Family Law

Divorce

Contemplating a divorce often occurs long before either party takes any action. In some instances, one party has planned and prepared for a dissolution, while the other simply did not see the divorce coming. In any event, the process of exploring a divorce, and the world of family law, can be intimidating. Parties should recognize that, while certain issues arise in many divorces, their case is unique, and their lawyer needs to address the case accordingly.

Introduction to Family Law

Family law deals with a wide variety of family relationships. The most common family law matter is the divorce or "dissolution of marriage.” Within these proceedings, the Family Law Court has two major tasks: (1) attempt to fairly divide marital property, and (2) Determine child sharing relationships and schedules (Custody & Visitation). Arising from these two tasks is the issue of Support, be it Spousal (Alimony) or Child Support.

What to Expect

Practically speaking, emotional issues are likely to be more personally challenging for parties to a divorce than legal issues. At Raskin & Tee, we are mindful of this fact. You may feel ranges of emotions from "just give her/him everything" to "I don't want her/him to get a thing!" Similar feelings about child sharing can also occur.

These feelings are likely to change (perhaps back-and-forth) as the emotional process of coping with a divorce evolves. Your lawyer should be sensitive to your vulnerabilities, and protect your legal interests. A lawyer may be the most important professional you consult in the divorce process, but not necessarily the only one. At Raskin & Tee, we encourage our clients to consider counseling for the emotional process of the divorce. Whether counseling is right for a particular client is a matter of choice. Your lawyer, and the legal strategy of your dissolution, should address these realities, and be a solid foundation for planning a future life outside the marriage.

The process of the divorce lends itself to a wide variety of resolutions, from friendly negotiated agreements, to vicious "scorched earth" litigation. At Raskin & Tee, our philosophy is to resolve each issue in the divorce as amicably as possible. To the extent that such resolution is not feasible, we also vigorously and zealously represent our clients in the litigation of unresolved issues. Each case is different, and parties to a divorce should be aware that each side has some control over the path a divorce case takes.

Things Change - Modifications

After a divorce becomes "final," the relationships between the parties likely will not end completely. This is particularly true if there are children involved. "Co-parenting" children after a divorce is a learned art.

If circumstances change, such as a party getting a new job, a pay raise, a parent wants to move to another area for an economic (or other) opportunity, then the issues of Custody, Visitation, and Support, may need to be addressed again. These proceedings are known as "modifications."

Modifications can range from relatively simple adjustments to support amounts to traumatic shifts in a child sharing arrangement, or even a "move away." Raskin & Tee can help you evaluate a modification situation, and of course bring or defend actions for modifications.

Free Consultation

In keeping with Raskin & Tee's mission of providing the highest quality legal services at reasonable rates, we offer a FREE initial consultation, and flexible payment plans.

Call us at (619) 234-0235 to schedule your free initial consultation.

No communication resulting herein shall create an attorney-client relationship unless a separate retainer is signed by the attorney and the client. Rather, this communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code.

The information in this web site is published to inform visitors, clients and other interested persons in very general terms about current issues of importance in this field of law. The information presented in this web site should be viewed only as a general summary of each topic and not be construed as legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this communication (or in any attachment).