Divorce involves more than ending a marriage. It may require resolving issues involving property, support, custody, parenting time, and finances, often while both parties are dealing with significant changes in their personal lives.

I represent clients in Berkeley and throughout the Bay Area in dissolution of marriage and domestic partnership proceedings. I have practiced family law for 20 years and handle matters ranging from relatively straightforward divorces to cases involving complex financial and parenting issues.

Divorce in California

California is a no-fault divorce state. A spouse does not need to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse to obtain a divorce. But while ending the marital status itself may be relatively straightforward, resolving the financial and parenting issues arising from a separation can be considerably more complicated.

Depending on the circumstances, a divorce may involve:

• Child custody and parenting time
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Division of community property and debts
• Identification and tracing of separate property
• Division of real estate, retirement accounts and other assets
• Business and professional practice interests
• Attorney's fees
• Enforcement or modification of temporary orders

Some of these issues can be resolved by agreement. Others may require court hearings or trial.

Resolving a Divorce Without Unnecessary Litigation

Most divorces ultimately resolve through agreement rather than trial. Reaching an agreement, however, requires knowing what information is needed, understanding the applicable law, and evaluating whether a proposed resolution is reasonable.

When appropriate, I work with clients to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation and settlement. Avoiding unnecessary litigation can reduce expense and give the parties greater control over the outcome.

Settlement is not always possible. When important financial or parenting issues cannot reasonably be resolved by agreement, I am prepared to present those issues to the court.

Property, Support and Financial Issues

Financial issues in divorce can range from relatively simple to highly complex. California's community property laws generally require the division of assets and debts acquired during marriage, while property acquired before marriage or from certain separate sources may remain separate property.

Questions can arise over the characterization and value of homes, retirement benefits, businesses, investments and other assets. Divorce may also require determining temporary or long-term spousal support and calculating child support.

I work with clients to identify the issues that matter, obtain the financial information necessary to evaluate them, and develop a practical strategy for resolving them.

A Practical Approach to Divorce

Divorce litigation can consume significant financial and emotional resources. Litigation should serve a purpose rather than become an end in itself.

My background as both a family law attorney and mediator informs my approach. I look for opportunities to resolve issues efficiently when a fair agreement is possible while remaining prepared to litigate when necessary.

The objective is to reach a durable resolution that protects my client's interests and allows both parties to move forward.

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