Offering Experienced Divorce Representation
Whether your divorce is settled by agreement or resolved by means of a court trial, it is very important that you have a lawyer representing you who is able to identify issues, protect your rights and those of your children, and formulate strategies to achieve positive results.
Addressing Issues
From the onset of the divorce process, your lawyer will need to handle immediate matters, such as child and spousal support and other temporary orders, while setting the stage for positive dispute resolution.
I am highly experienced at dealing with all of the following:
- Complex property division: Property settlements can be very complicated. I can help you determine which of your assets constitute "community property" and which are separate property. I can assist you in properly valuing your community assets and writing up a property settlement agreement, and I can advise you how the court is most likely to divide your property and debts.
- Spousal support (alimony): Depending on your unique financial circumstances, you may be legally entitled to temporary or post-judgment financial support, as well as a means to secure such support.
- Child support: Minor children are entitled to financial support from both of their parents, and there are many factors that impact the appropriate amount of child support. Child support may also include payments other than flat, monthly amounts.
- Child custody and parenting plans: Freid & Goldsman is renowned for handling of child custody disputes with skill and compassion.
- Protective orders and domestic violence: In many divorces, it is necessary to request protective orders to ensure the physical safety of a spouse and the parties' children or to protect and safeguard assets for eventual division between the spouses.
In addition to vigorously representing clients during the divorce process, I also counsel people seeking modification of support orders and custody or parenting plans after the divorce is final.
Legal Separation in California
You may have religious, insurance, tax or other reasons for wanting a legal separation rather than a dissolution (divorce). California law provides for legal separation as an alternative to divorce. A legal separation is the same as a dissolution of marriage in that both proceedings include final custody, child support, and, if appropriate, spousal support orders. All the family assets and debts are permanently divided. The major difference, however, is that you will remain married to the other party if you obtain a decree of legal separation.
You can obtain a legal separation without having lived in California for six months or your county for three months before filing, in contrast to the requirements for the filing for divorce.
To discuss how I can help you with your divorce or legal separation, contact me at 310-552-2700 today. I serve clients in West Los Angeles, Centry City, Beverly Hills and the surrounding communities in Southern California.
