Practice
Divorce
Divorce is the dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or have recently been served papers by your spouse, I will be by your side throughout the process. Together, we will determine how to achieve the best possible outcome. As your strongest advocate, I will guide you through the legal process and assist you with distribution of assets, alimony, child support and, most important, the creation of a parenting plan.
Spousal support
During the divorce process, I will work to ensure that returning to single status enables you to continue enjoying the lifestyle you deserve. After all, ending a marriage should never result in the end of security. You can be confident that with me in your corner, you will receive a fair alimony settlement.
Child custody
While going through a divorce can be stressful for parents, I understand that it can often be far more difficult for children. That’s why I am committed to finding solutions that prevent children from becoming victims of the process. I am committed to resolving matters in a way that shields children from conflict and lays a solid foundation upon which to build stronger family bonds for the future.
Child support
For children without two parents in a committed and caring relationship, it is natural to feel like something important is being taken away from them. One of my greatest strengths is making sure that parents meet their responsibilities to their children. I am here to make sure that they receive the financial support they need to have a comfortable upbringing and that their needs are met now and into the future.
Paternity
Raising a child today is an incredible responsibility. For a single parent, however, raising a child is an even bigger challenge. Filing a paternity case is one way for you to get the assistance you and your child deserve. I will help you along the path to establishing legal parentage and work to ensure that the court issues custody and child support orders that satisfy your family’s needs. My deep understanding of this issue makes me equally well prepared to use my strength to help men respond to paternity claims in a manner that is both effective and respectful of the situation.
Mediation
In California, parents who are separating must attempt to resolve matters of their children’s legal and physical custody before the court issues orders. This is called mediation and is handled through Family Court Services. During this process you need a strong advocate on your side to make sure your rights and the rights of your child are protected. Since this is a time when many decisions must be made despite the fact that relationships are strained, it’s important that you have someone on your side that can understand and effectively communicate your wishes during the mediation session. When handled well, mediation is faster, more cost-effective and less stressful than a trial.
Restraining orders
If you are a victim of domestic violence by someone with whom you have a close personal relationship, please let me use my strength to help you obtain a restraining order. This is an important first step in breaking the cycle of abuse and the sooner we take action, the better. What is considered abuse? The Domestic Violence Prevention Act defines it as any of the following:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury
- Sexual assault
- Placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another
- Engaging in behavior that could result in criminal charges, including molesting, attacking, striking, stalking, threatening, battering, harassing, telephoning, destroying personal property, contacting the other by mail or otherwise and disturbing the peace of the other party
If you have any doubt about whether or not you can ask for a restraining order, DO NOT HESITATE to contact me. Your safety, and the safety of your children could be at stake.