Hanford, CA Family Law Attorney

When family relationships are strained or fractured, the path forward can feel unclear. At such pivotal times, you deserve more than just legal answers; you deserve guidance rooted in compassion and experience. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, our team of dedicated family law attorneys helps individuals and families throughout Hanford, CA and the Central Valley through their most personal legal matters with clarity, empathy, and a deep understanding of California law.

We understand that when you reach out to us, it’s not just about paperwork or court hearings. It’s about protecting your children, securing your future, and preserving your peace of mind. As such, we treat every client with dignity, attentiveness, and a strategy tailored to their goals.

Why Hiring a Hanford, CA Family Law Attorney Matters

Family law cases involve far more than legal rules; they touch every corner of your life, from your finances and home to your relationship with your children. Without a knowledgeable Hanford family law attorney, you risk making decisions that could have unintended and long-lasting consequences.

Our family lawyers help you stay grounded during emotionally turbulent times. We offer honest, strategic counsel and act as a stabilizing force. Whether you’re seeking divorce, custody of your child, or pursuing adoption, we serve as your advocate and your guide.

When you work with the family law attorneys at Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, you gain more than legal representation; you gain an ally who understands how California’s family law system works and how to position your case for the best possible result.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

No matter your family law issue, our Hanford-based team is committed to providing clear guidance and effective representation in every aspect of your legal journey.

Divorce and Legal Separation

Even in the most amicable situations, divorce can be a logistical and emotional maze. Beyond deciding who stays in the family home, many couples must also divide retirement savings, business interests, and even digital assets. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we tailor divorce strategies to your specific needs, from protecting your business interests to ensuring a fair share of spousal support.

We also assist clients seeking legal separation, which may be the right choice for those who have religious objections to divorce or who want to preserve certain benefits like health insurance. In both divorce and separation cases, we remain focused on achieving a solution that works today and holds up years down the road.

Child Custody and Visitation

Custody battles are rarely just about “winning”; they’re about building a stable, nurturing environment for your child. California law recognizes that a strong bond with both parents is usually in the child’s best interest, but life circumstances often make shared custody difficult.

We advocate for parenting plans that reflect the child’s needs, including their schooling, mental health, and any history of abuse or neglect. If one parent struggles with addiction or instability, we work to ensure protective measures like supervised visitation or mandatory counseling are in place.

We also help parents create flexible custody agreements that account for special circumstances, such as co-parenting across county lines, holidays, or participation in sports and extracurricular activities.

Child Support and Financial Considerations

Child support calculations involve more than just salaries; they also consider other factors. We help ensure accurate financial disclosures and account for factors like shared custody, childcare costs, and health insurance. If you’re self-employed or believe your co-parent is underreporting income, we know how to investigate and build a strong case.

Support orders can be modified, but only with proof of a significant change in circumstances. No matter if you’re seeking or opposing a modification, we can guide you through the process.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support is not automatic. We help clients understand how temporary and long-term support works in California, including how the courts consider each party’s income, work history, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage.

Our family law attorneys advocate for fair support arrangements. Sometimes, this means negotiating a settlement, and other times, it involves presenting compelling arguments to a judge.

Property Division

California’s community property laws don’t mean everything is split 50/50. It’s actually more nuanced. Some property, like inheritances or gifts, may remain separate. At other times, assets become “commingled,” such as when separate property is used to purchase a shared home.

We help trace the origin of assets, divide retirement accounts, address business interests, and handle the tax implications of divorce-related transfers.

Dividing property isn’t just about houses and cars; it can also include investment portfolios, family businesses, pensions, and debts. Many divorcing couples are surprised to learn that even student loans or personal credit card debt can be considered community property.

We work with forensic accountants, appraisers, and other financial professionals when necessary to ensure all assets are properly valued and disclosed. Our goal is not just fairness, but economic stability for your future.

Adoption and Guardianship

Expanding your family through adoption is joyful, but also legally complex. We assist with stepparent, relative, and private adoptions, ensuring all procedural and legal requirements are met.

We also help secure guardianship of minors when parents are unable to care for them. This may involve delicate family dynamics and contested proceedings, but we bring both legal skill and compassion to the table.

We consider it a privilege to help families grow. We handle background checks, court filings, home studies, and all required documentation. Our family law lawyers also advise on transitioning temporary guardianships into permanent arrangements when it’s in the child’s best interest.

Paternity and Parental Rights

Establishing paternity is a foundational step in seeking child support, custody, or visitation rights, but it’s also essential for emotional and legal reasons. In California, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the father does not automatically have legal parental rights. Without a formal determination of paternity, a father cannot petition for custody or visitation, and the mother cannot request child support through the court system.

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we guide clients through the entire process, from signing a voluntary declaration of parentage to initiating a court-ordered DNA test when there’s uncertainty or disagreement. In cases involving minors, domestic violence, or conflicting claims, we take special care to protect the child’s best interests while advocating for a fair outcome.

Once paternity is legally established, it opens the door to a full range of parental rights and responsibilities. Fathers can then be involved in making legal decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. Courts can also issue enforceable custody, visitation, and support orders, providing greater stability for both parents and children.

In some cases, establishing paternity can also impact inheritance rights, access to health insurance, and the emotional connection a child has with their identity and extended family. Maybe you’re a father seeking to build a relationship with your child or a mother needing support from a co-parent; either way, it can help you handle this critical legal step with care and efficiency.

Emancipation and Other Non-Divorce Matters

Family law includes more than just divorce, custody, and support. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we also assist clients with a wide range of non-divorce legal matters, including emancipation, legal name changes, co-parenting agreements, and adult conservatorships.

Emancipation

Emancipation is a unique legal process that allows minors, typically ages 14 and up, to become legally independent from their parents or guardians. To qualify, the minor must demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient, living apart from their parents, and capable of making adult decisions regarding education, healthcare, and employment. California courts scrutinize emancipation petitions carefully. Our Hanford, CA family law lawyers ensure that your case is presented thoroughly and clearly, whether you’re a minor seeking independence or a parent contesting a petition.

Legal Name Changes

We also handle legal name changes, which may be necessary due to gender transition, adoption, divorce, or personal preference. Our family law lawyers handle the paperwork, public notice requirements, and court hearings, ensuring the process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Co-Parenting Agreements

In situations involving co-parenting without marriage, we help parents establish legally binding parenting plans and custody agreements, even if there’s no formal divorce. These proactive arrangements can help avoid conflict later and provide stability for children.

Conservatorships

Finally, we support families in securing conservatorships for adults with physical or mental disabilities who cannot care for themselves. This process ensures that someone trustworthy is legally authorized to make decisions about the person’s healthcare, finances, and daily needs. Temporary or permanent, we handle conservatorship petitions with sensitivity, respect, and a strong understanding of court procedures.

Domestic Violence and Family Law

Domestic abuse can significantly alter the course of a family law case. If you are experiencing violence, threats, or harassment, we can pursue a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) for protection. These orders may include child custody terms and impact spousal support.

If you’ve been wrongly accused of abuse, we will defend your reputation and work to protect your parental rights.

Domestic violence doesn’t always leave visible bruises; it can be financial control, emotional manipulation, or threats that trap someone in fear. At Griswold LaSalle, we know that leaving an abusive partner takes courage and legal protection.

We can act quickly to file restraining orders then support you through custody hearings, divorce filings, and securing temporary housing or financial relief. We also coordinate with local shelters, counselors, and advocates when needed.

The Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP Approach to Family Law

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, our service model is rooted in care and connection. We recognize that you are more than a case file. When you walk through our doors, we’ll meet you with kindness and professionalism.

 

Multi-Disciplinary Strengths

Family law rarely exists in a vacuum. Property ownership, tax consequences, and retirement accounts often play a significant role in divorce or support matters. Our family law lawyers bring knowledge from real estate, business, and municipal law to deliver comprehensive legal solutions. This broader skill set allows us to handle even the most challenging family law issues with confidence and competence.

Efficiency and Out-of-Court Resolution

We do not litigate for the sake of litigation. Whenever possible, we aim to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation. This saves time, reduces emotional strain, and minimizes legal fees.

But when a court is necessary, we are ready. Our Hanford, CA, family law attorneys develop custom litigation strategies tailored to the facts of your case, the local judges involved, and your personal goals.

The Local Advantage: Why a Hanford-Based Family Lawyer Matters

We have been part of this community since 1945. Our family law attorneys live and work in Kings County and nearby communities in the San Joaquin Valley. We know the judges. We are familiar with the clerks and understand how to approach your case in a manner that aligns with local expectations.

Our office, located in the historic Hanford Hotel building, reminds us daily of our roots in the Central Valley. Through the Griswold LaSalle Community Foundation, we give back, whether that’s through our Christmas window fundraiser for local families or our scholarships for future paralegals. When you hire us, you’re hiring a legal team that’s deeply invested in your outcome and your community.

Family Law FAQs

Do I have to go to court for a divorce?

Not always. Many divorces in California are resolved through settlement negotiations, mediation, or collaborative divorce, allowing couples to finalize their divorce without ever setting foot in a courtroom. These options give both parties more control over the outcome and often lead to faster, less expensive resolutions. However, if there are serious disagreements over property division, child custody, or support, court intervention may be necessary.

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we always explore out-of-court solutions first; litigation is only used when absolutely necessary to protect your rights or the rights of your children.

How long does the family law process take?

The timeline for a divorce or family law matter depends on many factors, including whether the case is contested, how much documentation is required, and how busy the local courts are.

Generally, uncontested divorces can be completed in as little as six months, whereas contested divorces or complicated custody disputes may take a year or more. Modifications and post-judgment issues tend to resolve faster, but still require careful legal handling. From start to finish, we keep you informed and moving forward at a steady pace.

Can I change family law attorneys if I’m unhappy with mine?

Yes, you have the right to change legal representation if you feel your current attorney is not meeting your needs. Perhaps you’re feeling unheard, unsure about your legal strategy, or experiencing a lack of communication; switching attorneys can be the right move for your case.

We will consider taking over family law matters mid-case and can review your file, re-strategize, and represent you moving forward. Time-sensitive filings and court deadlines must be managed carefully, so don’t delay in seeking a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.

Can grandparents get custody or visitation?

Under California law, grandparents can petition the court for visitation or even custody under certain conditions. This usually applies when the child’s parents are divorced, one parent is deceased, or the child has been living with the grandparents for an extended period. Courts consider the existing relationship between the child and grandparent, the child’s best interests, and the parents’ rights.

Our family law lawyers help grandparents build strong cases when they’ve played a significant caregiving role and want to maintain a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren.

What if my spouse is hiding assets during the divorce?

Unfortunately, some spouses attempt to hide or undervalue assets during a divorce to avoid equitable distribution. If you suspect this, we can take action. Our Hanford, CA family law attorneys are experienced in reviewing financial disclosures, identifying red flags, and using forensic accountants or subpoenas when necessary.

You can count on our family law lawyers to identify the signs of hidden bank accounts, suspicious transfers, and underreported income to ensure the property division process is honest and transparent. California law requires full disclosure, and failing to comply can result in severe penalties or even criminal charges.

Can my child choose which parent to live with?

California family courts may consider a child’s preference, especially if the child is mature enough to express a reasoned opinion, typically around age 14 or older. However, the child’s preference is only one of many factors the court considers when determining custody. Other factors include each parent’s ability to provide stability, the child’s relationship with both parents, and any history of neglect or abuse.

Our family law lawyers can advise you on how your child’s voice might influence the case and how to present a custody plan that aligns with their best interests.

Contact Our Hanford Family Law Attorneys Today

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we approach every family law matter with a rare blend of compassion and clarity. We don’t just aim for legal success; we aim to protect what matters most to you. Whether you’re ending a marriage, fighting for custody, or expanding your family through adoption, you deserve a team that sees you, hears you, and fights for you.

Please call us at (559) 315-3714 or contact us online to learn how our Hanford family law lawyers can help with your family law matter.