Family Law Services in Cerritos, California 

Family law matters are often deeply emotional and complex. Whether facing a divorce, navigating custody disputes, or working through financial support arrangements, the decisions you make today can impact your family’s future for years to come. At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, clients in Cerritos, California, receive knowledgeable, compassionate legal support tailored to their cultural and personal needs. 


Michelle Choe understands that family law cases go beyond legal paperwork. They affect your children, your stability, and your peace of mind. Fluent in Korean and experienced in guiding Korean-speaking families, she helps clients bridge the gap between California family law and Korean cultural expectations. Her goal is to ensure that every client fully understands their rights, options, and path forward. 


Culturally Informed Family Law Guidance for Korean-Speaking Clients 

The differences between family law in California and South Korea can be dramatic and confusing. In Korea, a father is often granted full custody in divorce cases, and it can be extremely difficult for mothers to leave unhappy marriages without risking the loss of their children. Divorce is often viewed as an adversarial process, and the legal system typically requires mutual consent. 


In California, however, the legal framework is built around no-fault divorce and shared parenting responsibilities. Either spouse can file for divorce without the other’s agreement, and custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, not gender. Courts typically encourage co-parenting, with both parents staying involved in decision-making and custody of the child, even after separation. 


Ms. Choe helps Korean-speaking clients navigate these differences with clarity and care. She explains what to expect, how to protect parental rights, and how California law can offer greater empowerment than many realize. Her expertise helps families make informed decisions whether they ultimately choose to proceed with divorce or explore alternative paths. 


한국어로 가족법 관련 도움이 필요하신가요? 

미셸 최 변호사의 사명은 한인 사회에 대한 교육과 역량 강화입니다. 한국어로 소송을 제기하는 데 도움이 필요하시든, 귀하의 배경과 고민을 이해하는 전문가가 필요하시든, 최 변호사가 함께하겠습니다. 아래 버튼을 클릭하시면 미셸 최 변호사 사무소가 어떻게 도움을 드릴 수 있는지 자세히 알아보실 수 있습니다.

자세히 알아보기

Types of Family Law Cases the Offices of Michelle Choe Handles 

Ms. Choe assists clients across a wide range of family law matters, always with a focus on communication, education, and compassionate advocacy: 


Divorce Cases 

Divorce is never easy, but with the proper legal support, it can become a path toward healing and a better future. Ms. Choe helps clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and available options. Whether the divorce is contested or amicable, she offers strength and support every step of the way. 


Property Division 

California is a community property state, which means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally. Ms. Choe ensures fair and accurate asset evaluations, whether involving real estate, investments, businesses, or retirement accounts. 


Child Custody and Parenting-Time Disputes 

Ms. Choe believes that children deserve stability, love, and support from both parents whenever possible. She works to create parenting plans that reflect the child’s best interests while ensuring her clients' parental rights are respected and protected. 


Child Support and Spousal Support 

Support arrangements should be fair and reflect each party’s financial reality. Ms. Choe assists clients in pursuing or responding to requests for child support or spousal support based on California’s legal guidelines and the specific circumstances of each family. 

Focusing on Children and Healthy Family Outcomes 

What sets Ms. Choe apart is her holistic approach to family law. Rather than rushing toward divorce, she takes time to understand the full picture, especially when children are involved. In many cases, she helps clients explore whether reconciliation or mediation might be a better path forward. 


If divorce is the right choice, her priority remains clear: to minimize conflict, reduce emotional strain on the children, and support families in maintaining respectful and cooperative relationships. Her work is grounded in the belief that even after separation, parents don’t have to be enemies. They can continue to raise their children with dignity and a shared purpose. 

Helping Families Move Forward with Confidence 

Whether you were born in the United States or immigrated from Korea, navigating the family court system can be overwhelming. Ms. Choe’s mission is to educate, empower, and support families, especially those facing language barriers or cultural confusion. 


From first consultations to courtroom advocacy, she ensures that her clients are never left in the dark. Her bilingual legal services allow Korean-speaking clients to fully understand their rights and confidently participate in decisions about their futures. 


Reach out Today for Family Law Help in Cerritos, California 

If you’re facing a divorce, custody issue, or family conflict in Cerritos, don’t go through it alone. Ms. Michelle Choe is here to support you with compassion, clarity, and culturally sensitive legal guidance. 

  • Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn't agree?

    Yes, you can get a divorce in California even if your spouse doesn't agree to it because California is a “no-fault” divorce state. 

  • How can I protect my assets in a divorce?

    California is a community property state. This means that generally, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses. In a divorce, these are typically divided 50/50. Prenuptial Agreement, a contract created before marriage that outlines how assets will be divided in case of divorce can protect assets you owned before the marriage or inheritances you expect to receive. Also, assets owned before the marriage, gifts, and inheritances received during the marriage are generally considered separate property and are not subject to division.  

  • What is spousal support (alimony), and how is it determined?

    It's intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage, especially if they have sacrificed their career or education for the family. The Court considers various factors outlined in Family Code Section 4320, including the standard of living, earning capacity, duration of the marriage, age and health, etc. 

  • What factors are considered in determining child custody and visitation?

    When determining child custody and visitation in California, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. To make this determination, the court considers a variety of factors, as outlined in California Family Code Section 3011, including the Child's Health and Safety, the Child's Relationship with Each Parent, the Ability of Each Parent to Provide Care, Parental Fitness, etc. 

  • How can I modify an existing child custody or child support order?

    Modifying an existing child custody or child support order in California requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances since the last order was issued. Child Custody: A change in the child's needs, a parent's circumstances (e.g., relocation, change in work schedule), or concerns about the child's safety or well-being may warrant a modification. Child Support: Changes in either parent's income, the child's needs (e.g., increased medical expenses), or the custody arrangement can justify a modification. 

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Case Review


Take the next step—request a consultation today.

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  • Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn't agree?

    Yes, you can get a divorce in California even if your spouse doesn't agree to it because California is a “no-fault” divorce state. 

  • How can I protect my assets in a divorce?

    California is a community property state. This means that generally, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses. In a divorce, these are typically divided 50/50. Prenuptial Agreement, a contract created before marriage that outlines how assets will be divided in case of divorce can protect assets you owned before the marriage or inheritances you expect to receive. Also, assets owned before the marriage, gifts, and inheritances received during the marriage are generally considered separate property and are not subject to division.  

  • What is spousal support (alimony), and how is it determined?

    It's intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage, especially if they have sacrificed their career or education for the family. The Court considers various factors outlined in Family Code Section 4320, including the standard of living, earning capacity, duration of the marriage, age and health, etc. 

  • What factors are considered in determining child custody and visitation?

    When determining child custody and visitation in California, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. To make this determination, the court considers a variety of factors, as outlined in California Family Code Section 3011, including the Child's Health and Safety, the Child's Relationship with Each Parent, the Ability of Each Parent to Provide Care, Parental Fitness, etc. 

  • How can I modify an existing child custody or child support order?

    Modifying an existing child custody or child support order in California requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances since the last order was issued. Child Custody: A change in the child's needs, a parent's circumstances (e.g., relocation, change in work schedule), or concerns about the child's safety or well-being may warrant a modification. Child Support: Changes in either parent's income, the child's needs (e.g., increased medical expenses), or the custody arrangement can justify a modification. 

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