Castruita Law represents parents and spouses in Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Riverside through divorce, custody, support and domestic violence cases. Attorney Monique Castruita Galvan was a social worker before she was a lawyer. She knows the Family Code, and she knows what your family is going through.
Pick whatever fits. The chart redraws in the same notation Monique used as a social worker, and you’ll see which kinds of cases apply to you. Nothing you choose here is saved or sent.
Social workers map families with genograms: squares and circles for people, lines for the ties between them. Monique drew them for years before law school. Every case below changes one of those lines, and her job is to make sure the change protects you and your children.
Contested and uncontested divorce, legal separation, and dividing property and debt, including high-asset divorces. California is a no-fault state, so the real work is sorting community property from separate property and reaching a fair settlement.
Legal and physical custody, parenting plans, visitation schedules, enforcement and modifications. The court decides on your child’s best interests, and every plan Monique proposes starts there too.
Calculating support, requesting it, enforcing it, and changing it when income or circumstances change. For spousal support the court weighs each person’s income, the length of the marriage and earning capacity.
Emergency protective orders, domestic violence restraining orders, safe-exit planning, and representation at the hearing.
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First the absent parent’s rights are ended, then the adoption itself, usually heard within 60 days. Family and friends are welcome at that hearing.
When parents can’t care for a child: guardianship of the person, with full custody and decision-making, or of the estate, managing a child’s money and property until 18.
When Child Protective Services is involved. Call before you talk to the social worker. Officials have far more latitude here than in family court.
Freeing a child from a parent who left without support or contact, under California Family Code sections 7820 to 7829. Often the first step of a step-parent adoption.
Settling outside court with a team: an attorney for each side, a financial advisor and a mental health professional. Monique is collaboratively trained.
Establishing parentage, prenuptial agreements, wills, trusts and probate, and name changes.
Family law attorney. Former clinical social worker.
Monique spent years working with children and families inside the government systems that decide where kids live and who looks after them, first as a social worker and then as a law clerk. She holds a Master’s in Social Work, and she has been doing this work for more than 15 years.
That history is why her practice looks at the whole family. She understands the emotional weight of a custody fight as well as the law behind it, and she builds each strategy around what your family actually needs.
Outside the office she coaches high school mock trial and volunteers with the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Project.
From people Monique represented in family and probate cases.
“Monique was a true advocate for my family during a very difficult time. Her understanding and compassion made all the difference.”
“Navigating custody issues was incredibly challenging, but Monique’s expertise and support made it manageable. I can’t thank her enough!”
“I felt empowered throughout the entire process. Monique took the time to listen to my concerns and provided personalized strategies that really worked for me.”
“From the initial consultation to the final resolution, Monique was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my family’s well-being.”
These testimonials and endorsements are not a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of your legal matter.
Plain-language guides to California family law from Castruita Law.
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Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline answers any time at 1-800-799-7233.
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