Santa Clarita Family Law Attorneys

Serving Valencia, Newhall, Saugus & Canyon County

Family law can be one of the most complex and emotionally charged legal cases possible. From divorces to challenging child custody battles, the Santa Clarita family lawyers from Cutter & Lax, Attorneys at Law are prepared to handle it all. We understand this is more than just an inconvenient case – this is something that can branch out to affect almost every area of your life. We want you to know our firm will be here for you to help protect your rights; where other firms will look to cut corners or come up with a short-term solution, we invest the necessary time and energy to care for your future.

Speak with a family law attorney who is board-certified by the State Bar of California. Schedule your consultation online or call us at (818) 839-2533.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

We understand the challenges you are facing and are committed to providing support and guidance throughout this difficult process. 

These are some of the cases we handle:

• Adoption: If your family is preparing to expand through the process of adoption, we encourage you to learn more about your options. Whether you want an international or domestic adoption, speak with our firm today.
• Annulment: Where divorce terminates an existing marriage, annulment declares it null and void. Annulment is either voidable or void at the time that the legal process begins.
• Divorce: The dissolution of marriage can be incredibly painful. If you are looking for help, you've come to the right place. With 30 years of experience, we are fully capable of helping you address the various issues that will come up in your divorce.
• Child Custody: Determining who has custody is not done in the same way it used to be. Sole custody for the mother is no longer the norm. No matter whether you are looking for sole or joint custody, physical or legal, you can trust our firm to help prepare the case and fight for your desired goal.
• Child Support: Factors that affect who and how much child support is paid include income levels, who has custody, and how much visitation is awarded to the non-custodial parent. No matter whether you are being asked to give or to receive, you can trust in the experience of our firm to help.
• Fathers' Rights: In a divorce proceeding, fathers may have to protect their rights against the bias of the court to favor the mother. If you require assistance protecting your rights as a father during a custody, support, or visitation order, speak with our firm. Courts are required to view mothers and fathers as equal when it comes to their rights during divorce, and we can help pursue that.
• Modifications: After divorce is concluded, either party may require their case to be modified. Whether you or your spouse has a change in occupation, has received a promotion, or must move away, the court must approve your modification before you take action. Modifications of child support, spousal support, visitation, and child custody can change the way existing orders work.
• Paternity: Looking to establish paternity? Looking to disestablish it? Either way, our firm can help. Paternity issues can be the cornerstone of numerous family law cases, from fathers' rights to child custody to visitation. We can walk you through the legal issues you are facing to help resolve the case.
• Prenuptial Agreements: Before you and your fiancé(e) tie the knot, you may want to consider creating a prenuptial agreement. In California, prenuptial agreements are considered binding contracts between two parties entering into a marriage. Their purpose is to make the divorce process clearer, less expensive, and less time-consuming if the marriage is later dissolved.
• Spousal Support: After a marriage, one of the parties will likely be without the necessary funds to support themselves. At our firm, we understand the necessity of spousal support and also how it can become grossly unfair. From helping parties seek just payments to helping ensure you are not overpaying, we can address a wide range of situations.

Are You Considering a Divorce in the Santa Clarita Valley?

If you find yourself dealing with family law issues in the SCV area, you likely need a legal professional who can help ensure that your rights are protected. Although highly personal, these are cases that can also have far-reaching effects on your life and your family. It is therefore crucial to have someone on your side who truly cares about you, not just as another case number but as an individual. At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, you can rest assured that you will receive tailor-made representation for your personal case.

From the beginning until the very end of your family law matter, you will be able to breathe easier. We know this is a stressful time for you, and we will do everything we can to take the burden off your shoulders and help make the process as painless as possible.

Why Choose Our Santa Clarita Family Law Firm

Choosing the right attorney for a family law issue in the Santa Clarita Valley is not just about finding someone who knows the law. You also need a legal team that understands how local courts operate, how families in communities like Valencia and Newhall actually live, and how stressful it can be to face decisions that affect your children and your finances. When you come to our office, we take time to learn what matters most to you so we can recommend a path that fits your specific circumstances rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all approach.

We know that timing and communication can make a difficult situation feel either manageable or overwhelming. That is why we stay reachable by phone, text, and email, and we explain each step of the process in plain language before it happens. For example, if your case will be heard through the Chatsworth Courthouse, we walk you through how filings are handled in Los Angeles County and what that means for scheduling, hearings, and possible outcomes. This steady guidance helps you feel more prepared, even when the case involves contested custody, complex financial questions, or changes to existing orders.

Many people who contact us are worried about what will actually happen in the months ahead. We address that concern by outlining realistic options early on, talking about both the legal and practical impact of each choice. We help you weigh settlement discussions against the possibility of a hearing so that you understand not only the legal standards but also how those standards are often applied in cases involving Santa Clarita families. Our goal is to give you enough clarity and structure so that, even in a tense situation, you feel you have a plan and a team standing with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Divorce Usually Take in the Santa Clarita Area?

The time it takes to finalize a divorce can vary widely, but California has a mandatory waiting period before a marriage can legally end. Beyond that, the overall timeline depends on factors such as how many issues are contested, whether there are children, and the court’s schedule in the Los Angeles County system. Cases with agreements reached early on often move faster than those that require multiple hearings or a trial.

Will I Have To Appear in Person at the Chatsworth Courthouse?

Whether you have to appear in person depends on what type of hearing is scheduled and the current practices of the Chatsworth Courthouse. Some matters may allow for remote participation, while others require you to be physically present, especially if testimony or detailed evidence is involved. You will receive notice of any scheduled hearing, and you can review that notice with your family law attorney to understand what is expected of you.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About A Family Law Case?

For an initial meeting, it is helpful to bring any existing court orders, important dates, and basic financial information so that the conversation can be as productive as possible. You do not need every document perfectly organized, but having key papers available allows your attorney to understand the background and identify immediate priorities. You should also think about your main questions and concerns in advance so they can be addressed directly during the consultation.