Family Law Services in La Palma, California 

Family law matters are deeply personal, often emotional, and almost always life-changing. At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, individuals and families in La Palma receive the legal clarity and compassionate support they need during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division, Ms. Michelle Choe offers experienced representation with a calm, steady approach, always focused on protecting her clients’ rights and helping them move forward. 

 

What Does Family Law Include? 

Family law in California encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to spouses, children, and other domestic relationships. Ms. Choe handles cases involving: 

  • Divorce and legal separation 
  • Child custody and visitation 
  • Child support and spousal support (alimony) 
  • Division of property and assets 
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements 
  • Modifications to existing orders 

 

Divorce in California: What You Need to Know 

California is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means neither party needs to prove wrongdoing or blame to end the marriage. A person can file for divorce based simply on “irreconcilable differences,” even if the other spouse disagrees. There’s a six-month waiting period from the time the other party is served or makes their first court appearance before the divorce can be finalized. 

 

To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the county of filing (such as Orange County) for at least three months. If these requirements aren't met, the couple can first file for legal separation until eligibility is reached. 

 

Understanding Child Custody and Support 

In custody matters, California courts, as well as Ms. Choe, prioritize the best interests of the child. Custody can be joint or sole, encompassing both legal and physical custody arrangements. When child support is ordered, the court uses a formula based on income, time spent with the child, and additional factors to ensure the child’s needs are met. 

 

Every situation is unique, and Ms. Choe works to craft parenting plans and support arrangements that reflect the realities of each family’s circumstances, always with the child’s wellbeing at the center. 

 

Spousal Support (Alimony) 

Spousal support may be awarded to help one spouse maintain a standard of living after separation. Depending on the case, this support may be: 

  • Temporary: Paid during the divorce process 
  • Rehabilitative: Paid while the receiving spouse becomes self-supporting 
  • Permanent: Long-term, often based on the length of the marriage 
  • Lump-sum: A one-time payment in place of ongoing support 

 

The court considers several factors, including income, earning capacity, age, health, and the duration of the marriage. Ms. Choe carefully evaluates your financial and personal situation to pursue a fair outcome. 

 

Guiding the Korean Community Through a Different Legal System 

Ms. Choe, born in Seoul and fluent in Korean, understands how confusing and intimidating the American legal system can feel, especially for Korean-speaking individuals navigating family law issues for the first time. One of the most common misunderstandings she sees involves divorce. In Korea, divorce laws are far more restrictive. For example, if one spouse disagrees, divorce may not be possible. Affairs can even lead to lawsuits against third parties. 

 

But California law is entirely different. Here, you don’t need your spouse’s permission to divorce. You don’t need to prove fault. You can file on your own and protect your rights, regardless of what your spouse says. Many Korean immigrants are unaware of this, and Ms. Choe is passionate about changing that mindset. 

 

Through her legal practice, Ms. Choe aims to empower Korean women and families with the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their lives. Whether it’s divorce, custody, or property division, you do have rights, and you don’t have to go through it alone. 

 

Why Reach Out to the Law Offices of Michelle Choe 

Clients choose the Law Offices of Michelle Choe because Ms. Choe brings deep experience in California family law, fluent Korean language skills, and a strong understanding of the cultural dynamics that often influence family matters within the Korean community. Known for her personalized attention and clear, honest communication, Ms. Choe is a dedicated advocate for women and underserved individuals who may feel overwhelmed or unheard in the legal system. She offers thoughtful guidance every step of the way, ensuring her clients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process. If you’re facing divorce, custody disputes, or any other family law issue in La Palma or the surrounding areas, now is the time to protect your rights and future. Reach out to Ms. Choe for a confidential consultation. 

 

가족법 관련 문제로 한국어로 도움을 원하시나요? 

 서울에서 태어나 한국어에 능통한 변호사 미셸 최가 여러분을 도와드립니다. 아래 버튼을 클릭하시면 그녀가 어떻게 도움을 드릴 수 있는지 자세히 알아보실 수 있습니다. 

자세히 알아보기

  • 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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  • 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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