Pasadena Divorce Attorney

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

Tags Child Support, Divorce, irreconcilable differences, irretrievable breakdown, Spousal Support

Child Support Divorce Family Law

Sherri Shepherd’s Child Support Woes

Post author By Scott
Post date August 4, 2014

Allegations are flying that Sherri Shepherd of “The View,” no longer wants to mother a child that she and her estranged husband, Lamar Sally, are expecting via surrogate. The couple filed separately for divorce in early May. Allegedly, Shepherd wants no part in parenting the unborn child because she does not want to pay child support.

Allegations

According to reports, Lamar Sally will be filing legal documents to prevent Shepherd from withdrawing from the contract she signed with the surrogate when the couple was still together. Sally is the biological father. The egg was donated reportedly, through in-vitro fertilization. “Sherri doesn’t want anything to do with the child and refuses to pay any child support,” said a source. “She is not budging and is completely detached. She feels very just in her actions and claims the child is not hers.”

Estimated $10 Million

Shepherd’s estimated net value is $10 million. Sally reportedly earned $30,000 in 2010. That year Shepherd made approximately $1 million. It’s alleged that 90 percent of Sally’s $30,000 income came from unemployment benefits.

Claims of Fraud

Shepherd alleges Sally defrauded her when they were in the process of entering the surrogate agreement. Reportedly, Sally was already planning to file for divorce, but he wanted her to commit to paying child support prior to filing. Even more complicated is the fact that the two filed for divorce in two separate states. He filed in California, and she filed in New Jersey – a state that doesn’t typically recognize surrogacy agreements. This might just work in her favor.

According to Jeffrey Hoffer, a California-based divorce and family law attorney, “Whoever served his or her case first will win on which state court will hear the matter. But I am inclined to believe that despite the fact that she did not carry the child and the egg is not hers, that in California she will still be on the hook for child support because she signed a contract and the court will find the payment of support is in the child’s best interest.” He added a case like this one is rare. “You do not get to make babies by contract or otherwise and then get to walk away from your obligations.”

But if the claims of fraud that Shepherd is alleging stand, and she can prove she was duped into signing the surrogate contract, then she might have a strong defense case.

For advice on family law and all it’s aspects including child support, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Fox News, Can Sherri Shepherd walk away from unborn surrogate child?, July 22, 2014

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

Tags Child Support, Divorce, Family Law

Divorce Family Law High Net-Worth Divorce

Griffin Divorce and High Net Worth Divorces

Post author By Scott
Post date August 1, 2014

According to some Chicago divorce attorneys, Citadel LLC’s founder and CEO Ken Griffin, and wife Anne Dias Griffin are planning their high-net-worth divorce.

High-Net-Worth Couple

Mr. Griffin’s personal net worth is estimated to be $5.2 billion. The company he founded, Citadel LLC is one of the U.S.’s largest hedge-fund managers of an estimated $20 billion in assets. Mrs. Griffin is a money manager and also a partner at Aragon Global Management, a company that invests in global media, technology, as well as telecommunications companies.

Next Steps

As a couple with high-net-worth prepares for divorce, the first step is often to scrutinize the prenup for any possible loopholes or hidden assets. This is often done quickly out of fear that the other spouse will be quick to conceal assets or make the information unavailable. “A sort of financial paranoia comes into play,” says Chicago divorce attorney Marshall Auerbach. “Generally speaking, the more money there is to fight over, the more contentious the case will be.” A divorce such as this one might be straightforward – simply because of how detailed the prenuptial agreement was. According to a source close to the couple, Ms. Griffin will receive a lump sum and Mr. Griffin will “take care of all the financials for their children. It’s very straightforward.”

Prenuptial Agreements in High-Net-Worth Marriages

Often when a couple comes together, and both parties already have established high net worth individually, it’s crucial that a prenuptial agreement is drafted. A licensed family law attorney can help you put together a prenuptial agreement if you and your spouse want to go down that route. It is also advised that you both seek your own personal attorneys for the drafting of this document, so that both parties are able to feel they’ve come to that agreement on their own terms. Though divorce is often a very emotionally draining situation, in high-net-worth divorces a prenuptial agreement can help it from becoming an even more bitter debacle.

For advice on family law and all it’s aspects including high net worth divorces, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Chicago Business, What happens next in Ken Griffin divorce case, July 28, 2014

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

Tags Divorce, Family Law, High Net Worth Divorce, Prenuptial Agreement

Divorce Family Law Spousal Support

Understanding Spousal Support

Post author By Scott
Post date July 31, 2014

“Spousal support” or “partner support” (in domestic partnerships), and “alimony” is when a couple separates or divorces, the court decides a spouse will need to pay the other spouse a certain amount of money as a form of support.

Contributing Factors to Determining Spousal Support

There are many contributing factors that determine the amount of spousal support, what the terms are, and how it can affect your taxes. A family law attorney will be able to walk you through the various steps of understanding spousal support, whether the courts decide you need to pay it, or if you need to receive it.

Changing a Spousal Support Decision

Often times a spouse or domestic partner might request that the amount of spousal or partner support be changed. For this change to be granted a “change in circumstances” will need to be proven. This means that a significant change, such as a job loss, has taken place. Occasionally the spouse or partner receiving support no longer needs it. A change in circumstances can also mean that the spouse/partner receiving support is not working towards becoming self-sufficient financially. When this occurs, the spouse/partner paying the support can request the court change the support order to reflect this inaction.

Report any Changes in Circumstances Immediately

It’s important to note that if you are paying the spousal/partner support you will still be required to pay the full amount of support the court ordered until the change of circumstances is proven, even if your financial situation has changed. So if you lose your job and do not change your spousal/partner support until three months after losing your job, you will still be required to pay three months worth of support, even if you are not able to. An interest rate of 10% is also adhered to that unpaid balance. Because of this, it is crucial that if you have a change of circumstances, you need to address it in court immediately.

For advice on family law and all it’s aspects including spousal support and alimony, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: California Courts, Spousal/Partner Support, 2014

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

Tags Alimony, Change of Circumstances, Divorce, Partner Support, Spousal Support

Family Law

Family Law is Evolving

Post author By Scott
Post date July 30, 2014

In light of recent headlining cases, lawmakers are looking to modernize family law legislation that was created during the “Leave it to Beaver” era. Once lawmakers return from summer hiatus they’ll be looking to update family law and parental rights to fall more in line with the ever-evolving definition of family.

Recent Family Law Trials Raise Questions

Recently cases such as “The Lost Boys” star, Jason Patric’s custody case and Casey Kasem’s children’s fight with their stepmother over visitation rights have caused lawmakers to wonder if the old laws fit are still relevant. Both of these cases are examples of nontraditional families struggling within the very confined definitions of traditional family laws.

New Need for New Laws Gains Ground

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano feels that updating the laws is a means for nontraditional families to gain acceptance. One example of the types of changes that are on their way, is the legislation that Gov. Jerry Brown just signed that replaces references to husband and wife with the word spouse – thus deleting the definition of marriage as “between a man and a woman.” Cathy Sakimura, family law director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, feels that, “Because families are formed in so many different ways and (disputes) are always based on the factual situation that a particular family is facing, it’s almost impossible for any family code to address all needs.”

Opponents to New Laws

Social conservatives feel that the legislation changes regarding family law wouldn’t need to change if family structures were to remain traditionally “normal.” Randy Thomason, an advocate of traditional families, and president of SaveCalifornia.com feels these proposed changes show, “how far our society has fallen: It used to be a simple answer to who’s your father and who’s your mother.” But Assemblymen like Ammiano feel it’s important to keep the idea of the “new norm” at the forefront of minds. “As a lawmaker, what you can accomplish is changing what’s in the law that’s being detrimental and dehumanizing,” Ammiano said.

For advice on family law and all it’s aspects, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Los Angeles Daily News, California lawmakers look to update family law, July 27, 2014

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

Tags Family Law

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law

An Overview of Family Law

Post author By Scott
Post date July 20, 2014

Because the title of “family law” covers a broad range of topics relating to marriage and children, it can be confusing as to what exactly falls under the definition of “family law.” Here’s a brief overview of what falls under the “family law” umbrella.

What’s Covered by Family Law?

Family law includes divorces, annulments, child custody and visitation rights, spousal support, alimony, and child support payments. But it also covers adoptions, matters of guardianship, state child protection, domestic violence, and restraining orders. A family law attorney will be able to advise you on any questions you might have surrounding these topics, but the following has a brief overview of specific topics

Divorce and Annulment

Both a “divorce” and an “annulment” will dissolve your marriage. An annulment specifically will, through the courts, be treated as if it never happened. Certain grounds must be met for dissolution of marriage to be ruled as an “annulment.” Because of this, most dissolutions are done as divorces.

Child Related Issues

The court deciding on child custody and visitation rights always decide on the bases of what’s in the best interest of the child. A family law attorney will be able to help you build your case and will help defend you. With this you might be asked to pay, or be paid child support. This is an amount of money, that has been decided by the courts, that a parent must pay to the spouse who is granted primary custody. This money is meant to go towards food and clothing, medical care, and education for the child.

Spousal Support and Alimony

Spousal support, often called “alimony,” are regular payments made from one spouse to another during separation or after a divorce is finalized. The goal is to eventually help the spouse achieve financial independence wherever possible.

If you feel you have a legal matter that falls under the definition of family law, you’ll want to contact a family law attorney that can help you figure out the exact next steps to take.

For advice on family law and all it’s aspects, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Legal Match, What is Family Law? Typical Family Law Questions, June 11, 2014

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550