Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Need to Go to Court for a Separation Agreement in Palmdale?
You may not need to go to court if all parties agree on the terms and your separation agreement meets legal standards. In many cases in Palmdale, uncontested agreements can be finalized and kept out of court hearings. However, when your agreement involves child custody, child support, or is part of an open divorce case, the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse may review or approve the terms for compliance with California law. We help ensure that your agreement is thorough and ready for court review if needed, and we guide you through the local process each step of the way.
How Does a Separation Agreement Affect Child Custody or Support?
A separation agreement can establish detailed plans for child custody, parenting time, and support. California courts, including those in Palmdale, generally approve arrangements that protect the best interests of your children and comply with state guidelines. Attorney Bigler works closely with you to craft arrangements that are practical, clear, and likely to meet court standards if review becomes necessary. We also advise on updating agreements as your family's needs evolve.
What Makes Your Approach to Separation Agreements Different?
Our approach is built around direct communication with clients and deep experience in Palmdale and Los Angeles County. As a certified family law specialist with more than 30 years of practice, Attorney Bigler works with you personally throughout your case. We emphasize thorough preparation, responsiveness, and mediation-based solutions whenever possible, helping you achieve resolutions that reflect your goals and minimize conflict.
Can Your Team Handle Complex Property or Financial Issues?
Yes, we regularly help clients address complex property and financial issues in separation agreements. Whether dividing real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, or other significant assets, Attorney Bigler draws from extensive mediation training to negotiate practical and fair terms. We customize solutions that suit your financial situation and comply with local requirements.
How Quickly Can I Get Started on a Separation Agreement?
You can start the process by contacting our Palmdale office for a consultation. We strive to schedule appointments promptly so you can discuss your needs and review the next steps without delay. Our responsive approach helps you move forward when you are ready, and you can always reach our team for updates or new questions.
Will I Work Directly With Attorney Bigler?
Yes. Every client works directly with Attorney Bigler rather than being handed off to support staff. This direct relationship ensures you have ongoing communication, accurate information, and a trusted advocate at all times. Clients tell us this approach makes the process less stressful and more effective.
What to Expect When Working With Us
Many people feel uncertain about what happens after reaching out for legal help. At our Palmdale office, we make every step clear. Your first meeting is a detailed, confidential consultation with Attorney Bigler. You will discuss your goals, share any concerns, and learn how your separation agreement could move forward under California laws.
Here is how the process typically unfolds:
- Initial consultation. Discuss your needs, gather background, and explore separation agreement options.
- Information gathering. Collect relevant documentation, including financial records, parenting schedules, and property information.
- Drafting and review. We prepare a draft of your agreement, review it with you, and make sure every point is clear and practical.
- Negotiation and revision. If changes are needed, we help negotiate fair solutions and update the document as necessary.
- Finalization and filing. Once you and the other party agree, we finalize the agreement and, if required, handle filing with the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse.
Attorney Bigler manages the details personally and communicates with you directly—never just through support staff. Timelines depend on the complexity of your situation, but you will always know what is happening and what comes next.
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"He listened to every word I said, and had such a kind heart and kept it real with me"
I give this firm a five star all the way across the board and let me say the staff was excellent, thank you so much.- S. Curry -
"I will continue to tell everyone that needs a family law attorney to come see you."
Thanks to his strategic thinking and tenacious advocacy, the outcome of my case was highly favorable, and I am immensely grateful for his outstanding service.- T. Tapia -
"He is a true professional who takes pride in his work and always puts his clients' needs first."
Not only was he incredibly thorough in his work and a great advocate to have in the courtroom, but he also made sure to keep me informed throughout the entire process.- T. Stern
Commonly Asked Questions
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What is a first right of refusal?
A first right of refusal in a family law context is the opportunity to care for your children when your ex is unavailable to care for them. Family code section 3040(a)(1) sets out the 'priorities' when a Court makes a custody order. The family code states that if both parents are adequate parents the court must order custody to both of them. The Court is forbidden from awarding custody to a third party in this circumstance.
It is this 'parents get priority' policy that drives a first right of refusal order. The idea that if you are unable to care for your child due to work or other responsibilities, then you must offer the child to the other parent first before handing the child over to a third party for child care.
The court typically sets a time limit (I recommend 6 hours or more) that you can be away from your children before having to offer the other party the opportunity to care for them. This is not a mandatory provision. The Court has the discretion to make this order only in appropriate circumstances.
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Who can receive visitation rights?Visitation is ordered when it is the best interest of the child in California. Supervised visitation is imposed when one parent is abusive or neglectful to the children. Visitation can often be supervised by an agreed upon family member or a professional monitor if the parties cannot agree.
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Who can receive spousal support?
Spousal support, formerly known as alimony, is a set amount of money that is paid by one spouse to another in the case of divorce or a legal separation. Whether you are the husband or the wife, you can apply for spousal support, depending on certain factors. The purpose of alimony is to even out the financial futures of each party. We can fight for your right to spousal support or against the other party's request for spousal support.
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What if I was married in another state but I want to file for divorce in California?If you and your spouse were married in another state, you can file for divorce in California. The only requirement is that either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the United States for three months.