Burbank Family Law Attorney

Supportive Guidance Through Difficult Family Changes

When your family is going through divorce, custody questions, or other major changes, it can feel as if every decision affects your future. As a family law attorney, our role is to help you understand your options and move forward with a plan that protects what matters most to you.

At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, our Pasadena-based boutique firm regularly works with individuals and parents whose cases affect their lives in Burbank and throughout Los Angeles County. We focus on California family law every day, so we understand how the legal system and family dynamics come together in real situations.

Our team brings over 50 years of cumulative family law experience to each case. We listen carefully, explain your choices in clear language, and work to find the right balance between practical solutions and strong advocacy.

To speak with our experienced Burbank family lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today. 

Why Families Choose Our Firm

Choosing a family attorney is not just about legal knowledge. It is about finding a team you trust with your children, your finances, and your long term plans. Families come to us because they want hands-on guidance from attorneys who know how to navigate both the legal process and the emotional weight that comes with it.

As a boutique firm, we limit the number of matters we handle so we can provide in depth attention to each client. You are not passed from person to person. Instead, we take time to understand your priorities, whether those involve protecting parenting time, securing financial stability, or ending conflict in a constructive way.

Our multigenerational team gives us a wide lens on family issues. We have seen how California family law and local court expectations have evolved, and we draw on that perspective when recommending strategies. Under the leadership of Managing Partner Kristen Howard, we focus on aligning our approach with your goals, not forcing you into a one size fits all plan.

We also know that many people want to avoid unnecessary courtroom battles if they can. We use negotiation and mediation when appropriate to help clients resolve disputes more quietly and efficiently. When a cooperative path is not realistic, we are prepared to present your case in court and advocate firmly for your position. This balance between settlement focused work and litigation gives you flexibility as circumstances change.

Family Law Services for Burbank Clients

Family law issues take many forms, and most people experience more than one at the same time. We help clients dealing with divorce, legal separation, child custody and parenting schedules, child support, spousal support, and division of assets and debts. Our goal is to help you see how each piece fits together so your choices today support your long term stability.

For those considering divorce, we explain how California community property rules can apply to homes, retirement accounts, businesses, and other assets. If you are facing a contested situation, we discuss how the court may view disputed issues and what documentation can support your position. When separation is more amicable, we work to structure agreements that reflect your shared understanding and reduce future conflict.

Parents in the area often come to us with questions about custody and parenting plans. We address legal and physical custody, decision making authority, and how parenting time can be structured around work schedules, school, and activities. In higher conflict situations, we help you think through how to protect your relationship with your children while keeping their well being at the center of the case.

Support and finances are another central concern. We walk you through how California guidelines can influence child support and the factors courts consider when addressing spousal support. For clients whose cases are heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court, including matters involving families from Burbank, we connect these legal concepts to the procedures you are likely to encounter.

How We Guide You Through The Process

When you contact our team, the first step is a conversation. We ask questions about your family, your history, and what you hope your life will look like after the case is resolved. Then we outline options that fit under California family law, explaining the strengths and challenges of each path in practical terms.

From there, we typically move into gathering information, such as financial records, schedules, and any existing court orders. We use this information to prepare for discussions with the other side, whether that occurs through direct negotiation, mediation, or, when necessary, litigation in family court. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of what to expect at each stage.

Communication is central to how we work. We strive to keep you updated on developments, explain upcoming deadlines, and answer questions in a straightforward way. Family law cases can involve waiting periods and court timing that we do not control, and we explain how those external factors can affect your case so you are not left wondering what is happening.

Throughout the process, we pay attention to both stress and cost. We look for opportunities to resolve issues through agreement when that serves your interests, and we help you focus time and resources on the disputes that truly matter. Our involvement in family law associations and our ongoing learning in this field help us bring current strategies to the table when we advise you.

Local Insight for Burbank Families

Many family law matters that affect Burbank residents are heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court, including the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles and the Pasadena Courthouse. Because our office is based in Pasadena, we are familiar with the procedures and expectations in these venues, and we use that knowledge when planning next steps with you.

For example, we discuss how local filing practices, court calendars, and typical timelines may influence when hearings occur and how long different stages can take. While every judicial officer has a unique style, our regular work within this system gives us insight into how cases commonly move through it, and we share that perspective so you can plan around work and family responsibilities.

We also understand practical realities for parents who live or work in and around Burbank. Schedules often involve commuting, school and daycare logistics, and activities across the San Fernando Valley and nearby communities. When we help you design or respond to a parenting plan, we encourage you to consider these local details so the plan is workable in daily life.

Accessibility matters too. Some clients prefer to meet with us at our Pasadena office, while others find remote consultations more convenient. We work with you to choose meeting formats that fit your situation, so you can get the support you need while managing other obligations in the area.

To speak with our experienced Burbank family lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you approach my divorce case?

We start by learning about your goals, then recommend options that fit your situation. We often look first at whether negotiation or mediation can work, and we prepare for court when needed. Our approach is to protect your long term interests while trying to avoid unnecessary conflict.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

It helps to bring any existing court papers, a list of questions, and basic information about income, assets, and debts. If you have a parenting schedule or concerns about your children, notes about those details are useful. We can review everything together and identify what else may be needed.

How are child custody decisions made in California?

California courts focus on the best interests of the child, which can include safety, stability, and each parent’s involvement. Judges may look at existing routines, communication between parents, and practical factors like distance and schedules. We explain how these principles apply to your circumstances.

Can your team help if my case is already in court?

Yes, we work with clients whose cases are already pending. We review the history, filings, and upcoming dates, then discuss realistic options for moving forward. Our attorneys are comfortable stepping into ongoing matters and helping you understand what to expect in the next phase.

How do you keep legal costs manageable?

We talk openly with you about priorities and focus efforts on issues that have the greatest impact. When possible, we use negotiation or mediation to narrow disputes instead of litigating every detail. Clear communication about strategy and next steps also helps you plan for the financial side of your case.

Talk With Our Family Law Team

You do not have to face divorce, custody questions, or other family law issues on your own. Speaking with our attorneys can give you a clearer sense of your rights, your options, and the steps that can help you move toward a more stable future.

At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we draw on decades of focused family law experience and a boutique, engaged approach to representation. We work with individuals and parents whose cases affect their lives in Burbank and across Los Angeles County, and we tailor our guidance to the realities of your situation.

If you are ready to talk about your situation and learn how we can help, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

To speak with our experienced Burbank family lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today.