How to Get Divorced in 3 Easy Steps by Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer, Cathleen E. Norton, Esq.

Posted on February 26, 2013 by

HOW TO GET DIVORCED IN 3 EASY STEPS:

Many people wonder what the process of divorce entails. In family court, a judge will decide issues such as child support, spousal support, custody and visitation.  The court will also divide community property assets and debts. This includes, for example, division of the family home and debts, such as credit card debt. What most people do not understand is that it does not matter whether a particular credit card is in the husband’s name or the wife’s name. For the purposes of dividing community debt as of the date of separation, a Family Law Judge considers all debt acquired during the marriage.

This is why it is particularly important to consult with an experienced Family Law Attorney before filing divorce papers. Many people ask what a Judge might do with regard to custody and visitation. This is completely understandable because most parents would agree that the most important thing to them in life is their children.

Step 1:  The process of divorce begins when one party files a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.” The party who files divorce documents must then serve the other spouse with a copy of these documents. Afterwards, your spouse has 30 days to file a “Response” to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If that party fails to file the required paperwork within 30 days, the other spouse may request what is called as a “default judgment.” A default judgment means that one of the two parties decided not to participate in the pending litigation. As a consequence, a judge will make orders regarding custody and visitation, support, and division of assets and debts without regard to the respondent’s position. The rationale for this is that we have rules and requirements under the law, and if the respondent fails to file a response, he or she is not entitled to hold up the divorce proceedings. A divorce does not require the consent of both spouses.  If one of the two spouses wants to get a divorce, he or she is entitled to do so provided that certain requirements are met.

Step 2: Assuming that both parties file and serve their initial pleadings, the next step in a divorce is for the parties to file and serve what is known as preliminary declarations of disclosure documents. Once that process is done, either party may file motions with the court for temporary orders regarding custody and visitation, child support, spousal support  and so forth. Discovery is also conducted during this 2nd phase of a divorce proceeding.

Step 3:  In relatively simple divorces, the parties can negotiate a stipulated judgment anytime after they serve each other with preliminary declarations of disclosures. You can hire an attorney on a limited scope basis for any part of the divorce proceedings. Ideally, however, you will have a family law attorney during all phases of your litigation. It is best to have an experienced attorney representing you from the start because mistakes made early in the litigation can be devastating to the case and costly to correct. It is also important to have to attorney representing you during settlement negotiations since your final divorce settlement is forever. Once the judge signs the judgment, the divorce is finalized. The issues cannot be reopened or re-litigated unless extraordinary circumstances exist to warrant that.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com. 

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I can’t afford an attorney for my divorce. What can I do?

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

FREE HELP FOR YOUR DIVORCE IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Every court has a family law facilitator office or a self-help clinic to help self-represented litigants in their divorce or paternity case.  They offer free workshops which help you complete the paperwork for a divorce or paternity case.

The Office of the Family Law Facilitator assists parties with child support, spousal support and health insurance issues.  One thing to remember is that the staff cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.  For that, you would need to retain a family law attorney.  However, if you don’t have the money to hire an experienced family law attorney, the Family Law Facilitator can help.  The staff consists of attorneys and paralegals, which will provide educational workshops or meet with parties individually when appropriate to attempt to resolve their support issues.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?

The following is a list of service locations in Los Angeles County:

Family Law Facilitator Service Locations in Los Angeles County

WHAT DOES THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR DO?

The Office of the Family Law Facilitator provides the following assistance:

  • Explains the process of establishing paternity
  • Educates and assists parties to prepare Requests for Orders and Responsive Declarations to:
    • Establish, modify or terminate a child support
    • Establish, modify or terminate spousal support
    • Establish, modify or terminate health insurance order
    • Determine arrears
    • Release licenses
    • Establish repayment plans
    • Seek reimbursement for overpayments
    • Quash or modify wage assignment orders
    • Prepares calculations for child support and spousal support
    • Educates and assists parties in preparing stipulations pertaining to child support, spousal support or health insurance
    • Educates and assists parties to prepare answers to Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department complaints
    • Educates and assists parties to prepare motions to set aside in cases involving the Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department
    • Educates and assists parties to prepare Orders After Hearing and Wage Assignment Orders in which child support, spousal support or health insurance are at issue in family law cases
    • Mediates child support, spousal support and health insurance issues between the parties

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT?  

  • Pay stubs for the last three pay periods and information about any other income earned by the other party and you
  • A federal tax return for the last two years, including tax filing status for both parties
  • The location of the other party’s job and the amount he or she earns monthly, if known
  • The location of the other party’s residence, if known
  • The number of children not of this relationship living with and supported by the other party
  • Monthly living expenses, including housing, utilities, insurance, food, transportation, education and clothing
  • Names and ages of children of the relationship, and how much time each party spends with them each month
  • Any extraordinary expenses related to health care and catastrophic losses
  • Someone to translate if you do not speak English

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE MY FAMILY LAW CASE?

You should begin educating yourself on the law and understand the basics pertaining to child support, child custody, and spousal support.  While it is always better to have an experienced family law attorney represent you in your divorce or paternity case, we understand that is not always possible.  The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton has taken the time to explain common questions and answers at www.cnortonlaw.com and you would be well served to spend some time learning about these issues prior to going to court.  Good luck!

 The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com. 

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What is a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure? Los Angeles Divorce Attorney, Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. explains…

Posted on February 20, 2013 by

Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure are financial disclosures required in all divorce actions.  PDD’s, as they are known in family law, involves completing an Income and Expense Declaration and a form called Schedule of Assets and Debts.  Both are required to be completed fully and completely by both parties going through a divorce.  Why?  Your final judgment will not be processed by the family court without completing Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure.

Declarations of Disclosure are necessary to determine the amount of child support and spousal support (or alimony) that will be paid or received, and is necessary to divide the community property assets and debts.  Once these forms are completed accurately, it is possible for an experienced family law attorney to determine the financial issues and negotiate settlement of child support, spousal support, and community property.  The forms can be cumbersome, and it is always better to have an experienced family law attorney guide you during this stage of the divorce.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is committed to providing our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their divorce and provide a copy of both the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) and Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) here:

If you would like assistance in completing your Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure forms or with any other family law issue regarding custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney’s fees, etc., please contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021.  We are here to help you with all of your family law needs.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com. 

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My Child Wishes To Live With Me. Can I Get Physical Custody? Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer, Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. explains

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

My child wishes to live with me.  Can I get primary physical custody?

The good news is that the law changed as of January 1, 2012 to allow the child’s voice to be heard in family court.  This law applies both to divorce and paternity cases.  Essentially, the law requires the family law judge to allow a child who is 14 years or older to “address the court” unless the judge states on the record why it is not in the child’s best interest to allow it.

A child’s wishes about where he or she would like to live (“physical custody“) is based on whether the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference.  If so, then the judge should give “due weight” to where the child wants to live.

So, how do you get the family law judge to change physical custody orders?  You file what is called a Request for Orders.  Please see the article entitled “Request for Orders” for more information on how to file a modification of child custody: legal custody or physical custody.

Generally speaking, the court should give greater weight to where the child wishes to live in modification of custody proceedings.  So, for example, if you share joint legal custody and joint physical custody, you may want to seek a modification to request primary physical custody of your child because he or she wishes to now live with you.  Custody laws can be complex, and you would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney to assist you.

Questions the judge may ask:

1.  Would it benefit the court to question the child?

2. Would it benefit the child to be questioned?

3.  Drawbacks?

4.  Will the questioning take place in open court?  In the judge’s chambers?

5.  Is there another way to obtain the information?  Perhaps through a Minor’s Interview or Minor’s Counsel?

6. What is the degree of child suggestibility?

7.  Is a Child Custody Evaluation appropriate?

The new statute is quoted below for your reference.

3042. (a) If a child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody or visitation, the court shall consider, and give due weight to, the wishes of the child in making an order granting or modifying custody or visitation.

(b) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 765 of the Evidence Code, the court shall control the examination of a child witness so as to protect the best interests of the child.

(c) If the child is 14 years of age or older and wishes to address the court regarding custody or visitation, the child shall be permitted to do so, unless the court determines that doing so is not in the child’s best interests. In that case, the court shall state its reasons for that finding on the record.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prevent a child who is less than 14 years of age from addressing the court regarding custody or visitation, if the court determines that is appropriate pursuant to the child’s best interests.

(e) If the court precludes the calling of any child as a witness, the court shall provide alternative means of obtaining input from the child and other information regarding the child’s preferences.

(f) To assist the court in determining whether the child wishes to express his or her preference or to provide other input regarding custody or visitation to the court, a minor’s counsel, an evaluator, an investigator, or a mediator who provides recommendations to the judge pursuant to Section 3183 shall indicate to the judge that the child wishes to address the court, or the judge may make that inquiry in the absence of that request. A party or a party’s attorney may also indicate to the judge that the child wishes to address the court or judge.

If you would like assistance in filing a Request for Orders regarding custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney’s fees, etc., please contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021.  We are here to help you with all of your family law needs, including but not limited to, child custody.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com. 

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What is a Request for Order? Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer, Cathleen E. Norton, Esq., explains

Posted on October 9, 2012 by

What is a Request for Orders?

A “Request for Order” (“RFO”) is a new family law form that replaced the “Order to Show Cause” (“OSC”) form and the “Notice of Motion” forms previously used in family law cases.

The new form made its debut on July 1, 2012, and it is a mandatory form adopted by the Judicial Council of California.  This means that you cannot use the old “Order to Show Cause” form to make requests for child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney’s fees and costs, and requests for other orders.

A Request for Order (FL-300) is essentially the same as the Order to Show Cause form you may have been accustomed to, but it combines both the OSC and Application for Order and Supporting Declaration into one 4 page form now called a “Request for Order.”

When you file a Request for Orders  for custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support with the court clerk, it will generate a court date during which the judge will make orders.

Remember that if you are seeking custody and visitation orders, you must attend mediation before your case can be heard by the judge.  For more information on mediation, please see the post entitled “Mediation and Child Custody.”  Some counties will also require that you attend a parenting class—in Los Angeles, the parenting class is known as PACT.  More information about the PACT class can be found at cnortonlaw.com.

The most important thing to remember in filing a Request for Order is the supporting declaration that tells your side of the story.  Judges read their case files in advance of the hearing, and they often formulate tentative rulings based on the pleadings filed: RFO, Responsive Declaration, and Reply.  While you may have a chance to address the Court at the time of the hearing, you cannot rely on doing so.  Your strongest arguments should be in your pleadings, and retaining an experienced family law attorney can help you strategize your case and draft a compelling declaration that will set forth relevant facts and evidence in your pleadings.

For more information about filing a Request for Orders re: child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, or attorney’s fees, please visit www.cnortonlaw.com or contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021.

3 Things to Remember About Filing a Request for Orders:

1.  If you are filing a Request for child support, spousal support, or attorney’s fees, you will still need to file an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) with your Request for Orders.

2.  If you are asking the court to make temporary orders which will go into effect before the hearing date, you must complete a Temporary Emergency Court Orders form (FL-305) with your Request.

3.  If you plan to call witnesses at the time of the court hearing, you need to complete a Witness List (FL-321) as well as a Request for an Evidentiary Hearing so that the court is put on notice and can make the appropriate arrangements on the court’s calendar.

How to File a Request for Orders with the Court:

After you complete your Request for Orders, you must file it with the court clerk and pay the appropriate filing fee.  You can find a current fee schedule on the Superior Court’s website for the county in which you reside.  Currently, the cost for filing a Request for Orders is $60.00.  If you are filing a modification of child custody and visitation orders, there is an additional $25.00 filing fee.  After you receive the conformed copies from the clerk, you must have them served on the opposing party.  Remember that you cannot serve the papers yourself on the opposing party—that person must be at least 18 years old and not a party to the action.

Contempt Actions

If you are filing a Contempt action in a family law case, you must continue to use the Order to Show Cause and Affidavit for Contempt form.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

If you are filing a Request for Orders under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act in order to obtain a domestic violence restraining order, you must continue to use the domestic violence forms.

If you would like assistance in filing a Request for Orders regarding custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney’s fees, etc., please contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021.  We are here to help you with all of your family law needs.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com.

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Mediation and Child Custody – 7 Things You Need to Know by Los Angeles Divorce Attorney, Cathleen E. Norton, Esq.

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

7 IMPORTANT TIPS TO KNOW ABOUT MEDIATION AND CHILD CUSTODY:

Whenever a party files a Request for Child Custody and Visitation Order or a modification of Custody and Visitation Orders, the Court requires that the parties attend mediation (also known as Conciliation Court, in Los Angeles County).

1)  Mediation is a process that does not involve attorneys.

The parties attend mediation with a professional from Family Court Services, at no cost to the participants.

The assigned mediator attempts to create what is called a “parenting plan” setting forth a custody and visitation orders.  If the parties agree on a parenting plan, the mediator will draft an agreement and both parties will have an opportunity to sign it.  Typically, the parenting plan will have orders for both legal custody and physical custody, and may also include a holiday and summer break schedule, as well as provisions for vacation time.

2) You need to know whether you reside in a “reporting” or “non-reporting” county. 

This is important because if you reside in a “reporting” county, (i.e., San Bernardino or Ventura) then mediation is not confidential.  This means that the mediator will generate a report with recommendations regarding child custody and visitation and give it to the judge to review.

If you reside in a “non-reporting” county, (i.e., Los Angeles County) then what you say in mediation is confidential.  This means that the mediator will not make recommendations to the judge about custody and visitation; rather the mediator will either draft a proposed Order which both parties have agreed to, or indicate on a form that no agreement was reached.

While mediation is confidential in Los Angeles County, that is not the case in surrounding counties. You should consult with an experienced family law attorney to see whether the county your cases in is a “reporting county” or a “non-reporting county”.

In “reporting” counties you must understand that whatever you say to the mediator is not confidential. This means that the mediator will prepare a report which will be presented to the judge.  Accordingly, it is extremely important to meet with an experienced family law attorney before mediation so that you can review the list of your concerns and the best way to communicate those concerns to the mediator knowing that what you say is not confidential.  Therefore, if you present as hostile or angry, or incapable of co-parenting, these traits will reflect negatively upon you in the mediation report.

The idea behind having mediation confidentiality in “non-reporting” counties is to encourage the parties to speak freely and openly about their custody and visitation concerns knowing that whatever they say in mediation will be kept confidential. Parents often are much more honest and open when they know that whatever is said in mediation will not be reported to the judge. This open communication is meant to facilitate an honest exchange which will ultimately achieve the best child custody and visitation plan for the children.

3) What if I make a mistake and agree to a parenting plan that I later regret? 

In non-reporting counties, either party has an opportunity to object to the Conciliation Court agreement within 10 days. If neither party objects to the agreement, it becomes a Court Order once the judge signs it.  If the parties do not reach an agreement in Conciliation Court, then the matter will proceed to hearing and the judge will decide what the child custody and visitation orders will be.

Make sure you send a copy of the mediation agreement to a family law attorney so she or he can go over it with you and decide whether it is best to file an objection.

4) What if you do not agree with the recommendations in the mediation report in a “reporting” county?

In “reporting counties,” the mediator will prepare a report which will be presented to the judge regardless of whether the parties agree.  Thus, it is very important to meet with a family law attorney before the mediation occurs, so you and an attorney can discuss how best to present your concerns in a well-reasoned, non-emotional manner.

If you disagree with the mediator’s recommendations in “reporting counties,” then you will probably need an experienced family law attorney to represent you in court because an attorney can cross-examine the mediator about bias, favoritism with one parent over the other, etc.

It is always a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney both before and after your mediation.  A family law attorney will help prepare you for mediation beforehand, and determine if you have negotiated a good parenting plan afterwards, considering all the specific facts of your case.

5) Will the mediator discuss child support, spousal support, or other financial issues in my case? 

No. Mediation through Family Court Services is not an opportunity for the parties to discuss any of the financials in the family law case.  Mediators are only responsible for child custody and visitation issues.

Mediation is also not an opportunity for you to voice your complaints about the other party when it is irrelevant to child custody and visitation issues.  Do not say anything disparaging about the other parent. If you do, the mediator may unconsciously or consciously hold that against you.

6) How do you get a mediation appointment? 

When you file a Request for Orders involving child custody and visitation, the clerk will set up a mediation appointment and write the time and location on the first page of your documents.  Both parties will also receive a notice in the mail reminding them of the appointment.

The clerk will also schedule a court date for some time after the mediation appointment, and will return the documents to you so you can effectuate service of the Request for Orders on the other party.

7) Can you request mediation without filing a Request for Orders? 

Yes, you can request mediation to work out a parenting plan or make modifications to a parenting plan without scheduling a court date.  There is no cost to attend Conciliation Court through Family Court Services but you should consult with a family law attorney beforehand to prepare you, and afterwards to review your mediation agreement, if one is signed.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com.

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Restraining Orders and Child Custody – What You Need To Know: By Los Angeles Divorce Attorney, Cathleen E. Norton

Posted on August 11, 2012 by

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS AND CHILD CUSTODY

The reason why it is important to hire an experienced family law attorney if you have been served with a TRO is because the court may take away custody of your children if the judge determines that you have abused your spouse, girlfriend, child’s mother, etc.

Upon a finding by the court that a party perpetrated domestic violence against the other party within the previous 5 years, there is a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to the perpetrator of domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child.

This means that if a judge finds that you abused your spouse, for example, the court can take away custody of your children.

When one party files for a temporary restraining order (TRO), you have a constitutional right to have a domestic violence trial within about 3 weeks.  Therefore, you must hire an experienced family law attorney immediately so you and your attorney can begin preparing for your trial.

  • If the TRO said that you cannot see your children pending the trial, then don’t.
  • If the TRO said that you cannot go to your children’s school or daycare, then don’t.
  • If the TRO said you cannot go to the other person’s place of employment, then don’t.
  • If the TRO said you cannot go to the other person’s home, then don’t.
  • If the TRO said you have to move out, then find a temporary place to stay until your trial.

Do not try to contact the other party directly or indirectly by text or email.  Do not have any of your friends try to contact the other party on your behalf.

If you happen to see the other party at the grocery store, mall, park, gym, for example, then leave immediately and do not approach the other party at all.

DO NOT VIOLATE THE COURT’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS.  YOU COULD GO TO JAIL IF YOU VIOLATE THE COURT’S ORDERS.

You will have an opportunity to present your side of the story, but you must be patient.  You only have 3 weeks to work with your attorney to prepare your domestic violence case for trial, so stay focused and listen to your attorney’s advice.

There are only 2 possible outcomes of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Trial:

  1. The court grants a permanent domestic violence restraining order;
  2. The court dissolves the TRO and dismisses the case.

If the court grants the permanent domestic violence restraining order, then the judge can make custody and visitation orders pertaining to your children.

If the judge gives you any visitation at all, your custody may be supervised by a professional or non-professional monitor.  The cost of a professional monitor is approximately $40-$50 per hour, which you may have to pay in order to see your children during your custodial time.

The stakes in a domestic violence restraining order case are very high.  You could have a permanent mark on your record and you could lose custody of your children.  If the court grants a permanent restraining order, the judge can also make orders regarding custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support.  Therefore, you would be well-served by hiring an experienced family law attorney early in the case so you have the best possible chances of winning at the domestic violence restraining order trial.

If you would like help in your restraining order case, please contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021.  You may also want to look at some commonly asked questions and answers about family law, which can be found at http://www.cnortonlaw.com/scenarios-faqs.php.

The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton is a top family law firm dedicated to protecting your legal rights.  Our goal is to empower you.  Our job is to protect you.  Cathleen E. Norton, Esq. is an experienced family law attorney who obtained both her B.A. and J.D. credentials from UCLA.  You won’t find a better qualified attorney to represent you!  We have offices in Beverly Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Westlake Village and service family law cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.  For more information about the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, please visit our website at www.cnortonlaw.com. 

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