Tag: Family Law

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Divorce Family Law

Deciding on Divorce

It’s hard to realize that your marriage is coming to end. It’s even harder to make a final decision regarding divorce. There are a number of questions you’e most likely already asked yourself. But there are a few others you might not have considered. Here’s a list of some additional questions you should consider if you are considering divorce.

Divorce Questions

Here are some questions to consider:

  1. Do I want to end my marriage with a divorce or just find a way to have a better relationship with my spouse?
  2. Have we tried to work it out? Have we done our best to work it out? Consulted relationship therapists or self-help guidance?
  3. Are there any stressors that are contributing to our failing marriage? Unemployment, infertility, or a miscarriage?
  4. How have I contributed to this failing marriage? Are there things I can change?
  5. Was this relationship always unhealthy or a mistake? Have we been incompatible from the start? Or is there just a recent challenge we’re facing?
  6. Have I set incredibly high standards that are impossible to meet?
  7. Is there someone else?
  8. Am I still in love with my spouse?

Honest Answers

Only you can answer these questions honestly for yourself. You might conclude that there are some more things that can be done. You might also decide that you do not want to continue putting effort into a marriage that is already done. Once you decide that you want to move forward with divorce there are some important next steps.

Working with a Divorce Attorney

The most important thing to do is start working with a divorce attorney. And even more important is that you find a divorce attorney you feel comfortable with. A divorce attorney will be able to walk you through all aspects of a divorce including: alimony, marital property division, and child support.

Working with a skilled attorney can help ensure you get a fair case.  For advice on divorce you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Divorce High Net-Worth Divorce

Most Expensive High Net Worth Divorces

When You Might Consider a Lawyer for Personal Injury Claims

When a high net worth couple decides to divorce the divorce agreement can be a difficult one to settle.

When High-Net Worth Marriages Become High-Net Worth Divorces

Very common in high net worth marriages, a prenuptial agreement is decided ahead of the marriage. But when this isn’t the case, differences in international law and circumstances surrounding the breakup (often due to infidelity) can result in large sums being paid out as part of the divorce settlement. 

Most Expensive High-Net Divorces

Most high-net worth divorces make the news. Here’s a list of some of the highest ones:

  • Frank and Jamie McCourt. After 30 years of marriage the couple settled for $131 million and a lot of drama revolving around the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
  • Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey. The two were married for 25 years, but after rumors of infidelity, Marcia decided to call it quits. Diamond has been quoted as saying Marcia received $150 million in the divorce.
  • Boris Berezovsky and Galina Besharova. The Russian millionaire failed to sign a prenuptial agreement with his second wife, Galina. The divorce hit his net worth to the tine of $163 million even after it was alleged that the two spent only two years of their 18-year-long marriage together.
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. After it was revealed that the former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with a member of the couple’s house-staff, his wife of 25 years decided it was over. The settlement is though to be between $250 Million – $375 Million.

Working with a High Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer

There are a lot of aspects that need to be settled during a high net-worth divorce. Because of this, you need to work with a divorce lawyer that specializes in high net-worth divorces and can help guide you through marital property division, alimony, and child custody (if there are any kids involved). 

For advice on high net-worth divorce, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: CNBC.com, The world’s most expensive divorce settlements, December 29, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

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Collaborative Law Divorce Family Law Mediation

Why You Might Consider Other “Divorce” Options

The fact that divorce is common in the U.S. is not a startling one. It’s almost common knowledge that one out of two first marriages end in divorce. And for second marriages, the rate is two out of three. When it comes to third marriages, nearly three out of four end in divorce. With how common divorce has become, it makes sense that more harmonious options have been put on the table – namely the process of a collaborative divorce. This approach focuses on finding a positive end result that satisfies both parties.

Collaboration and Collaborative Divorce

The process of collaboration is used to settle many different disputes that range from street gangs, competing businesses, and even disputes that happen between nations. Suzy Eckstein, a family law attorney and practitioner of collaborative divorce, believes clients and divorcing clients should be made aware of the option they have between choosing a standard divorce and a collaborative divorce. “Very often, a divorcing client comes to an advisor and asks for help and guidance around this overwhelming process,” she said. “It’s really important that they have an understanding of and information about their choices in the divorce process. And [collaborative divorce] has the potential to create more durable agreements that serve everyone and avoid repeated litigation.”

Multiple Experts Used in Collaborative Divorce Process

The collaborative divorce process “provides you and your spouse or partner with the support and guidance of your own lawyers without going to court.” During this process a couple will seek the expertise of multiple experts – financial, mental health, and child specialists. All these experts will work with the spouses’ respective attorneys to resolve differences and disputes.

Building Your Collaborative Divorce Team

Working with a trusted attorney to help compile a whole collaborative divorce team will be crucial to getting through the process. A lawyers skilled in collaborative law will be able to make suggestions and guide you through the process. This form of dissolving your marriage can be a less stressful and sometimes less expensive option. Because of this, it’s definitely an option you should consider.

For advice on divorce or collaborative divorce, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: ThinkAdvisor, Collaborative Divorce: A Win-Win Dissolution, August 25, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Divorce Family Law High Net-Worth Divorce Marital Property Division Mediation

Tips for Dividing Art During Divorce

During divorce, one of the biggest arguments that can be had is over the artwork. Because of this, if you’re an art lover on the verge of filing for divorce, you might want to take some time to acquaint yourself with some legal and tax basics.

As Rough as Child Custody

“I’d put it in the same category as child-custody battles,” says Suzanne Landers, a family law attorney. She says that emotional attachments to are can often outweigh any financial considerations. In a lot of divorces, the decisions made regarding who gets what painting or sculpture can take longer than divvying up houses, cars, or even money.

Create an Inventory

According to Raoul Felder, a divorce attorney in New York City, divorcing couples need to first create a developed list that details all of the art that was bough during the marriage, and also prior to the marriage. Additionally, a list of the art sold  price of the sale; and art that hasn’t been sold should be made. The art that has been obtained prior to the marriage, or (depending on jurisdiction) after the couple has legally separated or filed for divorce is not considered to be marital property, and is considered to belong to the spouse that purchased it. Another thing to remember is that if a spouse agreed to buy a piece prior to the marriage, and that piece arrives after the wedding, it is also excluded from the list of marital assets. It’s best disclose all relevant documents and pieces of art. As family and art law practitioner, Valerie L. Patten, warns, if fraud is determined, “half or even 100% of any undisclosed and unallocated assets may be awarded to the other spouse.”

Bring in an Appraiser

“The love of art grows exponentially after the appraiser’s report comes in,” especially when the items grow in value, says lawyer Ike Vanden Eykel. A couple can either decide on one appraiser, or can each hire their own. It’s important to remember that appraisers can determine different amounts, and those amounts can be far apart. The couple should either agree to split the difference if there are widely conflicting appraisals, or decide to take the differences into account when negations are made. You can then take other assets as parts of the bargaining process – such as the house, vacation home, or car. As Mr. Vanden Eykel says, “You don’t want to leave things up to a judge to decide, because the court will only order that everything be sold.”

 

For advice on divorce, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Tips for Dividing Art in a Divorce or Death, September 21, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Divorce Family Law Mediation

Fear Divorce? Mediation Might Be Best

With divorce comes the fear of the situation getting out of control. Divorce is stressful for all parties involved, and has the potential to bring out the worst in people. If you fear a stressful divorce, you might want to consider another option: divorce mediation.  

Mediation

Mediation allows for a negotiation process in which everyone involved puts together an equal outcome that feels fair to both parties. Mediation can also be a quicker process because both sides are working together t reach a mutual final agreement. Mediation has become a popular option in the U.S. over the years, and has helped to settle 50-80% of divorce cases. Mediation allows each spouse to have a full say in the outcome of their divorce. Working through the dissolution of a marriage with a mediator, allows couples to be less defensive and more informed. Mediators are also there to offer advice or simple solutions that the couple may not have considered.

Consider Mediation

Mediation is a great option. It usually takes half the amount of time a divorce does, and couples, on average, spend at least 50% because of the decrease in the amount of time. This is because you aren’t paying for a lawyer’s time for a traditional court proceeding.

Why It Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Because mediation is focused on coming to an agreement, it doesn’t always work. If a spouse and his or her ex cannot come to an agreement on anything, then this probably won’t be the best option. A traditional court process might be the best for that situation. But mediation presents a positive environment for couples can go without feeling the need of getting combative.
 

For advice on mediation, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Digital Journal, Family Law in Denver Addresses Mediation Spike in the United States, September 14, 2014

 

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Child Support Divorce Family Law

Sherri Shepherd’s Child Support Woes

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

 

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Divorce Family Law High Net-Worth Divorce

Griffin Divorce and High Net Worth Divorces

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

 

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Family Law

Family Law is Evolving

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

 

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

Categories
Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law

An Overview of Family Law

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

 

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

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