Bacosa Family Law represents clients in Calabasas and all of Los Angeles County in aspects of family law, including: mediation, divorce, joint petition divorce, cohabitation agreements, limited-scope, child custody and visitation, valuation and division of assets, spousal support, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, unbundled legal services, and related matters.

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Mediation

Mediation is a structured, voluntary process in which a neutral third party – the mediator- helps both spouses reach mutually acceptable agreements on the key issues in their divorce: propertydivision, spousal support, child custody, child support, and parenting plans

Unlike litigation, mediation puts you and your spouse in control of the outcomes. There is no judge deciding what happens to your family. Sessions are private, and the process can typically be completed in weeks rather than months or years.

Mediation works best when:

• Both parties are willing to communicate in good faith.
• You want to keep costs significantly lower than a contested divorce.
• Children are involved and you want to protect the co-parenting relationship.
• You prefer privacy over public court proceedings.
• You want control over the timleine and the final agreement

Jessica Bacosa serves as a neutral mediator for couples seeking an amicable path forward, and also provided attorney-mediation support- helping you review any mediation agreement before you sign. This process is now streamlined with the new joint petition for divorce in California. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out if mediation is the right fit for your situation.

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Joint Petition

California allows couples to begin the divorce process together by filing a joint petition — a collaborative approach that signals mutual intent and sets a constructive tone from the start. Filed using Judicial Council Form FL-700 alongside a joint summons (FL-710), this option is best suited for couples who agree on ending the marriage and want to avoid adversarial proceedings.

Starting jointly can make it significantly easier to negotiate property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. California’s mandatory six-month waiting period still applies, but the process often moves more smoothly when both parties are aligned from the outset.

If you and your spouse are on the same page, a joint petition may be the most efficient and amicable path forward. Bacosa Family Law helps couples navigate the process carefully — ensuring all required disclosures, agreements, and filings are properly prepared and submitted. Contact us today to find out if a joint petition is right for your situation.

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Cohabitation Agreement

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract between two people living together in a non-marital relationship. It defines each party’s rights and responsibilities both during the relationship and in the event of separation — providing clarity and protection that many couples don’t realize they need until it’s too late.

These agreements typically address:

• Property ownership and division — How assets acquired together will be divided if the relationship ends, including real estate and personal property
• Financial support — Whether spousal support or alimony provisions will apply if the relationship dissolves
• Estate planning — How assets will be distributed in the event of one party’s death
• Debts and liabilities — Who is responsible for obligations incurred during the relationship

Cohabitation agreements must be carefully drafted to be legally enforceable — a poorly written agreement may offer no protection at all. Bacosa Family Law has the expertise to draft a thorough, enforceable agreement tailored to your relationship. Contact us today to protect yourself and your partner before a problem arises.

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Child Custody

Child custody in California determines the legal and physical care arrangements for your children following a divorce or separation. California courts recognize two distinct types:

Legal custody grants the right to make major decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, and overall welfare. Courts often award joint legal custody to both parents — unless one is deemed unfit — ensuring both have a voice in their child’s upbringing.

Physical custody governs where your child lives and who provides day-to-day care. Sole physical custody places that responsibility with one parent, while joint physical custody divides it through a shared parenting schedule. In all cases, the court’s guiding principle is the best interest of the child.

Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged legal matters a parent can face — and the outcome shapes your child’s future. Bacosa Family Law brings focused experience and genuine compassion to every custody case. We take the time to understand your family’s unique circumstances and craft a legal strategy built around your child’s well-being. Don’t leave something this important to chance. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you reach n outcome that puts your child first.

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Child Support

Child support in California is a legal obligation shared by both parents to ensure their children maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage or domestic partnership.

California courts apply a guideline formula that weighs each parent’s income, the number of children, and the time each parent spends with them. Additional needs — healthcare, education, and childcare costs — are also factored in. Support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent and continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. Children with special needs may qualify for support beyond that point. Support orders can also be modified if there is a significant change in either parent’s circumstances, such as a shift in income or cost of living.

Child support calculations can be complex, and the stakes are high. Bacosa Family Law has the knowledge and care to protect your children’s financial future — whether you’re establishing an order for the first time, seeking a modification, or enforcing an existing obligation. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you secure a fair outcome for your children.

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Divorce

Divorce — formally called “dissolution of marriage” in California — is the legal process of ending a marriage. To file, at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and intend to end the marriage. California is a no-fault state, meaning neither party must prove wrongdoing. If the marriage is no longer working, either spouse may file.

The process begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution, which is then served on the other spouse. If both parties agree on property division, asset distribution, and child custody, a joint petition may be filed. If disputes remain, the case may proceed through discovery, negotiation, and potentially trial — where a judge decides on unresolved terms. California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period before any divorce is finalized.

Divorce is one of the most significant legal and financial transitions you’ll face. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, Bacosa Family Law brings the practical guidance and personal attention to guide you through every stage with clarity and confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward your next chapter.

Spousal Support

Spousal support — commonly known as alimony — is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce, designed to help the receiving spouse maintain their marital standard of living while working toward financial independence.

California courts use a guideline formula that considers the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, age, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Support is generally temporary and may be modified or terminated upon remarriage, cohabitation with a new partner, or a significant change in either party’s financial circumstances.

Bacosa Family Law brings particular depth to spousal support cases — including extensive experience representing clients who believe their spouse has hidden assets or income. If you suspect financial concealment, that expertise can be the difference between a fair outcome and one that leaves you shortchanged. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the support you’re entitled to.

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Unbundled / Limited-Scope Services

Not every legal matter requires full representation — and not every client needs to hand over their entire case to an attorney. Attorney Jessica Bacosa offers unbundled legal services, allowing you to get expert help for the specific parts of your case where you need it most, while handling the rest yourself.

These services can include document preparation, single court appearances, or strategic consultations for clients who prefer to remain self-represented. This approach works especially well in simpler divorces with only one or two contested issues, helping you control costs without sacrificing quality where it counts.

If you’re considering self-representation but want the confidence of having an experienced family law attorney in your corner for key moments, contact us to schedule a free consultation and find out exactly how we can support you.

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