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…
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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, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Why this matters (and why I love this job) When someone asks you to officiate, they’re handing you the keys to one of the biggest moments of their lives. It’s beautiful, and it’s also paperwork. My job is making sure the romance and…
Continue reading ›I spend a lot of time inside California family law, reading files, sitting in courtrooms, and helping clients make sense of what’s next. One thing I remind folks right away: our divorce story in California isn’t what most people think. Yes, divorces happen every day from Los Angeles to San Francisco to San Diego. But…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction (why this matters) When I review DUI files, the same two surprises come up again and again: how quickly a driver can cross California’s legal alcohol limit, and how much procedure matters in these cases. A perfectly fixable error (bad calibration, broken…
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.) Introduction to Domestic Violence Domestic violence affects individuals and families across California every day. It can take many forms, physical abuse, emotional manipulation, intimidation, stalking, or financial control, and it often leaves lasting emotional and psychological effects. If you or someone you know…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Understanding Domestic Violence Law and Your Rights Domestic violence impacts countless individuals and families across California. For many survivors, abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, and often becomes an ongoing cycle that shapes their daily lives. Recognizing domestic…
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…
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