Proudly Serving California
for Over 20 Years
Giving you peace of mind knowing that your best interests are being served and that every facet of your case is being handled by seasoned professionals from start to finish.
The firm’s practice is devoted entirely to divorce, custody, support, and related matters. Every attorney brings deep familiarity with the issues that decide these cases.
We have offices throughout the state, from the Inland Empire to Silicon Valley, giving clients representation from attorneys who appear regularly in the very courtrooms where their case will be heard.
Clients receive a clear, realistic assessment of their case, including cost, timeline, and likely outcomes, before any decisions are made. Our attorneys have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell and SuperLawyers.
Let us do the heavy lifting
Family law cases carry emotional weight most legal matters do not. The outcome shapes where your children live, how your finances are divided, and what your daily life looks like for years to come. Facing that alongside court deadlines, filing requirements, and an opposing party is more than anyone should manage alone.
Schank Family Law stands between you and the pressures of the process.
All communication with opposing counsel and the other party runs through the firm, not through you.
Court paperwork, procedural requirements, and hearing preparation are taken care of so nothing falls through the cracks.
Every case receives the same rigor whether it settles at the negotiating table or is argued before a judge.
Legal insights from california family law attorneys
Understanding how divorce, custody, support, and property division cases work makes helps you make informed decisions. Schank Family Law attorneys break down the legal process, address common questions, and explain important legal factors, so you can approach your case with confidence.
Representation for Every Stage of Family Life
From the first divorce filing to a custody modification years later, Schank Family Law handles the full range of California family law matters. Each practice area is backed by attorneys who work these cases daily and understand what is at stake for the people involved.
Serving all of california
Schank Family Law operates eight offices across Northern and Southern California, each staffed by attorneys who appear regularly in that region’s family courts. Clients meet with counsel close to home, and their case is handled by someone who already knows the local bench and procedures.
California Family Law Attorneys
Schank Family Law was founded by Christian Schank in 2003. The firm has grown to include a group of attorneys devoted exclusively to family law. Each one brings courtroom experience and a deep commitment to achieving meaningful resolution in every case.
Real stories from real california families
Results matter, but so does how you are treated along the way.
These testimonials reflect the standard Schank Family Law brings to every case it accepts.
“I went through a challenging separation from the mother of my child, and the team at Schank Law Firm skillfully guided me to a resolution.”
Family lawyers serving California
The divorce process can feel unpredictable. Cases in California follow a defined framework. Knowing what comes next removes much of the uncertainty from an emotionally challenging situation.
Divorce is one of the most significant legal events a person can go through. Understanding what to expect, and taking the right steps early, can make a profound difference in the outcome of your case. Here is a general overview of the divorce process in California and what you should do to protect yourself.
Before filing any paperwork, speak with a qualified California family law attorney. An attorney can explain your rights regarding community property, child custody, spousal support, and more. Many people are surprised to learn that decisions made early in the process, such as moving out of the family home or making large financial transactions, can affect the outcome of their case significantly. A free case evaluation with Schank Family Law is a good first step.
California is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses. To ensure a fair division, you will need documentation such as bank statements, tax returns, mortgage information, retirement account statements, and records of any business interests. The more organized you are from the start, the smoother the process will be.
One spouse (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the family court in the county where either spouse has lived for at least three months. The other spouse (the respondent) must be formally served with the divorce papers and has 30 days to respond.
While the divorce is pending, either party may request temporary court orders covering child custody, child support, spousal support, or use of the family home. These temporary orders remain in place until the divorce is finalized and are critical for maintaining stability during the process.
California courts require mediation for child custody and visitation disputes before they go in front of a judge. Mediation gives both parties an opportunity to reach a mutually agreeable parenting plan without litigation. Schank Family Law has experienced mediation attorneys who can help facilitate productive, solutions-focused conversations.
The majority of divorce cases in California are resolved through negotiated settlement agreements rather than trial. However, when spouses cannot agree on issues like property division, custody, or support, the matter goes before a judge. Having an experienced litigator on your side is invaluable at this stage.
Once all issues are resolved, either by agreement or court ruling, the final judgment of dissolution is entered. California’s mandatory six-month waiting period must have passed before the divorce can become final. After the judgment is entered, you are legally single and the terms of your agreement or court order become binding and enforceable.
Team of Family Law Strategists
No two cases should be handled the same way. Schank Family Law takes the time to understand what matters most to you, whether that is protecting your relationship with your children, preserving what you have built, or simply reaching a resolution. Our attorneys tailor their approach to align with your goals.
Clarity on California Family Law
Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most often at the start of a California family law case.
In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. However, the total timeline depends heavily on the complexity of your case. Uncontested divorces with no disputed assets or custody matters can be resolved relatively quickly after that period. Contested cases involving property division, child custody, or spousal support disputes may take considerably longer, sometimes a year or more. At Schank Family Law, we work diligently to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while protecting your rights every step of the way.
California courts determine child custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment, the child’s existing relationship with each parent, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and the child’s age and health. Both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives) are addressed in every case. Courts generally encourage co-parenting arrangements when both parents are fit and willing. The attorneys at Schank Family Law are skilled at building custody strategies that prioritize your child’s well-being while safeguarding your parental rights.
Legal separation and divorce both involve the court dividing property and addressing custody and support issues, but they have one key difference: a legal separation does not end the marriage. Couples who legally separate remain married under the law, which means neither party can remarry. Some couples choose separation for religious reasons, to maintain health insurance benefits, or because they are not yet certain they want to permanently end the marriage. Divorce, on the other hand, fully dissolves the marital relationship. Both processes can be emotionally and legally complex. Schank Family Law can help you evaluate which option best fits your unique situation and goals.
Yes. In California, child support and custody orders can be modified when there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued. Common reasons to seek a modification include a change in either parent’s income, a relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or concerns about the child’s safety or welfare. The process requires filing a formal request with the court and demonstrating that the change in circumstances justifies a new order. Modifications are not automatic and must be approved by a judge. The experienced attorneys at Schank Family Law regularly handle post-judgment modifications and can guide you through the process efficiently.
While California does allow individuals to represent themselves in a divorce, doing so carries significant risks, especially when children, real estate, retirement accounts, or business assets are involved. Mistakes in paperwork, missed deadlines, or poorly negotiated agreements can have long-lasting financial and legal consequences that are difficult or impossible to undo. Our experienced family law attorneys ensure your rights are protected, that all assets are properly identified and valued, and that any agreements reached are legally sound and enforceable.
Practical Guidance on California Family Law
Schank Family Law attorneys share insights on the legal developments, strategies, and decisions that shape family law cases across California.
California now gives divorcing spouses a way to open their case together. Beginning January 1, 2026, couples can file a…
Most people give little thought to who sits on the Riverside County Superior Court until they have a case in…
When a marriage ends, one of the most important and often most contested parts of the divorce is dividing property….
Is Spousal Support Guaranteed In Every Divorce? No. Unlike child support, which follows a strict guideline formula, spousal support is…
Deciding to end a marriage is one of the hardest choices a person can make, and the legal process that…
Is California A Community Property State? Yes. Under California Family Code Section 760, nearly everything either spouse earns or acquires during…
Protection Rarely Comes In Just One Form California does not offer a single, one-size-fits-all restraining order for domestic violence situations….
What Actually Happens After I File a Family Law Petition? Once a family law petition is filed, the other party…
Child custody is one of the most emotionally charged issues any parent will face, and how it gets resolved often…
Most child custody cases are decided under a broad “best interest of the child” standard, with courts weighing factors like…
Top-Rated California Family Law Firm
Schank Family Law measures its work against the highest professional standards, and these credentials reflect that commitment.
