Legal Services
Yvonne Rizzo provides legal services including divorce, seperation, child support, alimony, domestic violence and more. Since these complex situations may involve formal documentation, negotiation, or court hearings, it’s important to work with a family law attorney who can provide comprehensive legal services throughout every step of the process. During a consultation with Ms. Rizzo’s team you’ll discuss the appropriate legal services required to support your unique needs, budget, and timeline. Learn more by booking a complimentary consultation today.
As a certified Family Law Specialist, Yvonne Rizzo is equipped to provide support with legal services that may affect your marriage, custody, or personal status. Ms. Rizzo and her team deliver assistance throughout every step of the process, including:
- Filing initial divorce petitions
- Supporting negotiations & mediation
- Representing you in a court of law
- Support with appeals for custody and/or support
- General council
- Trial litigation
- Contract creation and management
- Domestic restraining orders
Divorce Legal Services
Divorce or legal separation must be formally-recognized by the state in order to be valid. The process begins with either party filing a formal petition. The petition may include claims to property, custody details, alimony, and specifications for the payment of legal services. Following the completion of the petition, the opposing party has 30 days to respond. Each party must then disclose property or utilize a standard dissolution procedure to negotiate the division of property and child custody. Following negotiations, a court hearing may take place to finalize the legal outcomes of the agreement. If the couple opts for legal separation they will no longer jointly acquire debts and assets, however they will remain legally married. You may require legal services pursuant to child custody, spousal support, the division of property, or other unique concerns.
Child Custody Legal Services
One of the most complex legal services in family law practice deals with child custody. Typically child custody rulings begin with a mediation session where all parties are represented. During this mediation, involved parties may establish temporary sole or joint custody. The granting of custody depends on a long list of factors including health, geography, financial considerations, and other elements that influence the well-being of the child. Long-term physical or legal custody is usually established within court proceedings. Your family law attorney will represent you during these legal services. On-going custody negotiations may require specialized legal services depending on the details of your case.
Child Support Legal Services
Financial child support may be required by one or more parties, especially in cases of divorce or scenarios where the parenting parties are not domiciled in the same home. A family law attorney can help you calculate the correct amount of child support required as well as modify current child support rulings. Since each party’s geographical and financial situation may change over time, you may require ongoing legal services to address your evolving needs.
Spousal Support & Alimony Legal Services
Following the dissolution of a marriage or partnership, one party may be required to provide permanent or temporary spousal support. The amount and duration of support is determined on a case-by-case basis and requires customized legal guidance from your attorney. Permanent spousal support determinations may be addressed in a hearing where your lawyer will execute the full scope of legal services including the gathering of evidence, interpretation of local laws, and considerations regarding each party’s health, income, assets, and debt.
Parentage & Paternity Legal Services
Parentage refers to circumstances where an individual may act in the role of a parent regardless of their biological or marital relationship to a child. Legal services may be helpful in formalizing parentage rights or agreements in situations of assisted reproduction, co-maternity, and other unique cases. Paternity refers to the male parent of the child and is typically confirmed via DNA testing. Once paternity is established, additional legal services may be required to establish child support or child custody.
Domestic Violence Legal Services
Legal services may have unique considerations in cases of domestic violence. For example, domestic violence allegations or charges may impact the outcomes of child custody on a long or short-term basis. An attorney offers help with establishing restraining orders or other relevant legal services.
Yvonne Rizzo is an experienced family law attorney providing legal services across a range of needs. Prior to establishing her private practice she worked as an attorney for the City of San Diego as well as a civil litigator in Los Angeles. Her licenses include:
- State Bar of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
- State Bar of New York
