Expertise
Family Law
Family law cases often involve sensitive, complex issues, such as custody, support, division of assets, divorce, separation, and protective orders that require careful guidance and thoughtful representation.
At Riley Khorram, we realize family law matters often involve complex and deeply personal issues that affect every aspect of a client’s life. The firm represents individuals in cases involving child custody and support, visitation, spousal support and alimony, and the division of assets. Our practice also includes dissolution and divorce, legal separation, prenuptial agreements, domestic violence, and restraining orders, paternity matters, domestic partnerships, and stepparent adoptions, all handled with care, discretion, and a focus on protecting clients’ rights and families.
FAQs
How is custody determined in California courts?
If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may decide. A judge will consider factors such as the child’s age, health, emotional bonds, stability at home and school, each parent’s ability to provide care, and any history of violence or substance abuse, with the final decision based on the child’s best interests.
How is custody determined in California courts?
If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may decide. A judge will consider factors such as the child’s age, health, emotional bonds, stability at home and school, each parent’s ability to provide care, and any history of violence or substance abuse, with the final decision based on the child’s best interests.
How do I prepare for a divorce in California?
Divorce involves important decisions that affect your finances, children, and future. Speaking with an experienced divorce attorney can help you understand the impact and approach the process thoughtfully, with your financial records and key marriage details prepared from the start.
How long does a divorce in California typically take to finalize?
The length of a divorce varies based on the case’s complexity and the level of cooperation between the parties. In California, state law requires a minimum six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
How is my property split during a divorce?
In California, property division follows community property rules, which generally means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split equally. That said, every situation is unique, and factors like prenuptial agreements or the specifics of your marriage can affect how property is ultimately divided.
Am I able to get sole custody of my child?
Courts focus on what’s best for the children above all else, which usually means encouraging both parents to stay actively involved in their lives. If a parent is shown to pose a serious risk to a child’s health or well-being, the court may limit or, in rare cases, limit that parent’s custody rights, allowing the other parent to have sole custody.
Is age of the child a factor when considering custody?
California courts may take a child’s wishes into account when deciding custody or visitation, as long as the child is mature enough to express a thoughtful preference. Generally, children age 14 or older are allowed to share their views with the court, unless the judge determines that doing so would not be in the child’s best interests. If the court decides not to hear from the child, it must explain that decision on the record.
DCFS-Related Issues
Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) legal matters involve investigations into alleged child abuse or neglect and may lead to court actions such as child removal, foster care placement, or termination of parental rights. These cases can raise appellate issues, and may involve the representation of parents, relatives, and foster parents at all stages of proceedings.
Child welfare cases are some of the most complex and emotionally charged legal matters families can face. Department of Children and Family Services (“DCFS”) investigations and dependency proceedings can be overwhelming and deeply personal, often involving allegations that place families at risk of separation and long-term consequences. These matters may include child removal, foster care placement decisions, and challenges to agency findings, all while parents and caregivers work to protect their rights and their children’s well-being.
Riley Khorram represents parents, relatives, and foster parents across a wide array of child welfare law issues. We guide families through every stage of the process, advocating for fair treatment, due process, and accountability when agencies fail to follow required procedures. Our practice also includes representing parents and caregivers whose rights, voices, and placements are too often overlooked in dependency proceedings.
Riley Khorram assists clients challenging Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) listings, which can arise from DCFS findings and have serious, lasting consequences for employment, licensing, and family life. These cases require strategic advocacy to contest unjust allegations and protect clients from wrongful inclusion in the registry.
Riley Khorram also represents clients in Community Care Licensing (CCL) hearings, Resource Family Approval (RFA) hearings and other administrative hearings related to DCFS, foster care, licensing and adoptions.
FAQs
How do I defend myself in a DCFS (social services) investigation?
How do I defend myself in a DCFS (social services) investigation?
How do I get my name removed from the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI)?
What should I do if my Resource Family Approval or licensing is denied or rescinded?
Juvenile Dependency
Juvenile dependency cases address situations where children cannot safely stay with their parents due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or serious parental challenges such as substance abuse or mental health issues.
Juvenile dependency law is not about punishing parents; it exists to protect children. It is a civil process, not a criminal one, in which the court may temporarily intervene when a child is believed to be at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. While the experience can feel overwhelming for families, the system is designed to provide structure, services, and support, with the goal of keeping families together whenever it is safe to do so. At its core, juvenile dependency law prioritizes child safety first and reunification whenever possible. Courts typically work with parents through a clear case plan to address concerns and help children safely return home.
Throughout this process, parents have important constitutional rights, including the right to legal representation, and understanding those rights can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a case. Juvenile dependency proceedings also deeply impact foster parents, who play a critical role in providing stability, care, and advocacy for children during uncertain times. Foster parents have legal rights and a voice in the process, and ensuring those rights are protected is essential to achieving outcomes that truly serve a child’s best interests. Riley Khorram guides families and foster parents through every stage of juvenile dependency proceedings with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy. We help parents understand the process and protect their rights, while also supporting foster parents in being heard and respected, always with the shared goal of promoting safety, stability, and the best possible future for the children involved.
FAQs
What can prompt a DCFS investigation?
A DCFS investigation usually starts when the agency receives a report of possible child abuse or neglect through a statewide hotline. Anyone can make a report, and certain professionals—such as doctors, teachers, and others who work with children—are legally required to do so. The hotline worker will ask specific questions about the concerns raised, and based on that information, DCFS will decide whether to open an investigation.
What happens after DCFS takes my kids?
Do I have to hire my own attorney?
How do I get my kids back?
Estate Planning
An estate plan helps protect your interests and your loved ones by addressing important decisions about the future. While planning ahead can feel overwhelming, having a clear plan in place brings peace of mind and comfort for you and your family.
Riley Khorram offers comprehensive estate planning, with a particular emphasis on trust planning to help clients protect what matters most. We guide individuals and families through the creation of trusts designed to avoid probate, reduce taxes, and provide long-term security for loved ones, all while preparing for the future with clarity and confidence. In addition to trusts, the firm assists with drafting wills to ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes, establishing powers of attorney to manage financial matters in the event of incapacity, and putting advance and health care directives in place so medical preferences are clearly documented and respected.
Riley Khorram works closely with each client and their family, offering thoughtful guidance and personalized solutions that provide lasting peace of mind.
FAQs
What can prompt a DCFS investigation?
A DCFS investigation usually starts when the agency receives a report of possible child abuse or neglect through a statewide hotline. Anyone can make a report, and certain professionals—such as doctors, teachers, and others who work with children—are legally required to do so. The hotline worker will ask specific questions about the concerns raised, and based on that information, DCFS will decide whether to open an investigation.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that protect your assets and clearly define how your medical, financial, and property matters will be handled if you become incapacitated or after your passing.
Do I need a high net worth to have an estate plan?
Estate planning isn’t about having a certain net worth; it’s about ensuring your assets are handled the way you want, during periods of incapacity and also after your passing. Additionally, it allows you to name guardians for minor children, avoid unnecessary probate, and declare your medical wishes.
What is the difference between a will and a trust in California?
Will: States how your property should be distributed. Without a revocable trust, assets passed through a will must go through probate, where a court oversees the process. Guardianship for minor children is established through a will or pour-over will.
Revocable Trust (aka Living Trust): Holds your assets under a trustee’s control and allows them to pass to beneficiaries without probate court involvement and cost. Additionally, it allows the trustee to manage assets held in the trust during a period of incapacity.
Pour-Over Will: Acts as a safety net for assets not placed into a trust and should align with your overall plan.
How does a living trust help avoid probate?
A living trust lets assets pass privately and directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. When properly funded, it avoids probate, reduces delays and costs, and keeps your financial information confidential.
What should I do if a life change requires me to modify my current estate plan?
Review core estate planning documents.
Make legal updates properly.
- Amend your will with a codicil
- Amend your trust (or restate if needed)
- Properly sign, witness, and notarize documentes
Update beneficiaries.
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Payable/transfer-on-death accounts
Remember: beneficiary designations typically override your trust and will.
When should I update my estate plan?
Common reasons to review and update your plan include:
- Marriage or remarriage
- Divorce or legal separation
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary or fiduciary (executor, trustee, guardian)
- Significant changes in financial circumstances
- Moving to a new state (laws vary by state)
- Changes in tax laws
Estate Administration
Estate administration involves handling the practical steps needed to settle an estate, including identifying assets, paying debts and expenses, and distributing property to the appropriate beneficiaries.
At Riley Khorram, we guide clients through every step of estate administration, ensuring the decedent’s wishes are carried out smoothly and efficiently. This can include private administration, such as a successor trustee managing and distributing trust assets according to the terms of the trust. In other cases, court involvement may be required, and a probate court oversees the administration of the estate. Whether handled privately or through probate, we work to ensure orderly asset management, debt resolution, and distribution to beneficiaries in accordance with the law and the decedent’s intent.
FAQs
California estate administration vs probate: What's difference?
A DCFS investigation usually starts when the agency receives a report of possible child abuse or neglect through a statewide hotline. Anyone can make a report, and certain professionals—such as doctors, teachers, and others who work with children—are legally required to do so. The hotline worker will ask specific questions about the concerns raised, and based on that information, DCFS will decide whether to open an investigation.
How long does trust administration take in California?
It’s usually a lengthy process — often taking a year or more, so be prepared and stay patient. Settling a trust requires time and persistence. You should also strongly consider seeking professional guidance for trust administration in California by working with an experienced trusts and estates law firm.
What is required of a successor trustee after someone dies?
Trust administration in California is a detailed process requiring adherence to both the trust’s specifications and state law. Many find this process much more manageable with an experienced California trust attorney to navigate it with them. Regardless of whether you hire an attorney, here are some key facts and steps you need to keep in mind. Review our detailed trust administration checklist.
Will my mom and dad's house be reassessed after they pass away?
The property tax situation in California was dramatically altered by the passage of the landmark California tax Proposition 19 in November 2020, which went into effect February 16, 2021. Under Prop 19, the only Prop 13 tax base that can be transferred to your children is that of your principal residence to your child—and then your child themselves must live on the property as their principal residence. If that’s not enough, your home may be partially or entirely reassessed if its value exceeds $1M. Make an appointment to discuss strategies to avoid a potential reassessment.
Family Law • Juvenile Dependency • Estate Planning
Serving Long Beach, Los Angeles & Orange Counties
