Marital Dissolution
The end of a marriage is an emotional, personal, and economic loss that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. We have been privileged to provide legal advice and representation to many individuals and families going through this tumultuous life transition.
Divorce
There are many reasons for divorce, and there are many different different paths that a person can take to get to a divorce. Some are relatively calm and involve face-to-face negotiation. Some are very contested and full of conflict. The type of divorce you should choose depends on the facts of your case and the dynamics between you and your spouse.
What’s the best way to proceed? It is important that you are aware of the different ways to get divorced, and that you choose a method that will be right for you. Our goal is to make sure that each person who comes to our law firm receives the individualized, compassionate and skilled representation necessary to navigate the difficulties of divorce. Read Laurie’s article, “How To Get A Divorce, Let Me Count the Ways” for an overview of your choices when embarking on a divorce. They are all different, and are appropriate for different types of divorces. Give us a call, and we can explain the differences to you, and help you decide what’s best for you.
For that reason, we are divorce lawyers who provide skillful, experienced representation in court-based, as well as mediated and collaborative law divorces. In the court-based divorces, Attorney Karen Van Kooy provides strong and effective representation in court-based litigated divorces. And whether your divorce is a relatively amicable negotiated settlement or high conflict litigation. Laurie Israel and Karen Van Kooy provide knowledgeable, practical and effective representation in negotiated divorces, collaborative divorces, and divorce mediation.
Whichever divorce process is right for you, we provide advice and legal representation on the many matters arising in a divorce:
- Separation
- Spousal Support (Alimony)
- Division of Assets and Debts
- Health Insurance
- Custody
- Parenting Plans
- Child Support
- Removal/Relocation
- Spousal Abuse
We provide the same individualized, compassionate and skillful advice and legal representation to unmarried individuals:
- Paternity
- Domestic Partner Agreements
- Pre-nuptial agreements
Post-divorce Modifications
“Divorce is never over. The post-divorce matters persist.”
After a divorce is final, you or your ex-spouse may experience some change in life circumstances that requires adjustments to the divorce agreement. Generally property division is “fixed” at the time of divorce, except for contingencies that are set forth in the Separation Agreement. For instance, the parties may agree to sell the marital residence at a later date.
What is a material change of circumstances? Modifications generally involve child related issues, and alimony. Provided the change is important enough (“material” or “substantial” in legalese) and your agreement allows for such changes, we can advise and represent you with respect to making modifications to a divorce decree, whether you are seeking to make or prevent the change. These changes can be consensual (by joint petition) or by initiating a court proceeding (called a complaint for modification) if the other former spouse does not agree with your assessment of the change. Laurie Israel and Karen Van Kooy assist clients through the modification process, and provide an assessment at the outset.
Contempts
If a party to a court order willfully disregards clearly stated obligations, that party is in contempt. We will review your court order, evaluate whether there is an issue with respect to compliance, and pursue or defend you from a claim of contempt.