By James L. Arrasmith, Owner & Chief Legal Counsel, The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith, A Professional Corporation
Family-law guidance for your next step
A divorce, custody dispute or support question can change your family’s daily life as well as its future. The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith helps clients discuss the decisions ahead, the information they need and the possible scope of legal representation. Our principal office is in Fair Oaks; we serve clients in the Sacramento area and throughout California, with remote consultations where appropriate.
You do not need to know the legal name for your concern before contacting us. Share a brief, general overview and any approaching court date. Our team can discuss consultation availability and proposed fees.
Key Areas of California Family Law
Divorce & Legal Separation
Divorce and legal separation can require decisions about property, debts, financial support and, when children are involved, parenting arrangements. Legal separation does not end a marriage. The right process depends on your circumstances and goals. Review the California Courts’ divorce process guide for a general overview, and discuss questions about your situation with counsel.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Parenting arrangements address who makes important decisions for a child and how the child spends time with each parent. California courts focus on the child’s best interests. A useful starting point is the child’s current routine, existing orders and the practical arrangements being proposed. See California Courts’ guide to custody and parenting time.
Child & Spousal Support
Child support and spousal support raise different questions. California uses statewide guidelines for child support. Temporary spousal support and long-term spousal support are also different; long-term support requires consideration of statutory factors rather than a single formula. Bring existing orders, a general income-and-expense picture and information about changes you want to discuss. See the state’s child-support calculator information and California Courts’ long-term spousal-support guide.
The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Some families can resolve disputed issues through negotiation or mediation; others need a court decision. The available approach should fit the issues, the parties’ ability to participate and any safety concerns. Court-connected custody mediation focuses on parenting arrangements. If domestic violence is a concern, tell counsel and the mediator; California Courts explains protections and separate mediation arrangements.
Protecting Your Financial Future
- Community vs. Separate Property —Tracing commingled assets such as stock options or retirement accounts is crucial.
- Business Valuations —Entrepreneurs must secure accurate appraisals to avoid over- or undervaluation.
- Tax Implications —Support payments and property transfers carry hidden tax consequences.
That’s why it’s essential to hire a qualified attorney —request a family-law consultation to discuss tailored strategies for safeguarding your assets.
Prepare for a family-law consultation
The first conversation is more useful when the team can understand where the matter stands and what you want help with. You can begin with a general summary; you do not need to send a complete file through the website.
- Where the matter stands: Note whether a case has been filed, the court and case number if known, and any upcoming hearing or response date.
- Existing arrangements: Keep current custody, support, restraining or other relevant orders available, along with any written agreements you want to discuss.
- Your priorities: Identify the decisions that are most pressing, such as a parenting schedule, support question, home or business interest, or responding to court papers.
- A short timeline: List the important events in date order and prepare the questions you want answered.
If finances are an issue, organize a general overview of income, expenses, assets and debts. Wait for the team to confirm a suitable method before sending account records, identification numbers, private allegations or other sensitive documents. Our consultation preparation guide provides a starting checklist.
Ask who would handle your matter
Our attorney directory includes Ernest A. Cardona, Senior Family Law Attorney, and James L. Arrasmith, Owner and Chief Legal Counsel. Explore the profiles, then ask the team about attorney availability and who would be responsible for your particular matter.
Before agreeing to representation, ask what the proposed work covers, how fees are handled, how documents will be shared and how you can expect to communicate. A consultation request does not reserve an attorney or confirm an engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a California divorce take?
For a standard California divorce initiated by one spouse, the earliest date marital status can end is generally six months and one day after service on the other spouse or that spouse’s first appearance in the case, whichever occurs first. The waiting period alone does not finish the divorce; a final judgment is required, and contested matters can take longer. See California Courts’ divorce process information.
Can my child decide which parent to live with?
A child’s wishes may be considered, but they do not automatically decide custody. The court considers the child’s age and capacity and must determine the child’s best interests. Under California Rule of Court 5.250, a child who is 14 or older and wishes to address the court generally must be heard unless the court finds that doing so is not in the child’s best interest and states its reasons. Younger children are not automatically excluded. How a child participates should be addressed carefully with counsel. See the court’s rule on children’s participation.
Your Next Step
Request a family-law consultation or call (916) 461-8548. Tell the team about any approaching deadline so it can discuss availability. Sending an inquiry does not extend a deadline, confirm an appointment or create an attorney-client relationship. If you already have court orders, keep copies available and ask counsel about any proposed change.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.