The Highest Level of Representation for Your Family Law Matters
When it comes to legal issues that affect you, your children, and your assets, you need a lawyer whom you can trust to consider your particular circumstances and to give careful attention to your concerns.
My name is Joanne Ratinoff. I have been a practicing California attorney since 1978 and have focused exclusively on handling family law cases for more than 22 years. In addition, I am a partner at a law firm devoted entirely to the practice of family law. I am able to draw upon our firm's resources to comprehensively and efficiently serve my clients. Don't hesitate to contact me for assistance with any of the following areas of family law:
- Divorce and legal separation: Divorce in is a complex legal process requiring careful attention at every stage. Legal separation provides options for people who wish to provide for the division of their property, support, custody, and other issues without obtaining a decree of divorce. You may have religious, insurance, tax or other reasons for wanting a legal separation rather than a dissolution (divorce).
- Complex property division: California is a community property state. The division of particularly complex property such as closely held business interests, real estate interests, and intangible property interests require sophisticated knowledge and the involvement of financial experts.
- Spousal support: Spousal support is known by a variety of names, including alimony and spousal maintenance. Depending upon your financial circumstances, you may be entitled to spousal support.
- Child support: In California, every minor child (generally, a child under the age of 18) is entitled to the financial support of both parents. The amount of child support is based on each parent's ability to pay and the child's needs. This obligation for the support of a minor child may require one parent to make payments to the other to cover the child's living expenses.
- Modification of support orders: Pre-existing orders governing spousal and/or child support can be modified in certain situations to accommodate substantially changed circumstances.
- Child custody and parenting plans: Determining who will make decisions affecting a child's education, health, and general welfare and how much time will be spent by each parent will spend caring for their children are often key issues for divorcing couples. Our law firm is known as one of the premier child custody firms in the Los Angeles area.
- Modification of custody: Pre-existing orders governing child custody and parenting plans can sometimes be modified to accommodate substantially changed circumstances or the child's best interests, depending upon the nature of the existing custody order.
- Protective orders and domestic violence: A protective order may be obtained to protect your safety and that of your children. Other types of protective orders can be obtained to protect your property.
- Prenuptial/pre-marital agreements: Our firm prepares prenuptial agreements. There are strict laws in California governing the preparation and signing of prenuptial agreements to ensure that such agreements are enforceable.
To discuss how I can help you with your family law issues, contact me at 310-552-2700 today. I serve clients in Los Angeles, Centry City, Beverly Hills and the surrounding communities in Southern California.
