DIVORCE
Experiencing a divorce can be one of the most challenging and transformative periods in a person's life, often bringing emotional and financial challenges. However, it also marks the start of a new and potentially happier chapter for individuals who need to end their marriages. With this perspective, my role is to assist my clients in navigating the legal complexities of divorce, helping them to emerge with their emotional and financial well-being intact. As with all my cases, I strive to resolve divorce matters amicably whenever possible.
California as a No-Fault Divorce State
Why Hire a Divorce Attorney?
MEDIATION
Mediation is becoming a favored approach for couples looking to resolve family law disputes amicably, without the stress and expense of going to court. As a mediator, my role is not to take sides but to serve as a neutral facilitator and educator, assisting both parties in understanding standard court procedures and outcomes. I help them find the most equitable and sensible solutions for resolving all aspects of their divorce and child custody issues. While I do not make decisions for the couple, I provide guidance to empower them to make informed decisions independently. Additionally, my firm is equipped to handle all necessary family law documents and draft the terms of divorce and child custody agreements as required.
PATERNITY
Unmarried couples in California who have children and do not marry are subject to the state's paternity laws. A paternity action involves court proceedings that determine the father's paternity, if necessary, and address issues of child custody, visitation, and child support. The court can also decide on related matters, such as property disputes and restraining orders. Paternity actions can be settled through mutual agreement, eliminating the need for court appearances. My approach in all cases, including paternity cases, is to seek resolution through agreement whenever possible.
PRE-MARITAL LEGAL COUNSELING
Many of my clients who are going through a divorce often express surprise at how easy and relatively inexpensive it is to get married compared to the challenging and costly process of getting divorced. The reality is that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. While no one enters a marriage expecting it to end this way, it’s crucial for everyone getting married to understand how their legal rights and responsibilities might be affected. Unfortunately, most people do not seek pre-marital legal advice about their separate and community property rights, or how their actions during the marriage could impact those rights in ways they might not anticipate or even consider possible.
PRE-DIVORCE LEGAL COUNSELING
If you are considering separating from your spouse, it is crucial to obtain an accurate legal assessment of your situation and explore the options available for resolving your issues effectively. Clients who come in for pre-divorce legal counseling often leave my office feeling more at ease, with less worry about potential worst-case scenarios that are unlikely to happen. Some people who consult with me even resolve their differences with their spouse through counseling. I help my clients understand their legal circumstances and the available alternatives, empowering them to make informed decisions that are best for them and their families.
ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE
Unlike a judgment for the dissolution of marriage, which recognizes the legal end of a marriage, a judgment of nullity of marriage, or annulment, means that the marriage is treated as if it never legally existed. In California, obtaining a judgment of nullity requires proving specific statutory grounds. This differs from a no-fault dissolution of marriage, where no such proof is necessary. The most common ground for annulment is fraud, where one party was deceived into entering the marriage. Other grounds include incest, bigamy, coercion, inability to consummate the marriage due to physical incapacity, mental incompetence, and being underage at the time of marriage.
LEGAL SEPARATION
Some people who separate from their spouse may choose not to obtain a divorce for various reasons, but they want more than just a physical separation. In these cases, they can pursue a Judgment of legal separation from the Court. This means they are still legally married but have a court decree that establishes their legal separation status. Similar to a Judgment of dissolution of marriage, a Judgment of legal separation is based on a no-fault approach, stating that the parties have “irreconcilable differences” and have decided to live apart. In a legal separation proceeding, the Court can address all the same issues it would in a divorce, such as child custody and visitation, child support, and more.
DIVORCE CASES SETTLED BY AGREEMENT
If a case can be resolved through negotiation without requiring my client or me to appear in court, the total cost for the client will be significantly lower than if multiple court appearances are necessary. My primary objective has always been to resolve my clients’ cases efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively while achieving the best possible outcome for them. I take pride in successfully settling the vast majority of my clients' cases through agreements. Through expert negotiation, we can often reach a fair and reasonable settlement.
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Settle Family Law Disputes as Peacefully and Quickly As Possible.
