California Family Law Attorney

Going to family court to solve your disputes can be stressful and difficult. Family law attorney John A. Balent gives our clients the knowledge that they need to make informed decisions about their future and the future of their children. To find out more, contact the Law Offices of John A. Balent to discuss your legal needs, or fill out our potential client family law case intake form

Whether you have an uncontested or contested divorce, the process can become complicated. With our support, you can make sure that the decisions you make now will protect your rights and interests.

After the divorce, you will no longer be married, but you will still be parents. While we are zealous in our defense of your rights, we try to keep the animosity at a minimum so that you and your spouse can create a plan to raise your children.

If you are a parent not living with your child, you will have visitation rights and child support obligations. The amount you pay is based on your income and the income of your former spouse.

Spousal support, also called alimony, is awarded today in many circumstances. We can calculate if you are eligible to receive or liable to pay spousal support. Call today for a free case assessment.

Circumstances are known to change. Whether there is a new job, a pay decrease, or a change in custody, it is important to revisit the child support order and amend it to reflect the current situation.

All divorces involve contested or uncontested asset division. In California, laws dictate a 50/50 division. We can help you compile an inventory of your estate.

Ideally, all of our clients would part on reasonably good terms. But if there has been a history of abuse, settling it in court is often our best option. If you are trying to leave an abusive spouse, or you face false domestic violence charges, we can assist you. Call today to talk to our attorney.

If you have assets that you want to protect, a prenuptial agreement may be for you. We draft, review, and negotiate prenuptial agreements for our clients. If you have been asked to sign an agreement, we make sure that you understand it fully.

A paternity test establishes parentage, so that the couple may make a parenting plan. It also enables the collection of child support. We can walk you through the steps of establishing your child's paternity.

When a couple is divorced and the primary parent gets remarried, the stepparent often takes on the role of an equal parent. By formally adopting the child, the parent can extend many rights to the child, such as inheritance rights and other protections.

If there has been a change of circumstance, you may reopen your divorce judgment or order. We have helped many clients modify their judgments or orders. We can help you, too.

When a parent with primary custody wants to move out-of-state - due to a new job or personal reason - permission must be granted from the family court. It is necessary to ensure the bond between the child and non-primary parent will not be disrupted.

Same sex couples are granted the same rights, protections, and benefits as heterosexual couples through the declaration of a domestic partnership or marriage. Recent ruling has enabled same sex couples to marry under California law.