How is child support calculated?

In California, child support is calculated using a state-mandated formula that considers both parents' incomes, the percentage of time each parent spends with the child, and any tax liabilities or credits. The calculation also accounts for health insurance expenses, mandatory retirement contributions, and support for children from other relationships. This approach aims to balance the financial contributions of both parents fairly, so that the child's needs are met while considering the financial ability of each parent.

How is property divided in a California divorce?

Property division during a divorce follows the community property law, which means that any assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered owned equally by both spouses and are divided equally in the divorce. Separate property, which includes assets owned before marriage or acquired as a gift or inheritance during the marriage, generally remains with the original owner. The court aims to ensure a fair and equitable division of all marital assets and debts, taking into account factors such as the economic circumstances of each spouse.

Can spousal support be modified after the divorce is final?

Yes, spousal support can be modified after the divorce is final in California, but certain conditions must be met. Modifications are generally considered if there has been a significant change in circumstances for either party, such as a substantial change in income, unemployment, or a serious health issue. The party seeking the modification needs to file a motion with the court and provide evidence of the change in circumstances. The court will then review the case and decide whether an adjustment to the spousal support is justified.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to a parent's right and responsibility to make significant decisions about a child's health, education, and welfare. This includes decisions about schooling, medical care, and religious upbringing. Physical custody, on the other hand, pertains to where the child lives and with whom. A parent with physical custody has the child living with them for most of the time, though this can be shared in a joint physical custody arrangement where the child spends significant time with both parents. Both types of custody can be awarded jointly or solely, depending on what the court deems is in the best interest of the child.

What can and cannot be included in a prenuptial agreement?

In California, a prenuptial agreement can include provisions for the division of property and assets, the rights and obligations of each spouse regarding property, management of household bills and expenses, and the distribution of property upon separation, divorce, or death. Spousal support terms can also be included but must not be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. However, a prenuptial agreement cannot include terms that affect child custody or child support decisions. These matters are determined by the court based on the child's best interests at the time of the divorce. Additionally, prenuptial agreements cannot contain clauses that promote divorce or violate public policy, such as penalties for gaining weight or stipulations on personal behavior.

Marina Del Rey Divorce Lawyer

You don’t want to lose your kids, and you don’t want to lose your home. Your Marina Del Rey, CA divorce lawyer can help you hold on to what matters most. At Skarin Law Group, we’ll provide you with award-winning representation to get you through your next steps. Read on to see why you need a divorce counselor, and contact us today to get started.

Divorce Lawyer Marina Del Rey, CA

Whether you suspect your partner is planning a divorce or you’re actively seeking to begin divorce proceedings yourself, you need to understand what the process entails. Without the proper planning and preparation, you may find yourself on the losing end of a nasty separation. If you have children or considerable assets, you may lose access to both – and you may also have to make spousal and child support payments for several years.

Child custody is one of the most important factors of a divorce. If you and your ex are willing to cooperate, you may be able to come to a joint custody agreement, but this may require input from a skilled divorce mediation lawyer.

If you can’t come to a joint custody agreement, either you or your ex will be awarded custody of your children. In this case, the custodial parent will be responsible for the child’s day-to-day wellbeing, and the parent with visitation rights will have to make regular child support payments. If you don’t win custody, you won’t be able to see your children as much as you’d like, and those regular payments can seriously impact your income and your lifestyle.

Aside from child custody, there’s also the matter of spousal support. If your ex is able to demonstrate that he or she enjoyed a certain standard of care during your marriage, you’ll need to provide enough money in regular payments for your ex to maintain that lifestyle. Without a lawyer on your side, you may lose a considerable amount of income on these spousal support payments.

When you contact your Marina Del Rey divorce lawyer, you’re getting a helpful advocate who can prepare you for divorce proceedings. Your legal team can walk you through what to expect, and with the right attorney on your side, you can protect your assets and maintain contact with your kids. Facing a divorce can be difficult, but a separation lawyer can smooth out the process. You just need to make sure you’re working with an experienced attorney in the first place.

Why Experience Matters In Divorce Cases

At Skarin Law Group, our experience sets us apart from the competition:

We’ve spent over 15 years helping clients like you. We know the best strategies for your divorce proceedings, and we’ll use those strategies to protect your future.
Our firm has a 10.0 – Superb rating on Avvo, and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. When you contact us, you’re getting award-winning representation.
We can assist you with your divorce, your spousal support payments, and more. As family law professionals, we can help you through your separation, and beyond.

Contact Us Today

At Skarin Law Group, we’re ready to use our 15+ years of experience to help you through your divorce. Contact us today, and see what our Marina Del Rey divorce lawyer can do for you.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle

Types of Marina Del Rey, CA Divorce Lawyer Cases We Handle Family law issues can quickly become overwhelming, especially when emotions and finances intersect. Choosing the right legal support can make a lasting difference in how your case unfolds and how your future is shaped. A Marina Del Rey, CA divorce lawyer may provide guidance rooted in both legal experience and financial awareness. At Skarin Law Group, clients work with a Certified Family Law Specialist who is also a Certified Public Accountant, a rare combination among California attorneys. With fewer than 1,500 specialists statewide, this level of credentialed insight allows for a more precise approach to divorce, property division, and support matters. The following are some of the types of cases we handle.

Contested Divorce Cases

Disputes over assets, custody, or support can lead to contested proceedings that require detailed preparation and strong advocacy. These cases often involve negotiation, litigation, and financial analysis to reach outcomes that reflect both legal standards and the client’s long-term interests.

Uncontested Divorce Cases

When both parties agree on the terms of their separation, the process can move more efficiently with proper legal oversight. We help confirm that agreements are complete, enforceable, and aligned with California law while reducing the risk of future disputes.

High-Asset Property Division

Dividing significant assets, including businesses, investments, and real estate, requires careful valuation and financial insight. Our approach focuses on identifying all marital property and working toward a division that reflects true value and fairness.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

Custody decisions shape the future of both parents and children, making thoughtful planning essential. We assist in developing parenting arrangements that support stability, protect parental rights, and prioritize the well-being of the child.

Child and Spousal Support Matters

Support determinations depend on accurate financial data and a clear understanding of each party’s circumstances. We help present detailed financial information to support balanced and reasonable outcomes.

Post-Judgment Modifications

Life changes can impact existing court orders, making modifications necessary over time. We assist clients in pursuing updates to custody or support agreements that better reflect their current needs and responsibilities.

Divorce Involving Business Ownership

When a business is part of the marital estate, valuation and division require both legal and financial precision. We work to protect business continuity while addressing equitable distribution concerns.

Working with a Marina Del Rey divorce lawyer who understands both legal strategy and financial detail provides clarity during even the most difficult situations. Each case is approached with careful analysis and a focus on protecting what matters most. At Skarin Law Group, clients receive thoughtful guidance backed by advanced credentials and real-world financial insight. Whether your case is straightforward or highly complicated, working with a Marina Del Rey divorce lawyer from our team may help you move forward with confidence and a clear plan for the future.

Contact

360 N Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1000, El Segundo, CA 90245

New Client: (310) 256-2700 | Existing Client: (310) 975-3161 | F: (323) 305-7720