Family Law

I handle a full range of Family Law matters involving Child Abuse, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce/Annulment, Domestic Violence, Enforcement of Orders, Guardianship, Mediation, Modifications, Name Changes, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Restraining Orders, Separations, and Spousal Support.

I initially attempt to steer families away from the painful, adversarial process of traditional court proceedings and toward more calm and potentially constructive alternative dispute resolution methods. Using a team approach I have successfully guided many Family Law mediations with divorcing couples and have also negotiated many successful court settlements.

When negotiation fails, I have won many court battles pertaining to custody, support, visitation, attorney fees, guardianship, modifications of support and custody, and paternity.

Here are a few examples of cases I have successfully resolved:

My client’s ex-husband took their child to another part of the state without her consent. 
Result: The father’s visitation rights were terminated and he was required to pay full child support plus attorney fees. 

The mother of a 10 year-old girl refused to allow the father to see his daughter. 
Result: I gained shared custody for the father and a sizeable percentage of time to be with his daughter, plus access to a therapist of the child’s choice, along with a complete property division that was fair and equitable.

My client’s ex-husband refused to honor support orders and to pay her attorney fees.
Result: I succeeded in achieving an order requiring him to pay for all of my client’s fees. When he still didn’t pay, I initiated a contempt proceeding which eventually led to his full compliance with all court orders.

My client’s husband refused to stipulate to an equal community property division.
Result: I gained a fair order as to payment of household bills and the equal division of a pension and the community interest in the family home.