Welcome to Sonoma County Family Law Blog, a weekly blog that provides insight into issues that arise in Family Law matters including divorce, legal separation, parentage, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, allocation of debts, and everything in between.
The issues discussed in this blog are generalized and not case specific. In reading these blogs, it is expressly understood that the blog is not offering legal advice, nor is it establishing any attorney client relationship. If you have specific questions about a legal issue you are experiencing, you should contact a lawyer in your area and seek legal advice.
For this first blog, I would like to introduce myself and discuss what you can expect from weekly blogs.
They say that attorneys don’t choose the law they practice, the law chooses them. I agree. I received my B.A. in Psychology. Upon graduation I needed to make the difficult decision whether to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology, or go to law school. Ultimately, I chose law school. My curiosity of human nature and passion for the law coalesced into a legal career in Family Law.
Although I have been practicing law as an attorney since April, 2009, my experience in Family Law dates to 2005 when I began working as a law clerk / legal assistant for a small Family Law practice in Sonoma County. Working under the supervision of the licensed attorney I handled my first case in 2006. I parlayed this experience into a certified law clerk position at the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services where I made well over 100 court appearances for the County of Sonoma. In addition to the court appearances, I investigated cases, interviewed parties, negotiated and reached settlement of complicated financial issues, and provided general litigation support to the staff attorneys. However, it was my experience in the courtroom that solidified my reputation as hard working, intelligent, inquisitive, and prepared.
I joined the Tavis Firm in 2008. I had just graduated Cum Laude and taken the California Bar Exam. Prior to obtaining my passing results I continued working as a certified law clerk for the Tavis Firm. My responsibilities included legal research, brief writing, and representing clients in court. It was a seamless transition for when I obtained his license to practice law.
Since obtaining my license to practice law I have handled complicated cases that involve high conflict Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Community Property Division Including Multiple Real Properties, Stock Options, Business Interests and Business Valuation, Pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Pre-marital Agreements, Post-nuptial Agreements, Attorney Fees, Domestic Violence, Income Taxes, Venue and Jurisdiction, and all of the grey areas that fall in between. I have recently been added as a Sonoma County Family Law Court settlement conference panelist, meaning that I volunteer my time as a mediator to help settle cases.
Family Law is a fascinating area of law that journeys into all other areas of law including tax law, bankruptcy, and civil law. In most cases, my clients are good people who are experiencing a very difficult time in their lives. The stress and confusion of the divorce process can cause ordinarily logical and calm people to act in contradiction to who they truly are. In the weeks to come, I will explore all of the psychological issues that arise in a divorce as well as the legal issues, and will explain legal concepts. In addition, I will provide links to resources I find helpful.
Until next time,
Best Regards.
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