Law Offices of Stephen L. Cawelti - Burbank, CA

Strategic Family Law and Divorce Advocacy in Los Angeles County

Going through a divorce or a family dispute is often one of the most emotionally challenging and stressful events in a person's life. The Law Offices of Stephen L. Cawelti, APC, based in Burbank, California, provides sophisticated, highly personalized representation to help clients navigate these complex transitions. Founded by Stephen Cawelti, who has specialized in California family law since 2006, our firm combines deep litigation experience with practical, empathetic problem-solving to protect your parental rights, secure your financial interests, and establish a solid foundation for your future.

As an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and a volunteer mediator, Mr. Cawelti understands that no two family law cases are alike. Whether through strategic negotiation, collaborative law, or aggressive courtroom trial work, our legal team is prepared to advocate fiercely for you. If you need to find a divorce attorney in Burbank who is highly respected by local judges and peers alike, our firm is ready to guide you through the process.

Navigating the Complexities of California Divorce

California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither partner needs to prove wrongdoing to dissolve a marriage. However, resolving the practical aspects of a split-such as the division of community property, family homes, spousal support, and retirement accounts-requires rigorous legal analysis. We specialize in high-net-worth divorces, complex asset evaluations, and contested separations, ensuring that community property is divided equitably and your short- and long-term financial rights are thoroughly protected under the California Family Code.

Prioritizing Children through Custody and Child Support

Nothing is more important than your relationship with your children. Our firm specializes in helping parents arrive at fair, workable parenting agreements that prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of their kids. California courts utilize a complex guideline formula to calculate child support, taking into account income, parenting time, and tax filing statuses. Stephen Cawelti has extensive experience in contested child custody disputes, paternity actions, and child support modifications, ensuring that your children receive the resources they need while guarding your parental rights.

Pioneering Pet Custody Representation in Burbank

For many individuals, pets are cherished family members rather than mere personal property. California law recognizes the unique emotional bonds between owners and their companion animals, allowing courts to consider the pet's well-being and award sole or joint ownership. Because pet custody is a specialized niche, it requires additional legal training in civil and family litigation. Our Burbank-based firm is a pioneer in pet custody law, helping clients negotiate co-parenting schedules and advocate for pet ownership rights in court.

Compassionate Domestic Violence and Restraining Order Legal Care

If you or your children are facing domestic abuse, securing your physical safety is our immediate priority. We act swiftly to obtain Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) to protect victims from harassment and violence. Conversely, false allegations of domestic abuse are sometimes leveled to gain leverage in child custody disputes. Our legal team provides objective, aggressive representation to both victims seeking protection and individuals defending against false restraining orders, ensuring justice is served.

Proudly Serving LGBT and Same-Sex Families

While federal and state laws have evolved to grant equal marriage rights, same-sex couples often face unique legal historical landscapes when resolving divorces, domestic partnerships, and custody agreements. Our firm provides comprehensive legal counsel tailored to LGBT families, navigating the nuances of retroactive community property claims, adoption issues, and custody rights with the utmost professional care.

Consult with a Certified Family Law Specialist

Stephen Cawelti is recognized by Pasadena Magazine as a top family law attorney and named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. If you are prepared to hire a family law specialist in Burbank, contact our office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.