Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Family law is a deeply personal and sensitive area of legal practice that can have profound impacts on the lives of those it touches. We believe that effective family law advocacy is built on the pillars of empathy, integrity, and expertise. If possible, Ms. Lewis makes best efforts to avoid litigation so that families can make their own decisions, rather than leaving the fate of custody and financial decisions in the hands of a judge.

Issues like divorce, child support, and paternity rights don’t just involve legal statutes; they involve people’s lives, dreams, and well-being. These facts are never lost on Ms. Lewis. That’s why we strive to offer counsel that respects your personal journey and seeks to secure the stability and happiness of you and your loved ones.

Our Approach to Family Law

Our approach to family law is guided by empathy and respect, but we also are prepared to fight with aggressive advocacy. We understand that each case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and understand your situation. We believe in open communication, keeping you informed about every development in your case.

We’re not just your attorneys, we’re your advocates. We work collaboratively with you to achieve your desired outcomes, always prioritizing your best interests.

Family Law Services

Family law is concerned with the rights and duties of family members and the legal responsibilities that arise from family connections. We provide guidance and representation in matters such as:

• Divorce: Legal dissolution of a marriage by a court.
• Domestic Violence: Aggressive prosecution of perpetrators of domestic violence and zealous advocacy against false allegations.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Determining where and with whom children will live and the logistics of parental visitation.
• Child Support: Financial support from the non-custodial parent to assist in the upbringing of their children.
• Spousal Support: Financial aid awarded to a spouse following a divorce to maintain their standard of living.
• Division of Property: Equitable distribution of assets and debts between divorcing spouses.
• Paternity/Parentage: Establishing the legal parent of a child for custody, visitation, and support purposes.
• Legal Separations: Agreements or orders allowing married couples to live separately while remaining legally married.
• Cohabitation Agreement: For those couples who choose to live together without the legal bond of marriage, protecting your financial interest is accomplished by both parties signing a cohabitation agreement.

Family law practitioners must balance the need to enforce legal standards with an understanding of the often deeply personal issues at stake. We know you’re facing something difficult, but you can trust that you don’t have to face it alone.

Family Law Appellate Work

When a family law case is tried, the final judgment may not be the favorable outcome a client was hoping for. In these situations, family law appellate work becomes crucial. It involves the process of questioning the decision of a family court in a higher appellate court.

The process of family law appellate work involves several critical steps, which we navigate with dedication and attention to detail:

• Filing a Notice of Appeal: The first step is to formally declare your intent to seek an appeal. This is done by filing a notice of appeal with the court that issued the original judgment, typically within a specific timeframe post-verdict.
• Preparing the Appellate Record: The appellant must compile the trial court record to submit to the appellate court. This includes transcripts, evidence, and any other pertinent documents presented in the original case.
• Drafting Appellate Briefs: Both parties submit written arguments to the appellate court. The appellant’s brief outlines the errors in the trial court’s decision, while the appellee’s brief argues why the decision should stand.
• Oral Arguments: After reviewing the briefs, the appellate court may schedule a session of oral arguments, allowing both sides to present their case and answer the judges’ questions.
• Appellate Court Decision: The appellate court reviews all the materials and arguments to reach a decision. This may involve upholding the original decision, reversing it, or remanding the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
• Possible Further Appeals: Depending on the outcome and the specifics of the legal system, further appeals to higher courts, like a state Supreme Court or the United States Supreme Court, may be an option.

We don’t shy away from a challenge. We know that the appellate process can be daunting, but we’re committed to fighting for justice for our clients. We meticulously review trial court records, scrutinize legal arguments, and construct compelling appeals to protect our clients’ interests.

Why Choose Us for Your Family Law Needs