Complex Child Custody/Visitation (intrastate & interstate)
Nothing is more important in this world than our children and how to best facilitate a parenting plan that leaves the children safe and protected. The resolution and if necessary trial of custody/visitation issues often requires your legal counsel to work with experienced mental health professionals and physicians who assist in developing a child centered parenting plan. We have access to the kind and caring professionals who assist us in protecting your children.
Complex Property Issues
We often experience disputes over the character and value of property. We have access to experts in the area of appraising businesses and real property, accountants and attorneys who specialize in valuation issues, pension experts who are knowledgeable in ERISA, and corporate counsel who assist in handling corporate issues that often cross over into family law cases. We build a team of experts upon whom you can rely to make certain your interest is protected during the dissolution process.
Dissolution of marriage/domestic partnerships
California is a “no fault” state and therefore disputes involve the determination of the character of property (community or separate) the valuation of property which requires the use of expert witnesses, and pre and post marital accounting issues. We have access to the best expert witnesses in diverse areas to assist us in analyzing your case with an emphasis on resolution of disputed issues. We also have collectively more than 75 years of trial experience which offers credibility to the positions we advocate on behalf of our clients.
Paternity
More information coming soon.
Post Divorce Custody
Post divorce custody proceedings involve an analysis of the prior custody order or orders and in essence what has changed since the last time the Court considered a custody related issue. Children’s needs change as time passes and often new partners become part of the family dynamic. It is important for counsel and the client to perform a careful analysis of the current custody plan and the changes that are being considered. Often mental health professionals are consulted as part of the planning process before a post divorce custody proceeding is filed.
Prenuptial/Postnuptial and domestic partnership agreements
Parties often desire to define their rights and liabilities before marriage or even during marriage by agreement. The rules pertaining to enforceability of these types of agreement are complex and often become the subject of dispute after parties enter into these types of agreements.
Spousal & Child Support
The amount of spousal and child support often is at issue. Your counsel must with the assistance of experts into the earnings of the spouse from whom support is requested and the earning ability of the spouse who is requesting support. Expert witnesses are often used to assist in proving income available for support. Vocational experts are often used to establish one’s earning ability.
Support Modifications
Post divorce modifications are often sought when there has been a change in the financial circumstances of the parties. Modifications of spousal support and child support are often viable as time passes. Before seeking a modification the client and his or her counsel must assess the basis for the proposed modification and the likelihood of success. A risk-reward analysis is always part of the process. How much will the client spend in contrast to the potential savings of a modified order is material to the analysis..