California’s family court system has undergone significant updates this year, significantly affecting Californian residents. It is important that, should you have other questions beyond what’s covered here, you reach out to a knowledgeable licensed attorney.
California’s Family Court System: All You Need to Know
As of January 1, 2026, California’s laws help streamline the divorce process and include enhanced child safety protections. Whether you live in Pasadena, Glendale, or other California communities, these updates provide divorcing couples with a new joint petition option for dissolution, while expanding the court coordination measures available in situations involving domestic violence and child maltreatment.
New Divorce Procedures in California
When divorcing couples in California can coordinate during their divorce, SB 1427 provides the parties with a simpler option called the Joint Petition for Dissolution. This is a significant procedural shift, as it allows the couple to file a single, joint petition to initiate either a divorce or legal separation.
In other words, parties no longer have to formally serve each other with divorce papers. Instead, they can file their petition jointly.
Typically, a couple would have had to meet the criteria for summary dissolution, such as being married for more than five years or having children. Yet, this process is now available for all California couples seeking a divorce or legal separation. If you’d like to explore a Joint Petition for Dissolution, speak with a trusted divorce attorney in your area.
California’s Enhanced Child Safety and Custody Laws
California also enacted new laws that prioritize child safety, especially for situations involving high-conflict or child safety concerns. Under AB 495, California’s family courts, child support agencies, and child welfare agencies must coordinate to make sure safety plans are consistent. The goal is to protect children, an already vulnerable population, from domestic violence and child abuse.
To prevent continuing conflict, California judges no longer require that specific information be filed as part of parenting plans regarding social media, online safety, and screen time for custody agreements. Additionally, SB 331 requires courts to take into account abuse allegations before ordering children into unregulated reunification programs.
Finally, the Family Preparedness Plan Act expands who can serve as a temporary guardian if a parent is detained or deported. This act helps keep California children out of foster care when relatives other than their parents are available to provide supportive care.
Should your family have further questions about any of the new laws, it is imperative that you reach out to an experienced family lawyer in Glendale. They can answer your questions and provide reliable support regarding a wide variety of family law issues.
Choose the Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon
Across the country, there are about 66 million cases handled by our state courts every year, including approximately 3,790,000 family law cases. Additionally, the number of divorces in 2023 was approximately 672,502 in the United States. These figures demonstrate the national likelihood of getting married or divorced, showcasing the potential need for a divorce lawyer at some point in the future.
If you need to speak with a dedicated divorce attorney in California, call the Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon. With a heightened focus on family law, she helps clients across California with their divorce, paternity, and domestic disputes through negotiation, mediation, collaboration, or litigation.
Her primary goal is to resolve conflicts for her clients outside of court, saving families from unnecessary legal fees. However, when traditional negotiation or mediation isn’t enough, she is ready to advocate for you in court. If you’re ready to meet with a seasoned divorce attorney and discuss your rights, schedule a consultation.
FAQs About High-Net-Worth for Divorce in California?
Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer to Discuss the 2026 Child Custody Laws?
No, you’re not required to hire a divorce lawyer in Glendale to discuss the 2026 child custody laws. You have the right to represent yourself in any legal matter in California. However, when you hire legal assistance, they can adeptly answer any questions you might have. With the recent updates to the existing laws in California, a lawyer can provide reliable information about these laws that may apply to your family.
How Should I Prepare for a Meeting With an Attorney?
If you’re planning to meet with an attorney, it’s always helpful to gather any documents that pertain to your family’s situation. You can collect any documents that relate to the issue you plan to discuss, including financial documents, court orders, and marriage certificates. That way, you can jump right into discussing the reason you wanted to meet with the attorney and make the most of your consultation.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Family Law Matter in California?
No, you do not always have to go to court for a family law matter in California. If you and the other involved parties can reach an agreement, you can often settle through documentation alone.
One of the many reasons behind hiring a lawyer is that they can negotiate on your behalf and avoid a court visit, should that be your goal. Call one of our lawyers today to explore your available resolution options.
What Kind of Help Does a Family Law Attorney Provide?
A family law attorney can provide a wide variety of help for many different kinds of legal issues. When you work with a lawyer, they can provide comprehensive assistance with divorces, child custody arrangements, paternity issues, or domestic disputes. They can help with filing paperwork, negotiating a divorce settlement, or representing your interests in court.
At the Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon, we are ready to provide you with the legal services needed based on your specific situation.
Hire a Family Lawyer: Call the Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon
At the Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon, we understand the complexities that can arise from the family court system and all its related issues. In these times, we are adequately prepared to assist you in the most efficient way possible.
Contact us today to hire a family lawyer. You can schedule your initial meeting with an experienced and supportive family law attorney, getting the legal and emotional support you deserve.