Although arriving at a settlement in a Family Law case is usually the most productive and cost-effective approach, not all cases can be amicable. If your spouse is attempting to gain an unfair advantage, we’ll fight for your rights.
If you have been kept in the dark during the marriage, we will take steps to be sure your spouse makes a full disclosure of all assets and income from all sources and that you receive the information you are entitled to so that informed decisions can be made.
If you are the higher wage earner, we will structure an approach that aims to keep from excessive support orders being made both in Court and/or in settlement and work to ensure that a fair division of the assets in your matter is achieved.
In cases involving minor children, very simply, their best interests are our priority and remain such throughout the case.
While not every case begins in an amicable setting, some might find themselves there over the course of a mix of hearings in the Court to address some issues and settlement of others. We will support and guide you through those issues in your case that might need to be litigated, while continuing to work towards settlement on the other issues that might be easily resolved through respective counsel on the matter. The trajectory of a case often changes and determining what can be resolved along the way is something we are committed to in an effort to streamline a process that is often protracted when litigation is involved.
Some cases are best suited for settlement, without the need to involve the Court at any point throughout. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) allow you to resolve your case privately without going through the court system. Both involve a process in which you and your spouse work with one neutral mediator. Depending on the chosen setting, sessions with the neutral can either be with attorneys present, or with parties only. Often times, retired judges who are now working with private mediation firms will be utilized for purposes of resolving your matter globally.
Regardless of format, taking a mediated approach will generally allow for us to work to finalize your case within a set structure and a time frame that we have more control over than if the Court process is left to dictate the pace.
Another way to resolve your case outside of the court system is through collaborative divorce.
This process is unique in that it utilizes a team of trained professionals – an attorney for each spouse, a child therapist (if applicable), a financial specialist and a coach for each spouse – in order to engage the divorce process in the most productive and positive manner possible. Our firm has attorneys specifically qualified and trained in collaborative divorce to assist and guide you through this process.
The philosophy behind our practice is let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. If you’re ready to talk with us and start moving forward, contact our San Diego office at (619) 235-9400. Or, send us an email.
