Solving Complex Family Law Issues with Creative Strategies

Palo Alto Family Law Attorney

If you have a family law case in Palo Alto, Moradi Saslaw’s dedicated family law attorneys want to help. We understand how mentally and emotionally exhausting dealing with family legal matters can be and are here to act as your legal guide while working to resolve your case.

At Moradi Saslaw, our attorneys are:

  • Effective and efficient case managers;
  • Compassionate and empathetic towards you and your family law struggles and challenges; and
  • Client-centered legal practitioners focused on your needs and goals.

Speak with one of Moradi Saslaw’s Palo Alto family law attorneys in a confidential consultation. We will provide you with practical legal advice and help manage the stress of your case so you can focus on moving ahead with your life.

Let Our Palo Alto Family Law Attorneys Help You

At Moradi Saslaw, we realize every family law case is unique and requires individualized representation. At your initial consultation, we will discuss your family law issues and our legal approach to your case. We want to ensure you understand every step of your family law process and how California law applies to you.

Additionally, the family law attorneys at Moradi Saslaw will:

  • Openly communicate with you as your case progresses;
  • Prepare and file all legal documents on your behalf;
  • Negotiate a settlement; and
  • If a settlement is not an option, proceed with courtroom litigation.

Regardless of the nature or complexity of your family law problem, Moradi Saslaw is here to help you navigate the legal process. Learn more about our legal services by contacting our Palo Alto office today.

What is Family Law?

Family law encompasses a broad area of civil law dealing with family-related issues and domestic relations. A majority of family law practice focuses on conflict arising from divorce issues such as:

  • The division of marital property;
  • Child custody, visitation, and support; and
  • Alimony or spousal support.

Family law attorneys also negotiate and litigate post-divorce modifications of child custody, visitation, support, and alimony.

Other duties of family law attorneys include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements;
  • Representing victims or perpetrators of domestic violence in civil protection order proceedings and defending clients accused of domestic violence in criminal proceedings;
  • Representing parties in adoption and guardianship proceedings;
  • Representing mothers or fathers in paternity cases;
  • Representing juveniles or parents in delinquency cases or child abuse proceedings; and
  • Representing parties in same-sex family law issues.

Overview of Family Law in California

Family Law is one of the most widely practiced areas of the law in California and touches nearly everyone at some point in their lives. The following is a brief overview of issues commonly litigated in family court.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

There are two types of marital agreements: prenuptial contracts and postnuptial contracts. Prenuptial agreements are drafted and signed before marriage. Postnuptial agreements are created and signed during the union.

Marital agreements allow spouses to opt out of California’s community property laws. Nuptial agreements are deemed valid as long as they are on paper, signed by both spouses, and both spouses:

  • Enter into the agreement voluntarily;
  • Have a complete understanding and full knowledge of the terms of a contract; and
  • Are fair in terms of the agreement and avoid being one-sided.

Divorce

California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither spouse must cite fault for the breakup of the marriage, only irreconcilable differences. California has a mandatory six-month waiting period before the court may finalize any divorce in Palo Alto, even agreed divorces.

Spouses can choose traditional litigation to resolve their differences or another means like mediation, arbitration, or collaborative divorce. The method is chosen greatly impacts the length of the divorce case and its expense.

Child Support

Both parents of a child are responsible for providing for and supporting that child. Child support payments are calculated using a statutory formula that takes parental income, time spent with the child, and other factors into account. However, the court has the power to deviate from this formula when necessary on a case-by-case basis.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is an optional order of the court in California. It is based on one spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay. In the absence of one of these prerequisites, the court will not award spousal support. Next, the court considers factors like:

  • The earnings of either spouse;
  • The length of a marriage;
  • The standard of living established during the marriage; and
  • The health and age of the spouses.

Child Custody and Visitation

Parents can determine their own child custody and visitation agreement, or the court can make a plan on their behalf. When the court rules on child custody and visitation, it does so according to the child’s best interests.

In making its ruling, the court considers factors such as:

  • The age of the child;
  • The ability of the child to express a preference;
  • The child’s relationship with either parent;
  • Any history of domestic violence by a parent; and
  • The safety and stability of the living arrangements proposed by either parent.

Child custody and visitation rulings are subject to modification when there is a significant change in circumstances that warrants a custody change.

Property and Debt Division

California is a community property state. This means that each spouse owns half the assets and debts acquired during the marriage. When these assets or debts are complex or involve items that are difficult to separate, like stocks and retirement accounts, professional help may be needed to split marital accounts fairly.

Inheritance or gifts to one spouse during the marriage are considered the spouse’s separate property. Anything acquired by a spouse before marriage is also separate property.

Legal Services Tailored to High-Net-Worth Individuals

While there are many lawyers to choose from in Palo Alto, few have the same experience and knowledge surrounding the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. Moradi Saslaw has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals, including:

  • C-level executives
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Startup companies
  • Doctors
  • Lawyers
  • Other professionals
  • Spouses of high-powered professionals

With this experience, we have found that our high-net-worth clients have unique needs. We target our legal services to provide our clients with:

  • Customized legal strategies to protect their family, business, and financial interests
  • Personalized attention and communication so that we can promptly identify your goals and help you achieve them
  • Privacy related to your family law matters
  • Knowledge regarding complex topics involving assets, business interests, and the intersection of California family laws
  • A multi-pronged approach to achieve your objectives
  • Dedicated advocacy at every step of the process

We understand that high-net-worth individuals have a lot on the line. You have worked hard to get to where you are and want an advocate who will zealously represent your interests. We also know that not every lawyer is equipped to deal with the complexities involved in high-net-worth cases, such as:

  • Accurately evaluating the value of businesses, business holdings, and business interests, including vesting and non-vesting interests
  • Accurately estimating the income of a high-net-worth individual when considering potential market volatility or multiple business holdings
  • Professionally appraising valuable personal property, including fine art, jewelry, and collections
  • Arguing successfully for a deviation from standard child support guidelines due to having an extraordinarily high income or additional expenses related to providing for your children
  • Carefully evaluating the enforceability of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements based on how these agreements were entered into and the content of the agreement
  • Resolving child custody and visitation disputes related to moving away, having the child in multiple jurisdictions, or international travel with a child
  • Arguing for a fair amount of spousal support to properly compensate a spouse for their contributions to the family unit, their spouse’s career, or their own professional sacrifices
  • Preparing qualified domestic relations orders and other appropriate documentation to transfer interests in retirement plans and investments
  • Advising clients on estate planning matters to modify their plans and account for family orders related to securing future support
  • Carefully considering the potential tax consequences of various dispositions and making recommendations to minimize them

These issues require a careful approach and an in-depth understanding of complex financial affairs and the intersection of California family laws. The Palo Alto family law attorneys at Moradi Saslaw have the knowledge, skills, and experience to expertly guide you through the most complex of family law issues.

Contact an Experienced Palo Alto Family Law Attorney

At Moradi Saslaw, our family law attorneys offer full-service family law counsel focused on delivering you the best results possible regardless of your situation. We are mindful of the duty we owe to share in achieving lasting solutions to your most challenging family law problems.

Contact Moradi Saslaw in Palo Alto today to discuss how our legal team is the right choice for you and your family. We also serve as San Francisco family law attorneys We look forward to advising you on all of your family law matters.

Our knowledgeable Palo Alto divorce lawyers are intimately familiar with California’s spousal support laws. We can argue for a fair resolution in your case.