Attorney at Law Jaime L. Kissinger offers a variety of services under the realm of family law. She handles matters in the following areas.
Divorce & Legal Separation
Although filing for divorce or legal separation is common, they are still legally complex processes. California is a no-fault state, which means that the spouse initiating a divorce or legal separation does not have to prove wrongdoing. However, there are many issues that spouses need to consider and address in their divorce or legal separation, and there are procedural requirements that spouses must abide by to get their divorce or legal separation finalized.
Child Custody and Visitation
Whether an arrangement is pursued in the context of divorce, legal separation, domestic violence, custody action, or paternity action, there is no easy child custody case. Although parental rights and children's rights will be acknowledged, the court will be most interested in the best interests of the children. We can make sure important factors like your contributions and your pivotal role in your children's lives are not disregarded in this process.
Child Support
Any loving and responsible parent making the decision to divorce or separate will only want the best for their children. This includes the financial aspect of parenting that will fund the necessities, health care, education, extra-curricular activities and more. For an open and honest assessment of your goals and how to achieve them for your children, contact us today.
Spousal Support
Spousal support can be a relatively difficult aspect to resolve in a divorce or legal separation. While the courts typically use a guideline formula to establish temporary spousal support during the divorce or legal separation process, the decision to award permanent support once your divorce or legal separation is final, including how much to award, and for how long to award support, will be based on a variety of factors. In order to achieve an outcome that is reasonable for both parties, the assistance of an experienced family law attorney may be required.
Property Division
California is a community property state, which means that each spouse will be awarded half of the assets and half of the debt acquired during their marriage. The state's laws have been labeled inflexible by some as the court must divide all of your community property equally unless you and your spouse agree otherwise. We have managed to find plenty of room for strategic planning and negotiation in these matters.
Domestic Violence
Family law and criminal law are very distinct areas of law, but sometimes they overlap. Unfortunately, talk of divorce or separation can escalate or trigger domestic violence. When this occurs, extra precautionary measures like domestic violence restraining orders will likely be needed, making an already difficult process, even tougher.
Premarital Agreements
A premarital agreement allows a couple to set terms of property rights for their marriage. With our representation, we can ensure that the agreement you and your spouse reach is clear-cut and binding.