Skilled Family Law Attorneys Serving in Menlo Park, CA
Family-related legal matters are complex, emotional, stressful, and can quickly become contentious. Reaching a mutually agreeable solution may be challenging or even impossible in certain cases. Having the right legal representation can make a significant difference when navigating difficult and time-consuming family issues. If you’re seeking assistance or legal guidance for your family law concerns, the experienced Menlo Park family law attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. are here to help. Whether your case is resolved in or out of the courtroom, you can trust our skilled and caring attorneys to stand by your side through the entire process.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we take pride in:
- Delivering exceptional client service,
- Fostering open and transparent communication with our clients, and
- Keeping clients fully informed of all case developments and correspondence in real time.
Speak with one of our dedicated and experienced attorneys in Menlo Park today. We’re here to address your most urgent family law questions and help ease your legal burdens.
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Menlo Park Ready to Assist You
The field of family law encompasses a wide range of civil matters related to marriage, divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, alimony (spousal support), relocation, and other related issues. It is very common to encounter a family law issue at some point in your life.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our focus is on assisting clients with the financial and emotional challenges of various family law cases. We strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, both personally and legally.
Our family law attorneys can support you during many pivotal moments in your life. While many people associate family law attorneys primarily with divorce, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. can also be a trusted partner for a range of other needs, including:
- Drafting or reviewing prenuptial or postnuptial agreements,
- Navigating legal separations,
- Modifying or enforcing child custody or support arrangements,
- Addressing paternity or parentage issues,
- And much more.
Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, holds the title of Certified Family Law Specialist from the State Board of Legal Specializations. She has extensive education, training, and testing in the field, and has decades of experience in both negotiation and litigation. She is a frequent lecturer in family law, was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and is a Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).
Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. has a well-established professional reputation and is known for outstanding client service.
Litigation is time-consuming, costly, and often highly stressful. To reduce strain and smooth the process, our family law attorneys often work extensively outside the courtroom, negotiating settlements and resolving issues before court proceedings become necessary. The skilled and caring attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., can help you save time and money, and avoid unnecessary frustration.
To learn more about our client-focused family law services, contact us in Menlo Park. We look forward to discussing how our over thirty-five years of experience can benefit you.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Menlo Park
A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into before marriage that outlines property rights and responsibilities during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. Similarly, a postnuptial agreement is signed after the marriage. While the topic can be difficult to discuss at first, today more and more couples are recognizing that such agreements are a smart and practical step that can be very positive for the relationship.
In California, both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements must adhere to specific legal guidelines and be signed voluntarily by both parties. It is critical to work with a knowledgeable family lawyer. The team at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. can help.
Divorce in Menlo Park
California allows for no-fault divorces, meaning neither spouse is blamed for the failure of the marriage. Instead, a divorce is granted due to an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship, often called irreconcilable differences.
To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months and a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least three months. Regardless of whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, there is a mandatory waiting period of at least six months before the court can finalize the divorce.
Property Division in Menlo Park
California operates under community property laws, which means that any assets or debts accumulated during a marriage are considered to be jointly owned by both spouses. In the event of a divorce, these assets and debts will be divided equally by the court.
In a situation already fraught with tension and emotion, the division of property can be very thorny and contentious. The stakes are high—your final settlement will have a significant impact on your post-divorce life and financial future. Divorcing couples can choose to collaboratively create a property division agreement and have it officially approved by the court.
It is important to have the help of an experienced family lawyer in this process. Reach out to a Menlo Park divorce attorney at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. for assistance!
Spousal Support in Menlo Park
California provides several types of spousal support: temporary, rehabilitative and permanent. Each type serves a distinct purpose depending on the recipient’s current and future needs.
To qualify for spousal support, the recipient must demonstrate a financial need, and the paying spouse must have the financial means to provide it. Both conditions must be met for the court to consider awarding spousal support.
Custody and Visitation in Menlo Park
In California, child custody is divided into two types: legal custody and physical custody. In general, parent’s have much more say in custody and co-parenting arrangements if they can work together amicably to create a workable parenting plan.
If parents are unable to reach an agreement on child custody, the court will make the decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child.
The knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. understand the high stakes of custody disputes and are here to support you. We are fierce advocates for your rights as a parent and the wellbeing of your child.
Child Support in Menlo Park
Parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their children. Typically, this obligation continues until the child turns eighteen or graduates from high school, whichever is later.
California uses specific guidelines, including a mathematical formula, to calculate monthly child support payments.
Factors considered in the calculation include, but are not limited to: the parents’ monthly incomes, how much time the child spends with each parent, and the cost of health insurance for the children.
Parentage in Menlo Park
Unmarried parents seeking to establish legal parentage of their children must file a parentage action. This legal process not only formally establishes the child’s legal parents but also allows for requests related to child support, custody, and visitation.
Obtaining a parentage order ensures the child has rights to inheritance, Social Security benefits, and other important entitlements.
Contact an Experienced Menlo Park Family Law Attorney
For more information about family law actions in Menlo Park or other related matters, reach out to the skilled attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. No matter the complexity of your family law issues, our team is prepared to provide tailored solutions to your challenges.
Allow our experienced and compassionate attorneys to work diligently on your family law case. At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we are committed to achieving your family law objectives while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.
