifications
After a divorce, the issue of child custody should be settled. However, just as life changes, circumstances may arise which warrant a modification to the terms of the custody agreement. One situation that could affect this is parental relocation. If the parent who has physical custody of the child moves away, the visitation rights of the other will be affected. Another issue that could affect a custody agreement is if the parent becomes seriously ill and can no longer care for their child. Click here to read more about custody modifications.

Collaborative Divorce
What is collaborative divorce? When a couple chooses to divorce, there are a number of different issues that they will have to resolve and come to an agreement on. Collaborative divorce means that the couple decides what the outcome will be in regards to spousal support, child support, custody, etc. If they cannot come to an agreement, this means that the case may be brought before a court where the judge will decide your fate. Click here to read more about collaborative divorce.

Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce can either refer to the dissolution of a marriage or the dissolution of a domestic partnership. We understand that divorce is extremely difficult and so do everything in our power to protect the rights of our clients who are going through this situation. We have extensive experience in all the issues relating to child custody, child support, child custody, and spousal support. If you have any questions regarding divorce or the various issues surrounding, contact our team today. Click here to read more about dissolution of marriage.

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is any kind of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse against a family member, intimate partner, or member of your household. If you were a victim of this kind of mistreatment, it could have an effect on divorce as well as child custody. We could help you take out an order of protection so that you and your family do not have to be treated in this way again. If the abusive spouse or parent is convicted of domestic violence, they could be liable to jail, fines, probation, and more. Click here to read more about domestic violence.

Grandparents' Rights
Fathers' rights and mothers' rights receive a lot of attention in family law issues, but the rights of grandparents are often neglected. If you are a grandparent and you are being denied visitation rights to spend time with your grandchildren, you should speak with a member of our team. We can also examine your case if you believe that you should have sole custody of your grandchildren. Click here to read more about grandparents' rights.

Joint Custody
What is joint custody? When a couple separates or divorces, they will have to decide which type of child custody is in the best interests of their family. Joint custody refers to joint physical custody as well as joint legal custody. The child or children will spend an approximately equal amount of time with both parents and both parents will have the right and responsibility of making decisions in regards to the child's healthcare, education, and all other aspects of their upbringing. Click here to read more about joint custody.

Legal Custody
Which parent has legal custody of a child will determine who has the right to make decisions regarding their schooling, what activities they are involved in, what religion they should be involved in, as well as decisions regarding their healthcare. In many cases, both parents have legal custody of the children and therefore both the right to be involved in their upbringing. Click here to read more about legal custody.

Legal Separations
In a divorce, the marriage is officially dissolved and both former spouses are now single. In a legal separation, the marriage or domestic partnership is actually not ended and the couple is not free to marry others. A legal separation means that the couple can spend time apart in order to work towards reconciliation or to determine whether or not they should file for a divorce. Click here to read more about legal separations.

Mediation
Mediation is a valuable alternative to contested divorce. In contested divorce, the couple's case has to go before a judge who does not have as good of an understanding regarding your case and your family. It is usually a last resort for families who cannot come to an agreement regarding family law issues like child custody, spousal support, or property division. Not only that, but it can help cut down on cost, emotional stress, and time as well. Click here to read more about mediation.

Orders of Protection
In cases of domestic violence, an order of protection may be issued in order to protect the person or persons who were being abused. Domestic violence is any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal harassment against a family member, household member, or partner. If you have been the victim of domestic violence, a family law attorney from our team could help you secure an order of protection as well as end your relationship with the abuser for good. Click here to read more about orders of protection.

Parental Relocation
After a divorce, it is not uncommon for one parent to have sole custody of the children. In these situations, the other parent will most likely have visitation rights. However, what happens when the parent with sole custody moves away or wants to move away? By law, they are required to let the other parent know about this plan as well as let the court know. The court will determine the outcome of the case by examining what would be in the best interests of the child. Click here to read more about parental relocation.

Paternity Actions
In cases where the parents of a child were not married at the time of their birth or never were married, establishing legal paternity will need to occur before the child support and custody can be determined. Establishing legal paternity can occur through DNA testing or by an affidavit of paternity. Click here to read more about paternity actions.

Personal Injury
Our team not only can help families in legal issues relating to divorce, child custody, and support, but in personal injury situations as well. For example, if you were injured by the negligence of another individual, you could be entitled to compensation for what you have gone through. Click here to read more about personal injury.

Physical Custody
Physical custody simply refers to which parent the child or children lives with. This can be sole physical custody or joint physical custody. Different aspects that will affect who is granted physical custody includes the mental health of the parents, whether they have any history of physical abuse, or any history of alcohol or drug abuse. Click here to read more about physical custody.

Post-Divorce Support
After a divorce, one spouse may be required to pay the other spousal support in order to allow them to have the same standard of living they had during the marriage. If one spouse was financially dependent on the other during the marriage, the other former spouse may be required to give them monthly payments. Click here to read more about post-divorce support.

Pre-Marital & Post-Marital Agreements
Pre-marital agreements and post-marital agreements are used to help cut down on conflict and confusion following a divorce. Also known as prenups, they allow the couple to stipulate regarding finances should the marriage end. Click here to read more about pre-marital & post-marital agreements.

Property Division
One of the key issues that a couple will have to come to an agreement on during a divorce is that of property division. In some cases, this can prove to be quite complicated, especially if the couple had a lot of property and assets. Click here to read more about property division.

Spousal Support
There are many different considerations that will affect whether an individual will receive spousal support as well as how much they will receive. Examples include the length of the marriage, the age and health of the spouse, and how much is needed in order for them to maintain the same standard of living. Click here to read more about spousal support.

Visitation
When one parent has physical custody of a child, the other parent will most likely receive visitation rights. However, different issues which may affect visitation are the wishes of the child, any previous domestic violence, and the child's schedule. Click here to read more about visitation.

We know that matters such as those listed above can become very heated. At the same time, the decisions that are made can affect you and your loved ones for many years to come. Even in the most amicable of situations, there are many important problems that need well thought out solutions that adhere to the law. Many times, there are options available in family law matters that a person may not be aware of until they retain an experienced attorney. There are ways and means to tackle divorce, child support, visitation rights and other issues that satisfy all concerned. If a hard line is needed to protect your rights and take matters before the courts, we are fully prepared to do that as well.

Contact a Pasadena divorce attorney when you want caring and competent legal assistance with any family law matters.