Christopher C. Happ

The State of California has set rigorous standards for knowledge and experience before an attorney can be deemed a “Certified Family Law Specialist.” An attorney is able to refer to himself as a Certified Family Law Specialist because he has demonstrated to the State of California Board of Legal Specialization that he has an advanced understanding of family law and the significant experience in divorce, child custody and other family law proceedings. As a result, by hiring a Certified Family Law Specialist, you ensure that you are retaining the services of an expert in family law, not an attorney who may simply dabble in the area.

Ask yourself the following — if you needed surgery, what would be the best option: performing the operation yourself, hiring an inexperienced surgeon or hiring an experienced, board-certified surgeon? The answer in the context of surgery is obvious. But for whatever reason, the answer is not always as obvious to individuals who are involved in a divorce, child custody or other family law proceeding. Your family law case may touch on every aspect of your life — your income, your property, your children and, if a restraining order is involved, your freedom. Therefore, our firm believes that handling your divorce, child custody or other family law proceeding without a Certified Family Law Specialist can be as risky as performing surgery on yourself. A Certified Family Law Specialist has the experience and expertise necessary to ensure that you have the information you need to make knowledgeable and informed decisions throughout your divorce, child custody or other family law proceeding and that you will not unknowingly sacrifice any of your rights under California family law.

Yes. Even when you are in agreement on all terms, hiring a family law lawyer to consult with will ensure that all terms agreed upon are properly addressed in the written court order./p> If you draft the agreement without the assistance of a family law lawyer, you may not recognize or realize potential or unintended pitfalls, which a family law lawyer may help you avoid. Therefore, hiring a family law lawyer can prevent you from making a costly error, both to yourself and, potentially, to your children.