Family Law

Curran & Watson assists families throughout Orange County and across Southern California with all aspects of divorce and family law matters. We also assist our clients with related cases involving juvenile law as well as civil harassment cases, including those involving restraining orders. We understand that when our clients come to us for assistance with a divorce or family law dispute they are going through a particularly difficult time. In addition to our zealous legal advocacy, we provide caring and compassionate representation. To discuss your family law case with us, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

Contested and Uncontested Divorce

In many cases, it is possible for both spouses to reach an amicable agreement. Because we always put our clients' interests first, we attempt to resolve all matters as quickly and amicably as possible. However, when disputes do arise about any aspect of the divorce, we utilize our skill and effectiveness in the courtroom to passionately fight for our clients' rights. Our experience extends to all aspects of the divorce, and includes cases involving complex property division disputes.

Custody and Support

Matters of custody, visitation, and child and spousal support are often the most contentious issues that arise in divorce proceedings. It is important to us that we consider each situation carefully and craft strategies and solutions that best suit our clients' needs.

Child custody involves either physical custody or legal custody, which is the authority to make decisions regarding the child, and California courts prefer to have both parents playing active roles. Factors such as the age, gender, and any history of abuse can overcome this presumption and result in sole or primary custody. Even in the case of primary custody, the other parent will usually have visitation rights.

Child support may be the responsibility of one or both parents. A court's support orders generally last until the child turns 18, but can last longer if the child is still in school or is disabled and not self-supporting. Under California's spousal support statute, an individual has a duty to support his or her spouse financially. To determine the amount of spousal support, courts consider a variety of factors relating to each spouse.

Paternity

Paternity claims seek to establish a father's biological relationship, which then allows court-ordered parental rights, responsibilities, child support obligations, and custody and visitation arrangements. When a couple is not married at the time a child is born, the paternity of the child may not be certain. If a child's paternity is disputed, a court may order genetic testing. Once paternity is established, a court can then make orders regarding custody, visitation, and support. 

Post-Divorce Modifications

Occasionally, a significant change in circumstances occurs that results in one party asking the other to change a custody, child support, or spousal support arrangement. We have a wealth of experience pursuing and defending modifications.

Juvenile Law

We are also highly experienced in juvenile matters, which combine elements of both family and criminal law. Both Mr. Curran and Mr. Watson have both been sworn Referees in Orange County Juvenile Courts since 1980 handling delinquency and abused child cases.

Additional Family Law Matters

Our experience extends to other aspects of family law. We assist people who wish to dissolve a domestic partnership agreement, and we pursue and defend restraining orders. When necessary, we handle guardianships for children and we help families with the legalities surrounding adoptions.