SEPARATION & DISSOLUTION
When couples decide to separate, legal representation can be very beneficial in working out a separation or dissolution of the marriage. The attorneys at Broaden Law LLP are experienced in handling annulments, legal separations, uncontested divorces and contested divorces involving complex issues of property characterization, division of debts, support and child custody.
RESTRAINING ORDERS
Our firm represents clients petitioning for and defending against all types of restraining orders, including domestic violence restraining orders, elder abuse restraining orders, and civil harassment restraining orders.
PARENTAGE & CHILD CUSTODY
Our firm handles petitions to establish parentage, custody, and visitation, as well as requests for orders involving move-aways, custody modification, and even extended family visitation. The probate attorneys at Broaden Law LLP routinely handle petitions for guardianship and stepparent adoptions.
CHILD & SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Broaden Law LLP handles requests for child and spousal support orders, including temporary support, support modification and enforcement. We can also assist with the registration and enforcement of sister state support orders in California even if the other state retains jurisdiction over modifying the orders.
PROPERTY AGREEMENTS
Property division is an important part of the dissolution processes. Our firm can draft, review, and negotiate marital settlement agreements. Broaden Law LLP also handles all aspects of premarital and postmarital agreements, including transmutation agreements that document whether specific property belongs to one or both spouses.
DIVORCE MEDIATION
Divorce mediation has many benefits, including the fact that the matters discussed during mediation remain strictly confidential if the parties later end up resolving their dispute in court (Evidence Code § 1119). Broaden Law LLP partner Marisa E. Nahale has a superior track record when it comes to providing mediation services to couples that have decided to dissolve their marriage.
Family Court Timeline
Party "A" Files a Petition or Motion
A case number is assigned. The first filing party is the "petitioner."
Party "B" is served Notice
The case will not proceed unless the other party is served with the filed court papers and received notice of the hearing date.
Party "B" either agrees or Files a Response
The responding party is the "respondent." Failure to respond may result in a default, i.e., the petitioner getting what he or she asked for.
Divorcing Parties make Financial Disclosures
The petitioner must share financial information and the respondent must share financial information if he or she participates in the case.
Parties Resolve Disagreements
Disagreements over issues like property division, allocation of debts, custody, and support, are settled by court process or by agreement.
Court makes orders and Judgment is entered
Procedurally, one or both parties must submit paperwork to the Court that becomes the final order or judgment.