Annulment
Generally, there are three ways to legally end a marriage or domestic partnership in the state of California – divorce, legal separation, and annulment. An annulment is a legal procedure which cancels a marriage, essentially erasing it and declaring that it either never technically existed or was not valid to begin with. You should be clear on the requirements to annul a marriage, and the State of California suggests that you talk to a lawyer to ensure you qualify. Whether you qualify for an annulment, or are required to file for a divorce, Teresa McNamara Family Law is here to help you.
Child Support
Child Support is an ongoing payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child after the end of a marriage or other relationship. Even if you are in a good relationship with your former partner and are receiving money for the benefit of your child, if you don’t have court ordered child support then you may be putting both you and your child at risk. It is imperative that you know your rights and safeguard both you and your child’s financial future.
Child Custody & Parenting Plans
Navigating a divorce or separation can be difficult, both legally and emotionally. Adding a child, or children, to the equation only amplifies the complexity. We will help you create a child custody agreement and parenting plan that will be the legal bedrock upon which the future relationship you have with your children will stand.
Divorce
The decision to end a marriage and seek a divorce is a difficult one. You will want the best divorce attorney on your side to clearly explain to you what your best options are and who will provide the protection and advocacy you need to create the best possible future for yourself and your family. Divorce attorney, Teresa McNamara helps clients effecitvely and efficiently navigate this process so that you can confidently move on to start the next phase of your life.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is behavior by a current or former spouse, significant other, roommate, or person you are related to through blood or marriage which involves abuse (physical, mental, sexual, or otherwise) which causes or attempts to cause you physical injury, or to fear that you or another person is in danger of physical injury, or even causes damage to your personal property. Molestation, threats, stalking, and disturbing your peace can all be examples of domestic violence. If you are a victim of, or have been charged with domestic violence we are here to help.
Emergency Relief
It can take six to eight weeks to get a hearing in Southern California. Though this can be a frustrating amount of time to wait for some, for others it can be dangerous – both for you and the rest of your family. If you or your loved ones are in need of emergency financial support, Teresa McNamara is here to help you get to court – and to safety – as quickly as possible.
Mediation
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process where divorcing couples choose to avoid litigation and instead work together with an experienced and trained mediator to negotiate and resolve a divorce outside of the courtroom. Mediation focuses on resolving differences in a non-adversairal space, where the mediator facilitates communication about how the couple will divide assets, determine child support and alimony, and structure child custody among other things.
Paternity
For a variety of reasons, it can be vital for a child’s well being to legally establish who his or her parents are. Parentage cases are the vehicle which the court uses to establish who the legal parents of a child are, thus bestowing upon both the child & parents certain rights and privileges. The Law Office of Teresa McNamara specializes in family law and has years of experience helping clients with their paternity cases.
Property Division
Next to child custody issues, the proper division and distribution of property and assets can be the most important thing your family law attorney does for you. Properly evaluating, valuing, negotiating and dividing you and your former partner’s assets will insure that you have the best possible chance of starting your new life on the right foot.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is the payment that one spouse makes to another after a divorce in order to assure the former spouse is able to meet her or his needs. There are laws in place in California to protect a divorced spouse from being financially abandoned after the divorce. There are also situations in which spousal support can be reduced or terminated, depending on the circumstances.
Step-Parent Adoption
Typically, a step-parent adoption involves a spouse or partner who would like to adopt a child from their spouse’s previous marriage or domestic partnership. There are many rights and privileges bestowed upon a child and their legal parents. It can be vital to properly parent your child(ren) and to pass on the benefits of being his or her proper legal guardian.