Empathetic Family Law Attorneys Serving Ross, CA
Family law issues are complex, emotionally charged, and often arise during challenging life changes. For legal information and personalized solutions concerning family matters, turn to the experienced and caring team at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. Our Ross family law attorneys can help you explore your options and navigate the necessary steps to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
With decades of experience in family law, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. provides expert advice on a broad range of issues. No matter the complexity of your situation, our attorneys leverage their courtroom and negotiation experience to craft tailored solutions for your needs.
Reach out to Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. today to schedule a confidential family law consultation with a lawyer who is:
- Thoughtful and compassionate
- Skilled and thorough
- Committed to achieving your legal goals
Get Assistance from Our Ross Family Law Attorneys
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we are dedicated to ensuring that you are treated with fairness and respect. By working closely with you and understanding your unique situation, we can provide legal solutions that genuinely address your needs.
Rooted in over 35 years of experience, our Ross family law services are extensive, covering all aspects of family law, including but not limited to:
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Divorce
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Domestic Violence
- Property Division
- Spousal Support
Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, is a Certified Family Law Specialist (State Board of Legal Specializations) with decades of education, training, and experience in the field of family law. She is also a Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) and has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).
Our firm is committed to superior client service and strives to consistently exceed your expectations. To discuss any type of family law matters related to your situation, contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. We look forward to assisting you.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Ross
When you’re preparing to marry, you may wonder whether you and your future spouse should sign a prenuptial agreement.
A prenuptial agreement is a contract created and signed before marriage that outlines property division and each party’s rights in the event the marriage doesn’t last. It details any separate property each party brings into the marriage and may include additional terms, such a waiver or limitation of spousal support.
A postnuptial agreement is established after the marriage has occurred. Both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are subject to strict legal requirements, so it is essential for both parties to have attorneys to provide guidance throughout the process and ensure the agreement’s validity.
Not every couple needs a pre- or post-nuptial agreement, but at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we believe that these agreements can be very positive and practical. We also understand that the topic can feel sensitive to broach. We can help you have a constructive conversation and make the right decision for your situation.
Divorce in Ross
Divorce cases are filed with the court promptly, but spouses are expected to resolve as many issues as possible before appearing before a judge.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither spouse needs to provide a specific reason to obtain a divorce. A divorce can be granted based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, often called irreconcilable differences.
There are residency requirements for divorcing in California. At least one spouse must have been a state resident for at least six months before filing the divorce petition and must have lived in the county where the divorce is filed for at least three months prior to filing.
A mandatory six-month waiting period applies before any divorce can be finalized, regardless of the case type or agreement.
Property Division in Ross
California is a community property state, meaning that all marital assets and debts must be divided equally in a divorce unless a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement specifies otherwise.
Community property laws do not mean that the division of assets will be simple. You will likely go through complex financial processes involving accounting, valuation, tax considerations, and classifying assets.
Separate property is not subject to division between spouses. This includes property one spouse owned before the marriage, or that was acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage. Separate property also encompasses items purchased with separate property, earnings on separate property, and any appreciation in its value. The division of assets can be particularly complex in cases involving divorcing business owners.
Child Custody and Visitation in Ross
California recognizes two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. When parents are unable to agree on custody arrangements, the court will make the decisions for them.
The court determines child custody based on the child’s best interests, and will consider many factors, such as:
- The child’s best interests
- The income and earning potential of each spouse
- Contributions each spouse made to the marriage
- Sacrifices made by one spouse for family care, if applicable
- California’s property division laws
- The mental health and stability of each parent
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- Child abuse or neglect issues
- Criminal convictions
- The parent-child relationship
- The child’s age and health
- The child’s preferences, if mature enough
- Each parent’s ability to provide care
- The child’s ties to school and the community
If the child is at least fourteen years old and mature enough to express a preference, the court may also consider the child’s opinion.
Custody issues are among the most important, deeply personal, and emotionally-charged issues in a divorce case. It is crucial to have the guidance and support of an experienced family lawyer. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. is experienced in all aspects of custody disputes and will fight to protect your parental rights and the wellbeing of your child.
Child Support in Ross
California uses specific guidelines and a detailed mathematical formula to calculate monthly child support obligations. This formula takes into account:
- The parents’ incomes
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent
- Any available tax deductions for either parent
These guidelines apply to divorces, separations, paternity cases, and domestic partnership cases. In certain situations, deviations from the guideline may be appropriate.
Parentage in Ross
There are several important reasons to legally establish a parent’s parentage, primarily to ensure the child can access benefits and inheritance to which they are entitled.
In California, parentage must be legally established unless:
- A child is born during a marriage, in which case the mother’s spouse is presumed to be the child’s other parent; or
- A person living with the child and mother in a family-like relationship, who has shown a commitment to the child, may be presumed to be the child’s other parent, even if they are not the biological parent.
Parentage can be established either voluntarily or through a paternity action.
In addition to child support, parents also share the cost of childcare incident to employment and non-reimbursed medical expenses.
Contact an Experienced Ross Family Law Attorney
The dedicated team at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. is here to address all of your most urgent family law questions pertaining to the topics mentioned above or any other family-related matters. We can handle your specific needs, whether they require courtroom litigation or can be solved amicably through an alternative dispute resolution method.
We recognize that every family is different and we will provide the personalized attention and guidance you deserve. Contact us today and let us assist you in navigating the family law process in a way that best aligns with your goals.
