Helping clients through tough family changes
Family matters often involve issues filled with emotions and changes. When you are faced with an emotionally charged situation that calls for tough decision-making, you need an attorney who will listen and help guide you toward a new beginning. Marie will take the time to ensure that you know what legal options are available to you so that you can determine which ones offer the best solutions.
Marie takes a client-centered approach. You are the focus; the representation is based on your needs. She handles all aspects of family law disputes, from establishing parental rights to custody, divorce, and post-divorce matters, for clients across San Rafael, CA and the broader Bay Area, in English or Spanish.
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Premarital planning
Are you planning to get married and want to know how to protect your assets? A prenuptial agreement can help you enter a marriage feeling secure that you have protected what was yours to begin with.
- 02
Divorce and related issues
When you decide to file for divorce, you may feel that it will result in endless court appearances and only leave you frustrated. Not every divorce ends that way. In many cases, when parties are able to work together, the divorce can be accomplished with minimal conflict. Even when there is little conflict, the divorce process may involve many issues that could have a long-term impact on you, your children, and your finances. Working with the right attorney can ensure that your needs and the needs of your children are met.
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Post-divorce matters
Sometimes there are ongoing issues related to support payments or property division after a divorce is finalized. If a former spouse is not complying with the court's order, it is time to reach out to an attorney. Life is also unpredictable, and it may be necessary to modify support or custody agreements over time. Modifications are generally granted when you can show a change in circumstance, such as a promotion at work that results in a salary increase, the remarriage of the parent receiving support payments, a parent relocating, or a change in the health of one parent.
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Establishing parental rights
Before the court can make any determinations on custody, visitation, and support, it must first determine who the child's legal parents are. Parental rights are established through paternity actions. When a child is born to a married couple, paternity is not questioned. However, when a child is born outside of a marriage, simply being named on the birth certificate does not make a person the legal father. There are two ways to establish paternity: signing a voluntary declaration of paternity, or going to court and asking that the court issue an order.
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Domestic violence protective orders
Are you concerned for your safety or the safety of your children? A Domestic Violence Protective Order will prevent your abuser from harassing you at home or at your place of employment. These orders have serious consequences in custody and divorce matters. If you are concerned about your safety, contact law enforcement first; for additional protection, call Marie's office for help in obtaining a protective order. If a restraining order has been issued against you, it is critical to contact an attorney who can guide you through this process and explain how a Domestic Violence Protective Order may affect your parental rights.
When the path forward isn't clear, the first call is.
Marie looks for a collaborative solution first and is fully prepared to litigate when collaboration isn't possible. The first conversation is in plain language, in English or Spanish, and free.