Family Law/Divorce

Los Angeles County and Orange County

Dissolution of Marriage and Divorce Lawyer

Legal Solutions for Southern California
Aggressive Representation

The Law Offices of Laurence B. Donoghue understands that every family in California is unique and that no domestic dispute is ever easy to resolve. California families affected by a divorce, child custody battles, or other domestic disputes have come to appreciate our ability to efficiently resolve complicated legal problems.

Firm founder Laurence B. Donoghue has over 30 years of experience in California dissolution of marriage and no fault divorce, California separation law, California domestic partnerships law, child support, child custody and parenting time (visitation), spousal support and property division, and many other areas of family law. Contact us now for a free half-hour consultation. Members of our staff speak Spanish, Tagalog, French, and English.

Adoptions - The paramount concern in an adoption proceeding is the protection of the child’s best interest. Generally children can be placed only by a natural parent(s), or by a public or nonprofit agency licensed by the State to do so.

Marriage Dissolution/Divorce - The only grounds that need to be asserted are irreconcilable differences. The earliest date for a final decree of divorce (status change of the parties to single people) is six months plus one day after the petition. However all other matters may be agreed to or ruled upon at any time.

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse - Domestic violence and child abuse are serious allegations, which can have criminal impact as well as having a significant impact on custody and visitation or bringing about protective orders. Corroborating evidence can be critical, so it is important to make and retain notes of all pertinent facts. Emergency intervention is always immediately available through law enforcement, children services agencies, medical services, and emergency shelters, and should always be utilized when necessary.

Domestic Partnerships - Any California couple in a committed lesbian or gay relationship, or in a committed opposite sex relationship where at least one partner is 62 years or older, may register their domestic partnership to obtain many important rights and responsibilities. This is an emerging area of law, and consultation with a lawyer is strongly advised.

Guardianships and Conservatorships - These are legal alternatives to custody and adoption for the placement of and legal responsibility for minors which require court orders, and should be handled with an attorney. There are critical legal requirements, but the overriding criterion is what is in the best interests of the child.

Mediation – In mediation, a neutral party referred to as a mediator attempts to bring the parties to an agreement on as many issues as possible in order to save time and cost. In Los Angeles County, a mediation attempt, although not actual agreement, is mandatory before any litigation can proceed.

Paternity - Custody, visitation, and child support matters for unmarried couples are litigated in a paternity case. Either parent may bring the action, and parenthood may be contested by either. The Court has the same jurisdiction as it would in a divorce, but the information is kept confidential from the public.

Contact us now for a free half-hour consultation.