Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases do you handle?

This office handles Family Law matters only, including Dissolution of Marriage (divorce), Legal Separation, Nullity, and custody matters. All services are designed to keep you out of court and resolve your case by agreement. I do not handle contested cases or any area of law outside of family law.

What is the difference between consulting, mediation, and collaborative law?

Consulting involves working with one party as a legal advisor and document preparer. Mediation involves working with both parties together to reach an agreement. Collaborative Law involves each party having their own attorney, with all four participants committed to resolving the case outside of court. See the Services page for full details on each option.

Is the initial telephone consultation really free?

Yes. The first scheduled telephone appointment — one half hour — is at no charge. This gives us a chance to review your general situation and determine whether my services are suited to your needs. Additional telephone time after that first call (but before your in-office consultation) is billed at the consultation hourly rate.

What information do I need to provide when scheduling a call?

I will need both parties’ full names and all names ever used to run a conflict check. It is helpful to also know if you have minor children, if you have filed anything with court yet, and generally what is the situation.

What if I'm not sure whether my case will be contested?

That's very common. Consulting is a good approach for potentially contested cases — the goal is to maximize the potential for resolving the matter as an uncontested one. The case is typically commenced as uncontested, with the option to proceed contested (with a different attorney) if that becomes necessary.

How much does it cost?

Fees are based on a "Pay As You Go" arrangement — no retainer is required except in collaborative law cases. Fees for consultations are due at the time of the consultation; document fees are due when you request the document. Please email to request the current fee schedule, and review it prior to your telephone appointment so we can discuss which fees apply to your situation.

Can I use a paralegal instead?

Paralegals are not licensed to give legal advice, and in my opinion it is not possible to properly assist with a family law case without providing legal advice. Errors in documents can be costly — sometimes impossible — to correct. I strongly recommend having your paperwork completed correctly the first time by a licensed attorney.

What is a QDRO?

A QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) is a document required when the non-employee spouse is retaining an interest in the employee spouse's pension, 401(k), 457 DCP, 403(b), or similar retirement benefits. For public employers such as CalSTRS or CalPERS, similar documents are called "Stipulations." Whether these documents are needed depends on the facts of your case.

What should I do before our telephone appointment?

Please read the Explanation of Services and fee schedule that I will email you, as we will review any questions you may have about that document before discussing your particular situation.