ABOUT GERARD A. FIERRO
For more than 25 years, Gerard A. Fierro has represented clients in a wide range of complex family law matters in Los Angeles.
Mr. Fierro provides quality and effective representation in matters involving Divorce, Child Custody and move-away situations, complex property divisions, modification of Child Support and spousal support, Establish Paternity and paternity testing, domestic violence, domestic partnerships, and division of marital assets.
Mr. Fierro has offices to meet with his clients in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, Sherman Oaks and other convenient locations.
The firm practices in all California State Courts, including Los Angeles, Chatsworth, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Torrance, Glendale, Burbank and Lancaster. The firm's attorneys provide intelligent and aggressive enforcement of your legal rights.
Gerard A. Fierro has been representing clients in family law matters for more than 25 years.
Mr. Fierro is a graduate of the USC Law Center (1988) and holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting with Distinction.
Admitted to California State Bar, Federal District and Appellate Courts, 9th Circuit in 1988.
Education: University of Southern California Law Center (J.D.,1988).
Memberships: Wilshire Bar Association Pasadena Bar Association American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists Italian American Lawyers Association American Bar Association
“Mr. Fierro was understanding and supportive throughout my divorce case. He was also quick in responding to any questions or concerns I had. He is affordable as well as dependable. He is a great listener and adviser.”
California Family Law
California Divorce Proceedings
The process of divorce in California is known as a "Marital Dissolution." Dissolution of marriage is one of three ways to terminate a marriage in California. Another way to terminate a marriage is by an annulment. The parties to a marital dissolution action are the "petitioner" and the "respondent." The petitioner is the spouse who files the Petition for Dissolution. The "Respondent" spouse must be served a copy of the Petition along with other documents. Generally, the respondent has 30 days to respond to the Petition.
A marital dissolution proceeding will ultimately result in a "Judgment"" entered by the court. The judgment sets forth orders which resolve the issue of your case. Usually, issues in the Judgement include child custody, visitation, support, and division of assets and debts. A judgment can be obtained by "default" if the "respondent" after service does not respond to the Petition. The spouses may also decide to agree to the contents of the Judgment. If no agreement is reached, the issues will be decided by the Court after a trial.
In California, a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage can not be entered until six months and one day from the earlier of when the Respondent was either served or filed a Response to the Petition.
Child Custody and Visitation
The courts may intervene if the parents in a divorce or paternity action are unable to agree upon the upbringing of a child. In California, such an action is designated as dealing with custody and visitation. Increasingly, this type of action is referred to as developing a "parenting plan". Traditional preferences for paternal or maternal custody for children of particular ages have largely been eliminated. The law assumes that the mother and father are potentially equally capable of providing for the needs of the child.
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Firm Services
The firm practices in all California State Courts, including Los Angeles, Chatsworth, Pasadena, Lancaster, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Torrance, Long Beach, and Pomona. The firm's attorneys provide intelligent and aggressive enforcement of your legal rights.
Family Law
Family law is the branch of law that deals with many of the issues relating to families, including divorce, paternity, and domestic partnership cases. Each of these cases is as individual and unique as the people who have come to the Court. However, the Court may not be aware of the important and legally significant facts that each judge must have in order to make a fair decision regarding the specific issues relating to the parties in each case.
Divorce Law
Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. The choice to seek marital dissolution can be a difficult decision, especially when children are involved. The Los Angeles divorce lawyers at Fierro Law hope to make it easier for you and your children. We represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorce. At Fierro Law our family law attorneys in Los Angeles listen to you and answer all of your questions.
Child Custody
A Los Angeles child custody lawyer can help determine if specific factors will have a role in determining child custody in the state of California. Children have the right to enjoy time with both parents, provided they are safe and cared for in the appropriate manner. Many aspects of your child’s care are up for negotiation during the divorce process, and when it comes to custody the issues fall into two broad categories of legal custody and physical custody.
Child Support
The lawmakers in California believe that every child has the right to be financially supported by both parents if at all possible. Child custody, support, and visitation issues are often the core of the divorce litigation and settlement. An experienced Los Angeles child support attorney can assist you in making sense of the confusion that goes along with child support guidelines, financial affidavits, income withholding orders and more.
Paternity
While the identity of a child's biological mother is usually known, the father's identity may not always be as certain. Legal matters relating to paternity testing, child custody and visitation rights for fathers are often emotional and contentious. Whether you need help legally compelling a person to take a DNA test or want to reverse a voluntary declaration of paternity you signed, it's important to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable.
Domestic Partnerships
Same-sex couples can register as domestic partners and receive rights such as hospital visitation privileges. A domestic partnership in California is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples. It affords the couple “the same rights, protections, and benefits, and…the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law…” as married spouses. Call if with any legal questions or concerns.
Prenuptial Agreements
California is a community property state, which means that in the event of a divorce, all marital property is subjected to asset division. A prenuptial agreement may not be something you and your soon to be spouse want to think about, but it is an important and helpful legal tool that can provide you both peace of mind and assurance. A prenuptial agreement can offer stability and protection of your assets should divorce or death occur.
Alimony & Spousal Support
The court may order monthly payments by one spouse to support the other spouse pending a divorce or legal separation. Formerly referred to as alimony, spousal support may continue after the conclusion of the divorce, depending on factors outlined in Section 4320 of the California Family Code. Spousal support is awarded in addition to any child support.
Testimonials
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“Mr. Fierro provided me with quick and competent assistance in finalizing my divorce. He was able to negotiate a fair settlement and keep my fees low. Thank you for helping me through a difficult time.
Divorce Case "Mr. Fierro was understanding and supportive throughout my divorce case. He was also quick in responding to any questions or concerns I had. He is affordable as well as dependable. He is a great listener and adviser. Also very efficient and professional. I highly recommend him for all legal needs.
Hired Attorney
- Mona -Law Offices of Gerard Fierro is the best! "I was very impressed with the care and detail. Mr. Fierro took with my complicated family law case. I came to the office very anxious, stressed and defeated.His staff was understanding, courteous and efficient He crafted a strong case in my favor. and my results were very surprisingly successful. There is nothing more important to your peace of mind when it comes to your children and Mr. Fierro made the whole frightening process bearable, I never dreamed I could have my life back. He is a lifesaver!Thank you Law Offices of Gerard Fierro!!!!
Hired Attorney
- Melinda -Gerard Fierro Did Excellent Work With My Divorce "A divorce is a tough experience to go through. Having an attorney gives you good advice, let you know the process, and set your expectations properly is invaluable. Even after my divorce was finally completed and filed, I turned to Gerard F several times, not only for divorce-related matters but also for other referrals. I will continue to work with him and would recommend this attorney to other people.
Hired Attorney
- Walt -5 Star Attorney "Mr. Fierro is a consummate professional. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, smart, and reasonable. He has represented me well for many years in two separate volatile custody cases and a divorce. While the other parties attorney tried numerous unethical tactics and showed no regard for professional conduct, Mr. Fierro maintained his professionalism at all times and prevailed because of his knowledge of the law. I highly and confidently recommend him to anyone facing custody or divorce issues.
Hired Attorney
- Jeff -“I have never had to use a lawyer. Mr Fierro does at great job of explaining the process. he sets realistic expectations and never sugar coats anything. He is always available and outlines clear instructions on what I needed to do. I am extremely happy with his performance and would recommend him to anyone that is needing to go thru this process. I never wanted to go thru the process but Mr Fierro is the best and most professional in his field. He sets the right path in order to achieve success. This is clearly demonstrated with his knowledge of the courts and law. He could have chosen all sorts of options for my case, but he chose a wise conservative path that ultimately achieved its desired goal. Mr Fierro was there for me when i needed him the most. He is honest and trustworthy and I would not have expected less. If you are looking for an attorney, There are thousands out there that can represent you. But there is only 1 that can walk you thru and do an outstanding job of representing you and your best interests. Good Job Mr Fierro. I really appreciate all of your hard work and compassion for everything you have done for me."
“Mr. Fierro was a referral when I was completely desperate for help in a Family Law matter. I am amazed and disgusted by the level of lying and dishonesty in Family Court. I am also amazed by Mr. Fierro's integrity in this corrupt system. Mr. Fierro is an officer of integrity and dignity. Mr. Fierro returned every phone call and answered every email promptly. Mr. Fierro's ability to understand, memorize, and argue my case in court was top-notch. I have reread my court case of 2011 several times. Mr. Fierro's representation was tenacious, accurate, timely, and completely truthful. Mr. Fierro helped me methodically attack and expose the lies that were highly unfavorable for me. My case was dismissed within two months and the fight for my children never occurred. Mr. Fierro well understood my priorities and my predicament. Mr. Fierro remains my first line of defense in legal matters."
“Mr. Fierro is one of the best attorneys I have ever hired. Aside from being an expert in the field of family law, he is a kind and respectful man and is a pleasure to talk to. I would recommend Mr. Fierro to anyone who needs help in Family Law and who wants positive results.”