Family law representation grounded in 15 years of work on behalf of clients in Culver City and the surrounding area.

If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or other family law matter in Culver City, the right attorney can protect your interests and help you work toward a resolution. These cases carry consequences that affect your finances, your children, and your daily life for years after a judgment is entered.

Skarin Law Group has handled family law matters across California for over 15 years. Our Culver City, CA family lawyer represents clients in divorce, custody, support, and property division cases throughout the area. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.

Family Lawyer Culver City, CA

A family lawyer represents individuals in legal disputes that involve marriage, parentage, or other domestic relationships. In California, these cases include divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, paternity, parental rights, and the division of community property and debts.

Family law matters in California are governed by the California Family Code and are heard in the family law division of the Superior Court. How each case unfolds depends heavily on whether the parties can reach agreements or whether contested issues need to go before a judge. A family attorney in Culver City who understands these procedures can help you prepare for what’s ahead and identify the issues most likely to affect your outcome.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Culver City

Skarin Law Group represents clients in a broad range of family law matters throughout Culver City, CA. The issues involved in these cases often overlap, and many clients come to us dealing with more than one at the same time. Below are the primary types of family law cases we handle.

• Divorce. California is a no-fault state, meaning either spouse can file by citing irreconcilable differences. But the dissolution process still requires resolution of property division, potential support obligations, and custody arrangements if children are involved. We handle both contested and uncontested cases.
• Child custody. Custody disputes require a parenting plan that addresses legal custody, physical custody, and visitation. California courts evaluate custody based on the best interest of the child, weighing each parent’s bond with the child and the stability of each home.
• Child support. California calculates support using a statewide guideline formula that factors in each parent’s income, time-share percentage, and specific deductions. We assist clients in obtaining initial orders and pursuing modifications when financial circumstances change.
• Spousal support. Courts may award temporary or long-term spousal support depending on the marriage’s length, each party’s earning capacity, and the marital standard of living. The duration and amount vary significantly from case to case.
• Prenuptial agreements. A prenuptial agreement defines how assets, debts, and support will be handled in the event of divorce. California requires both parties to have independent counsel and make full financial disclosures. There are several key considerations that affect whether the agreement will be enforceable.
• Paternity. Establishing or contesting paternity determines a parent’s legal rights and obligations regarding custody, visitation, and support. Either parent can initiate a paternity action, and the county may also file to establish child support.
• Parental rights. These cases involve the protection, termination, or establishment of a parent’s legal relationship with their child. They arise in situations ranging from guardianship disputes to dependency proceedings and often carry lasting consequences.
• Legal separation. Some couples prefer legal separation over dissolution for financial, insurance, or personal reasons. A legal separation addresses the same issues as a divorce, including property, custody, and support, but keeps the marriage legally intact.
• Property division. California is a community property state. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally, though separate property, commingled accounts, and business interests can make this process considerably more complex.

Why Choose Skarin Law Group as My Family Lawyer in Culver City, CA?

California Family Law Credentials

Matthew Skarin has practiced family law in California for over 15 years. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist, designated by the State Bar of California, and also holds a CPA license and California Real Estate Broker License. That combination of credentials is unique in California and gives our firm a distinct advantage when cases involve complex financial issues such as business valuations, tax implications, and real property disputes.

Matthew Skarin is a Fellow of the AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers), Southern California Chapter, a distinction reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated substantial achievement in family law. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School and his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara.

Recognition and Track Record

Skarin Law Group has represented clients in contested custody matters, high-asset property division cases, and complex spousal support disputes throughout the region. The firm’s recognition from legal organizations reflects the caliber of its work across these practice areas.

Matthew Skarin has been named a Super Lawyer by LA Magazine from 2020 through 2024, following consecutive Rising Star designations from 2015 through 2019. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10/10 AVVO rating. Skarin Law Group was also recognized among Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms by US News from 2020 through 2022. The firm bills on an hourly basis with evergreen retainers, providing transparency and flexibility throughout the life of your case.

What Is Important to Understand About Family Law Cases?

Grounds for Divorce and Property Division in California

California allows either spouse to file for divorce by citing irreconcilable differences. No proof of fault is required. The court must resolve several substantive issues before entering a judgment. The key concepts include:

• Community property: assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong equally to both spouses and are generally divided on a 50/50 basis.
• Separate property: assets owned before marriage, or received as gifts or inheritances, may be excluded from division, though commingling can complicate classification.
• Spousal support: also referred to as alimony, this is a payment from one spouse to the other. Courts evaluate the marriage’s length, each party’s earning capacity, and the supported spouse’s needs.
• Child custody: the court determines legal and physical custody based on the child’s best interest, weighing factors like each parent’s involvement and the child’s safety and welfare.
• Child support: calculated using California’s guideline formula, which accounts for each parent’s income, tax filing status, and time-share percentage.

What Are Important Aspects of a Family Law Case?

A number of procedural and substantive factors can shape a family law case in Culver City. Paying attention to these from the start makes a meaningful difference.

• Financial disclosures are mandatory. Both parties must exchange preliminary declarations of disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, and debts. Incomplete disclosures can lead to sanctions.
• Temporary orders often set the framework. Courts frequently issue temporary orders for custody, visitation, and support while a case is pending. These orders influence the final resolution and can be difficult to modify.
• Mediation is required for many custody disputes. In Los Angeles County, parents must attend mediation before a custody hearing, and protecting your rights during mediation requires advance preparation.
• Documentation matters. Financial records, communications, school and medical records, and business documents can all play a role in contested proceedings.

What Is the Family Law Case Timeline?

A California divorce or other family law case follows a general procedural sequence, though actual duration depends on the complexity of the issues and the level of agreement between the parties. A contested dissolution can take over a year. A straightforward uncontested matter may resolve in six to eight months.

• Filing and response: one party files a petition. The other party is served and has 30 days to respond.
• Preliminary disclosures: both sides exchange declarations of disclosure within 60 days, covering income, assets, debts, and expenses.
• Temporary orders: either party can request temporary custody, support, or restraining orders during the case.
• Discovery and negotiation: the parties exchange documents and information. Many family law cases settle through negotiation or mediation before trial.
• Trial or judgment: if agreement cannot be reached, the remaining issues go to trial. If the parties settle, the agreement is submitted to the court for approval.

California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date of service before a divorce can be finalized.

What Should You Bring to Your Family Law Consultation?

Gathering the right documents before meeting with a Culver City family attorney will help the attorney evaluate your case accurately. You should bring the following if available:

• Recent tax returns and pay stubs for both you and your spouse
• Bank, retirement, and investment account statements
• Real property records, mortgage statements, and property tax bills
• Any existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• Custody-related documents such as school records, medical records, or existing court orders

The consultation is an opportunity to describe your situation and receive initial guidance on strategy, timeline, and potential outcomes. You can also ask about the firm’s fee structure and approach to your type of case.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Family Law Cases?

California provides several public resources that can help you understand the procedures and laws that apply to family matters. The following are useful starting points for finding information on divorce, custody, child support, and related legal issues.

• The California Courts self-help website provides guides on divorce, custody, parentage, and support procedures for self-represented litigants.
• The California Family Code can be searched and reviewed through the state legislature’s website.
• The California child support services agency publishes information on how support cases are established, enforced, and modified.
• The LA Superior Court family law division website has local filing procedures, forms, and courthouse information for cases in Los Angeles County.

Reach Out to Skarin Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you are dealing with a family law matter in Culver City, CA, Skarin Law Group can help you evaluate your options and determine how to move forward. Our firm bills on an hourly basis with evergreen retainers, and we will walk you through our fee structure during the initial meeting. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney who has handled cases across every area of California family law for over 15 years.