The Law Office of M. Pamela Lauser
Martinez, California
Practice Areas
We are a general practice law firm equipped to handle most ordinary legal issues for our clients, but our focus is primarily in Family Law and domestic matters related to child custody, support, divorce, property settlement, and domestic violence issues. Below, you will find more specific descriptions of the services offered in these emotionally complex and often-contentious areas of the law.
Child Custody & Support
When relationships fail and parents separate from each other, it's often the children who suffer the most. That is why California Courts look to the "Best Interests of the Child" standard when determining child custody between parents.
Generally, courts will seek to reach an equitable share of custody, such that the child can enjoy regular and continuing contact with both parents, despite their separation, and so their physical and emotional needs will be met.
Similarly, the courts and DCSS will look to ensure that a statutory guideline of financial support is provided for the child's upkeep.
​​
Where parents cannot cooperate with each other, where danger exists from either parent, or where financial situations are amiss, the courts must make a careful examination of all the circumstances of the case and reach an appropriate order.
It is very important to have an experienced attorney helping in situations like this, because the system is often complex and unintutive. Our office regularly provides these services, and many others, to our clients.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is one of the most prevalent, yet least discussed social problems in our society. It is a problem that affects both men, women, and children, and transcends racial and ethic backgrounds. Sadly, it has been on the rise in recent years, due in part to changes in the economy and related stresses on couples.
Our office regularly handles requests for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, and helps present delicate cases before the courts of Northern California.
There are many resources available to victims of Domestic Violence, and it is not something that should be ignored or excused. Whether you are a man or woman, gay or straight, young or old, married or unmarried, you should never tolerate abuse or remain in a domestic situation that could endanger your health or your life.
Hiring an attorney to obtain court help in protecting your life and removing your abuser from your home is an important step forward.
Divorce, Spousal Support, & Property Settlement
Divorce should never be the first option when married couples experience trouble. Even in difficult circumstances, there is always hope for restoration and healing. However, there are many times when divorce simply cannot be avoided, and a party finds themselves needing a lawyer to help them navigate the courts to defend their legal rights and finacial interests.
Hiring an attorney to handle all aspects of a divorce, whether it involves complex property assesments, spousal support, marriage settlement agreements, or even the occasional enforcement of orders the other person simply refuses to obey, sometimes years after the fact.
Our office works closely with our clients to request a fair distribution of all assets and property accrued during a marriage, and to facilitate an order which properly addresses issues like Spousal Support.
If you are just starting down the road to divorce, or you are well into a complicated matter that needs a fresh eye, we can help you to explore your legal options and to choose your legal representation.