A Trusted Torrance Family Law Attorney Focused on the Facts That Matter
Divorce, custody disputes, and other family law matters are rarely just legal problems. They touch your children, your home, your finances, and your sense of what comes next.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by how much is happening at once, and by how much seems to be riding on decisions you’re being asked to make quickly.
You may already know exactly what you want for your family. What’s harder to know is what the court actually needs to see, how quickly certain decisions have to be made, and how to present your position so it holds up.
That’s where the right guidance early on makes the biggest difference.
Roger Rombro and Melinda Manley are both Certified Family Law Specialists, a credential granted by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization to attorneys who pass a written exam, demonstrate substantial family law experience, and are favorably evaluated by judges and peers in the field. Together, they bring more than five decades of combined experience representing Torrance families, along with firsthand insight into how these matters are actually evaluated in court.
Clear guidance now makes the road ahead easier to navigate. Contact Rombro & Manley LLP to schedule a consultation and find out where things stand.
Family Law Matters We Handle for Torrance Families
We represent Torrance families across the full range of family law matters, including:
Divorce and legal separation: Representation in uncontested matters as well as complex and high-asset dissolutions
Child custody and visitation: Parenting plans, initial custody orders, visitation disputes, and requests to modify existing orders
Child and spousal support: Establishing, reviewing, and enforcing support obligations
Domestic violence restraining orders: Representation for people seeking protection and for those responding to restraining order allegations
Paternity and parentage actions: Establishing legal parentage and resolving disputes over parental rights and responsibilities
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: Drafting and reviewing agreements designed to address financial rights and obligations before or during marriage
If your circumstances involve issues beyond these matters, we can evaluate the situation and explain how those issues may affect your case. Family law disputes often overlap, and addressing one issue may require understanding how it affects another.
What Is at Stake in a Torrance Divorce or Custody Case
Family court orders can affect your finances, your relationship with your children, and your responsibilities for years. A custody decision, for example, is based on specific factors established by California law rather than on which parent presents the stronger personal argument.
Under California Family Code Section 3011, courts considering custody must evaluate the health, safety, and welfare of the child, the nature and amount of contact with each parent, and other relevant factors, including certain circumstances involving abuse.
That makes preparation important. Your parenting history, financial records, communications, and other evidence should support the position you are asking the court to adopt. We can help you identify the information that matters, address weaknesses in the case, and prepare the evidence and legal arguments before the hearing.
How We Prepare Your Case for the Torrance Courthouse
Family law cases require more than completing forms and appearing on a hearing date. The court needs organized information that allows the judge to understand the issues, the relevant facts, and the orders you are asking the court to make.
The Torrance Courthouse is part of the Los Angeles Superior Court and serves family law matters for Torrance and communities throughout the South Bay.
We begin by developing a detailed understanding of your finances, parenting history, and the issues in dispute. We then use that information to prepare the filings, evidence, and arguments your case requires.
If mediation offers a practical way to resolve the dispute, we can pursue that option. If the matter cannot be resolved outside court, we prepare to advocate for you before a judge.
Roger Rombro’s experience includes serving as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County and as a Judge Pro Tempore in the Los Angeles Municipal Court. That experience provides a perspective shaped by time both advocating for clients and viewing cases from the bench, which informs how we prepare a case we bring before a judge.
FAQs About Family Laws in Torrance and the South Bay
What happens at my first family law hearing in Torrance?
The purpose of your first hearing depends on the type and stage of your case. The court may address temporary custody, support, property, or other issues while the case is pending. We help you understand what the hearing will address and prepare the necessary paperwork and evidence beforehand.
How is child custody decided in California?
California courts consider the child’s health, safety, and welfare along with other factors established by law. These can include each parent’s relationship with the child and certain circumstances involving abuse. We can help you present the facts and evidence relevant to those considerations.
How is spousal support calculated in a Torrance divorce?
The court may consider factors including each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the length of the marriage, the marital standard of living, and other circumstances identified by California law. The appropriate support amount depends on the facts of the case, so accurate financial information is important.
How long does a divorce take in Los Angeles County?
California has a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. That does not mean every divorce takes only six months. Cases involving disputes over custody, support, property, or other issues can take longer to resolve.
Do I need a lawyer if my spouse and I already agree on everything?
You are not required to have an attorney to complete an uncontested divorce. However, a settlement can establish binding rights and obligations, so it is important to understand what you are agreeing to before signing. We can review an agreement and identify issues that may need attention before it is filed.
What does it cost to hire a family law attorney in Torrance?
The cost depends on the issues involved, how much the parties disagree, the complexity of the finances, and how much work the case requires. We discuss fees and the expected scope of representation during the consultation so you can make an informed decision about moving forward.
Can a custody order be changed after it is issued?
A custody order may be modified when the legal requirements for modification are met and circumstances support a change. The appropriate standard and procedure depend on the type of order and the facts of the case. We can review an existing order and explain what options may be available.
What is a Certified Family Law Specialist, and why does it matter?
A Certified Family Law Specialist has met the State Bar of California’s requirements for specialization in family law, including substantial experience, education, and examination requirements. Both Roger Rombro and Melinda Manley hold this certification.
How do I get started?
Contact Rombro & Manley LLP to schedule a consultation. We can review the issues affecting your family, explain the legal considerations, and discuss the options available to you.
Talk to a Torrance Family Law Attorney About Your Case
You don’t have to wait for a hearing date to start understanding your options. The earlier you have a clear picture of where your case stands, the more room you have to make decisions on your own terms rather than under pressure from an approaching deadline. Contact our Torrance family law attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation and take that next step.
I had to let my first two attorneys go because they were less than impressive- I often felt neglected and the process had been disappointing and exhausting. Thank goodness someone I respect referred me to Melinda! I knew that Melinda had quite a record of success going into this, and…
- Whitney R.
I was referred to MeLinda from a friend because my first attorney was not reliable. MeLinda's team was EXCELLENT! From her file clerk, accounting to supporting attorney, Veronica Woods . They answered all my questions, filed ALL discoveries on time and defended my case with personal interest. With the success…
- Renee L.
ROMBRO & MANLEY LLP When searching for a skilled lawyer, knowledge of the subject matter is key. You will not find anyone more educated and informed than Roger and Melinda. They own the client's problem and engender a belief that they will do everything possible to help their client succeed.…
- Brooke F.
I was falsely accused of civil harassment by my boyfriend's malicious ex-wife, so I hired Melinda to defend me. At the hearing my testimony and that of my accuser were almost identical; the facts of the case were undisputed. When the other side rested, Melinda simply stood, addressed the court…
- Susie
Melinda helped me through the most difficult time in my life, a custody dispute. After years of being separated and having a good relationship with my ex, I suddenly found myself in need of an attorney to fight for my kids, for what they wanted, and Melinda was the perfect…
- Lance D.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Take Control of What’s Next
Our firm provides decisive guidance and a clear path forward.
Although we provide the breadth of family law services offered by a large law firm, we are committed to handling each case with the care and personal attention offered by a small firm.
To schedule your initial consultation with an experienced California attorney, contact us online or by phone at 310-545-1900.
We Are Ready To Help You
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Location
3405 North Sepulveda Boulevard,
Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Get Directions