Protecting Your Children’s Interests in Divorce
While some aspects of family law have remained relatively stable for decades, others have undergone profound change. One of the biggest changes is a broadening definition of family that encompasses more than just the traditional model (married heterosexual couples with children born during the marriage).
Same-sex marriage, domestic partnerships, unmarried cohabitation, remarriage, surrogacy and other changes have led to more inclusive definitions of family, but our laws have not always kept pace with these important changes — especially those pertaining to children and parents.
Child-Related Legal Services
My firm offers advice and representation related to nearly all child law issues, including:
- Child custody and parenting time
- Paternity
- Child support
- Modifications of custody orders
- Modifications of child support orders
- Assistance in parental relocation cases (move-away cases)
The Basics Of Paternity Cases
When a child is born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the baby’s father. In the event of divorce, child custody and child support matters would begin with that same presumption.
In cases where a child was born to unmarried parents, paternity is not presumed. To establish paternity, it is necessary for both parents to either sign a voluntary declaration of paternity or for either parent to file a court case under the Uniform Parentage Act.
Establishing paternity is not simply taking a DNA test (although that is sometimes part of it). Rather, it is the process that officially establishes a legally recognized relationship between a father and his child — along with the rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood. It is usually a necessary precursor for men seeking custody and visitation rights and for women seeking child support.
If you need help as a parent on either side of a paternity issue, States Family Law is ready to represent you and guide you through the process.
Our Process
Child Issues FAQs
In California family law, custody covers legal rights and living arrangements, while visitation (parenting time) defines the specific schedule for the non-custodial parent.
• Legal Custody: Refers to the decision-making authority for major aspects of your child’s life, such as healthcare, schooling, and religious upbringing. This can be shared (joint) or sole.
• Physical Custody: Specifies where the child primarily resides.
• Visitation: Outlines the designated time (weekends, holidays, summer schedules) the non-custodial parent spends with the child to ensure a strong, ongoing relationship.
At States Family Law, our goal is to help you build structured, enforceable parenting plans that minimize conflict and preserve vital parent-child bonds.
While California law allows you to file for custody without representation, family law procedure is strict and emotionally demanding. Filing paperwork incorrectly, missing mandatory mediation steps, or failing to present your case effectively can lead to court orders that are difficult and costly to modify later.
Having an experienced family law attorney like Linda D. States ensures your rights—and your relationship with your children—are fully protected from day one. We guide you through every step, handle the legal filings, and craft a strategy focused on long-term stability for your family.
If both parents agree on a child custody plan, you can have the agreement written up and filed as a formal stipulation and order with the court, avoiding a lengthy and stressful trial. Even if you disagree on certain issues, if you are willing to work together to negotiate a plan in your child’s best interest, mediation or collaborative negotiation can facilitate a solution.
At States Family Law, attorney Linda D. States works with parents to negotiate agreements outside of court whenever possible, saving you time, expense, and unnecessary conflict. However, if out-of-court negotiations do not protect your rights or your child’s well-being, Linda is prepared to advocate aggressively for your family in front of a judge.