About Us – TDC Family Law

You are likely familiar with the term “family lawyer,” but you may not know what a family law specialist is. You may wonder if the two terms have similar definitions. A family law specialist is a family lawyer who specializes in the practice of family law and has undergone the proper education to become one

What Does a Family Law Specialist Do?

A family law specialist is a family lawyer who has taken the proper certification requirements. This specialist must be licensed as well as a current practicing lawyer. They have also completed the following steps:

• They have passed a family law exam.
• They have been a practicing lawyer for at least five years in succession, and at least one quarter of that time practicing was spent focused on family law.
• They completed the necessary education to become a family lawyer as well as additional education after passing the bar.
• They have been given great evaluations from fellow lawyers as well as judges.
• They have proven that they are skilled with the results of other family law cases.

After all of these things have been accomplished, a family lawyer can then be labeled as a family law specialist. Because of the tedious process, it is not easy to achieve this higher position. However, once a lawyer has done so, they can handle more complicated cases. Furthermore, because of their thorough knowledge and years of practice, they are also able to charge more for their services.

When Should You Consider Consulting with A Family Law Specialist?

If you believe that you have a complicated case, whether it is emotionally complex or legally complex, it can be a wise idea to speak with a family law specialist to discover your options. With the help of a family law specialist, you may very well discover that they have taken a case similar to yours and have effective strategies for helping you through it.

Not only are family law specialists well-versed in how to handle tough cases, but they also are very understanding and compassionate. They understand the deep emotional turmoil that can result from complicated family cases, such as high conflict divorces or messy child custody battles.

With their assistance, you will be compassionately guided through difficult discussions, choices, negotiating, and the trial. Their priority is to make sure that you and your family are reaching the most positive outcome possible.

It is not a requirement to hire a family law specialist, but you may find that you have more confidence and peace as you walk through the legal process.

Areas of Practice

A family law specialist covers many of the same areas of practice that a family attorney practices. At TDC Family Law, these are some of the areas of practice:

Child Custody

Child custody involves the parents creating an agreement in regard to where the child will live and when the child will live in that location. A custody agreement is usually needed when the parents are sharing joint custody, as they need to split parenting time.

If parents cannot make an agreement on their own, the court will make the determination for them. This decision is based on several things, but primarily, the court will deem what is best for the child. TDC Family Law can assist you in creating a parenting plan, making the child custody process much easier.

Child Support

Sometimes, in a divorce case, one parent realizes that they need financial assistance to support their child once the divorce is finalized. Child support is designed to aid parents as they raise their children by dividing the costs associated with caring for a child. Often, cases involving child support can be a source of tension between the two parents. TDC Family Law can support you.

Visitation

If one parent is given sole custody, then the other parent is typically granted visitation rights, otherwise known as parenting time. A visitation order will outline the days, holidays, and special events schedule that the child will spend with the parents. It also includes specifics on who will pick up the child and drop them off.

In the case that there is concern for the child’s safety with the noncustodial parent, then visitation will be supervised. TDC Family Law can assist you in creating a parenting plan that both parents can agree on.

Divorce

Divorce can be emotionally, financially, and even physically draining to all parties involved. Splitting assets, finances, marital property, and parenting time can become complicated and overwhelming to handle. This is why having a divorce attorney on your side is so beneficial. TDC Family Law can walk you through the divorce process, making it as smooth as possible as well as making sure your rights are protected.

Spousal Support

During the divorce process, one spouse may realize that they will need financial support after the divorce. The spouse must be eligible to receive this financial support, meaning that one spouse earns a higher income than the other. Sometimes, the spousal support will begin even before the divorce has been finalized and can last for years.

In some cases, the support will last for the remainder of the spouse’s life. Determining the amount of spousal support can be complicated, which is where TDC Family Law can assist you.

Consult with Tracy Duell-Cazes, A Family Law Specialist

Tracy Duell-Cazes has been certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization and has held the role of family law specialist since 2002. She is in her 35^th year of practice and is extremely knowledgeable in handling all types of family law cases and will handle your case with care and compassion.

Rest assured that you will be working with a highly rated attorney, as she has been rated as one of the top attorneys by Super Lawyers (a service that rates lawyers from over 70 practice areas) for Northern California every year since 2009.

If you are dealing with a difficult legal issue, such as a high-conflict divorce, child custody agreement, or other family law issues, contact TDC Family Law.

ATTORNEY

Tracy Duell-Cazes

Tracy Duell-Cazes