Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) I spend a lot of time helping people who are trying to navigate family court without a private attorney. In Contra Costa County, the Family Law Facilitator’s Office at the Spinetta Family Law Center is one of the most useful resources you can…
Continue reading ›Articles Posted in Family Law
Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) When I talk to parents going through custody disputes, one of the first things I clarify is what joint custody actually means, and what it doesn’t. In California, joint custody isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement. It’s a flexible structure that lets both parents share…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Family law isn’t just about statutes or court dates – it’s about real people facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. As someone who has worked with families across California, I’ve seen what it takes to move through divorce, custody disputes,…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) I’ll be the first to say it – few topics make engaged couples squirm more than prenuptial agreements. But as someone who has spent years helping California couples navigate family law, I can tell you this: a prenup isn’t about distrust. It’s about…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, Certified Lawyer (U.K LL.M.) Let me be honest – most people walk into California custody court thinking it’s a fight. They think it’s about “winning” the kids or “proving” they’re the better parent. I’ve seen it over and over again: two parents, both exhausted, both scared, both…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.)(A Clear Guide to Fees, Retainers, and Real-World Ranges) Quick Answer Most family law attorneys charge by the hour and require an upfront retainer before beginning work. While fees vary depending on experience and location, here are the typical U.S. ranges: Your overall cost…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Quick Overview Under California law, both annulment and divorce end a relationship, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. It acknowledges that the marriage existed and formally dissolves it.An annulment, however, declares that the marriage…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – U.S. Legal Secretary, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) 1. Introduction to Child Custody and Visitation Child custody and visitation are at the heart of many family law cases in California. Having worked on these cases myself, I can say that the court’s primary focus is always the best interests of…
Continue reading ›Introduction: Why Custody Agreements Matter A parent facing divorce or separation often worries about child custody, parenting time, and legal rights. Parents who are divorced also need clear custody agreements to ensure the best interests of their children are protected. This article explains what a custody agreement (also called a parenting plan or custody and…
Continue reading ›Child custody in California isn’t just about who gets the kids on weekends. It’s about the child’s life, safety, and well-being, with the law aiming for what’s in the best interests of the child. But here’s the catch: custody laws can feel like they were written in another language. “Legal custody,” “physical custody,” “parenting plan”……
Continue reading ›












