for More Than 40 Years
Serving Ontario, California
families in divorce, child custody, property division,
and all family law matters. Our board-certified attorneys
are recognized by family court judges throughout the
Inland Empire for integrity and results.
40+ Years of Board-Certified Family Law Experience in Ontario, CA
At Haslam Perri Law Firm, Donald Glen Haslam and our
board-certified attorneys have served families throughout
San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire since 2003.
We handle divorce, child custody, child support,
property division, spousal support, and all related
family law matters, in negotiation, mediation, and
in the courtroom.
Our clients trust us because we know the family court
judges in San Bernardino County, and they know us.
Call to ask any question909-321-2223
Family Law Services in San Bernardino County expert lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Law Questions —
Answered by Ontario's Board-Certified Specialists
Get clear, honest answers to the most common family law questions in San Bernardino County. For advice specific to your situation, call us for a free consultation at 909-321-2223.
At Haslam Perri Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation with no cost and no obligation. Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case — whether it is an uncontested divorce, contested child custody matter, or high-asset property division. Call us at 909-321-2223 to discuss your specific situation and we will clearly explain your options and estimated costs.
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized — meaning no California divorce can be completed in less than six months. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all issues can be finalized relatively quickly after the waiting period ends. A contested divorce — where parties dispute property, custody, or support — can take one to three years or longer. Mediation and collaborative law can significantly reduce the timeline and cost.
Board-certified family law specialists represent the top 1% of California family law attorneys — attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, experience, and ethical standards as recognized by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. While any licensed attorney can handle family law cases, a board-certified specialist brings a higher level of expertise to complex matters involving property division, child custody, and support. Donald Glen Haslam of Haslam Perri Law Firm is board-certified in family law.
Yes. California is a community property state — meaning all assets and debts acquired during the marriage generally belong equally to both spouses and must be divided 50/50 in a divorce. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance — is not subject to division. However, the lines between community and separate property can become complex over time. Our attorneys ensure every asset is properly characterized and fairly divided.
A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and resolve financial issues without terminating the marriage — meaning neither spouse can remarry. A divorce permanently ends the marriage. Legal separation may be preferable when spouses want to retain healthcare benefits, file joint tax returns, maintain Social Security eligibility, or have religious objections to divorce. California has no residency requirement for legal separation — unlike divorce, which requires six months of state residency.
The best interests of the child is the legal standard California courts use to make all child custody and visitation decisions. Judges consider the child’s health, safety, and welfare; each parent’s relationship with the child; the child’s ties to school, community, and extended family; any history of domestic violence or substance abuse; and — for older children — the child’s own stated preferences. At Haslam Perri Law Firm, we build every custody case around this standard.
California uses the Dissomaster formula — a state-mandated software program — to calculate guideline child support. The formula considers both parents’ gross monthly income, the percentage of time each parent spends with the child, tax filing status, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and other allowable deductions. Courts are required to follow the guideline amount in most cases. Our attorneys ensure the formula is applied with accurate, complete financial data — protecting your child’s interests.
Yes. Either parent can petition San Bernardino Superior Court to modify a custody or support order when there has been a material change in circumstances — such as a significant income change, job loss, relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or a change in parenting time. Modifications are not automatic and require a formal court order. Our attorneys handle post-judgment modifications throughout San Bernardino County and Riverside County.
California law requires both spouses to fully and accurately disclose all assets and debts. Deliberately hiding assets is a serious violation — and under California Family Code Section 1101, courts may award the entire concealed asset to the other spouse as a sanction. Our attorneys work with forensic accountants to investigate bank records, business financials, and investment accounts to uncover hidden or underreported assets. If you suspect concealment, contact us immediately.
Not necessarily. Many California divorces are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law — without ever setting foot in a courtroom. When both parties can agree on property, custody, and support issues, a settlement agreement is submitted to the court for approval without a contested hearing. However, when issues cannot be resolved out of court, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to litigate in San Bernardino Superior Court on your behalf.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that determines how assets and debts will be handled in the event of divorce or death. California has strict enforceability requirements under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act — including full financial disclosure, independent legal counsel for each party, and sufficient time for review. A properly drafted prenuptial agreement is fully enforceable in California courts. Our attorneys draft and review prenuptial agreements for clients throughout the Inland Empire.
When choosing a family law attorney in Ontario, California, consider: board certification by the California State Bar (top 1% of family law attorneys); peer review ratings such as AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; local court experience in San Bernardino Superior Court; whether the firm practices exclusively in family law; and whether the attorney provides genuine individual attention. At Haslam Perri Law Firm, we meet every one of these criteria. Call 909-321-2223 for a free consultation.
Still Have Questions? We Are Here to Help.
Contact Haslam Perri Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We will clearly explain your rights and options — with no cost and no obligation.
We feel very proud for our great achievement
Since the introduction of case management, the courts and arbitration tribunals are focusing.
Joseph Tan of JLex LLC debating the advantages of recovering pure economic loss.
Schedule Your Free Consultation No Cost No Obligation
Family Law Updates for Ontario, CA Residents
Stay informed about California family law changes that may affect your divorce, custody, or support case. Subscribe for monthly updates from Haslam Perri Law Firm.