Family Law Attorney Near Me

Family Law Attorney's in San Diego  - Services

Family law is a complex and diverse field. Access to a knowledgeable family law attorney near me is key to navigating the steps involved in filing a divorce, negotiating child custody, or establishing alimony. Yvonne Rizzo and her team understand that every case is unique and work to provide an appropriate combination of services to meet your individual needs. We offer support with several areas of family law, including:

Divorce Attorney

Divorce: The divorce process begins with either party filing a petition with the local courts. The petition may include claims to property, requests for custody of minor children, spousal support and attorney fees. The petition must be served to the other party and responded to within 30 days. Following the petition, your family law attorney will coordinate negotiations and court proceedings. Keep in mind that San Diego County does have minimum residence requirements to file for divorce locally.

Legal Seperation

Legal Separation: Legal separation allows both parties to stay legally married, but no longer jointly acquire assets and debts. Some clients prefer this option for religious, personal, health, or financial reasons. In this arrangement, each party is not eligible to marry another person. For guidance on deciding between divorce and separation, schedule a consultation with a family law attorney.

Child Custody Cases

Child Custody: Child custody is a particularly complex and challenging area of family law. In San Diego County, your family law attorney may assist in the initial child custody mediation required by the state. Ultimately, child custody rulings may be made by a judge or by an agreement between the parenting parties. In San Diego County, all child custody decisions are focused on the best interest of the child. Your family law attorney may assist with the court case and any supporting documentation required throughout this process. Ready more about child custody considerations on our blog.

Child Support

Child Support: Child support refers to financial contributions that a parent may be required to provide another parenting party. Your family law attorney can help establish or modify child support in accordance with California Family Code. Child support may continue until the child reaches the age of 18, or longer in cases where the child has a disability. Since child support is a complex and ever-changing field, working with an experienced family law attorney near me is key to ensuring an appropriate legal outcome.

Alimony or Spousal Support

Alimony or Spousal Support: Spousal support rulings depend on the details of each family law case. Spousal support may be temporarily or permanently assigned depending upon the each party’s income, assets, debts, age, health issues, and time spent married. Family law also includes guidelines for spouses that are not self-supporting, issues of domestic abuse, and other considerations. Schedule a consultation with a family law attorney near me to learn more about temporary and permanent spousal support guidelines.

Property Division

Property Division: San Diego County operates under California’s community property laws. All property acquired during marriage (while living in California) is considered communal to the married party. This may include real estate, land, cars, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and more. During a divorce, a family law attorney can help you determine how this communal property may be legally divided. The issue of property under the California Family Code is complex and requires experienced legal guidance from a family law attorney.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: The Domestic Violence Protection Act was passed to counter all forms of domestic violence, including unwanted contact, physical abuse, and emotional mistreatment. Yvonne Rizzo Esq worked as a Deputy City Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit for the City of San Diego and is well-versed in this field. As a family law attorney in San Diego, she now uses this experience to support clients in her private practice. Read her blog for information on custody determination in light of domestic violence.

Parentage

Parentage: Parentage is an evolving field of family law and includes cases of Assisted Reproduction (including sperm donor agreements, egg donor agreements, Co-maternity agreements, or surrogacy agreements). Parentage refers to situations where an individual does not have biological parentage of a child, but may be acting as a parent. Seek council from an experienced family law attorney in San Diego on these complex matters.

Pre-Marital and Post-Marital Agreements

Pre-marital & Post-marital Agreements: Pre- and Post-marital agreements are used to navigate California’s community property laws. These agreements allow two parties to manage property in unique ways, and may be modified during the marriage. For example, if one party has an asset or business that they do not want the other party to gain an interest in, a pre- or post-marital agreement may be used. Family law attorney Yvonne Rizzo can help you draft a legally-binding document to define how future property may be divided.

Military Divorce

Military Divorce: Many San Diego military families have unique needs when it comes to divorce, legal separation, and custody law. Contact Yvonne Rizzo for specialized support from a local family law attorney.