At Okhovat Law Group, we truly understand the ramifications of divorce and separation. We realize that separation and divorce can have serious and lasting effects on a person’s finances, family and psyche. As such, it is our number one priority to ameliorate such effects and make the process as rapid and painless as possible. In doing so, we utilize techniques that are not only conducive to a quick and beneficial outcome, but also in line with our clients’ resources and emotional state.
Often, it is the client’s intention to quickly and efficiently settle his/her case outside of the courtroom. Where such is the goal and the circumstances allow, Okhovat Law Group will negotiate the client’s behalf to reach the best possible income. Where settlement is not possible Okhovat Law Group will zealously and aggressively advocate on behalf of the client.
Mediation of Dissolution: Mediation is a confidential matter in which a neutral third party (the mediator) sits with the divorcing couple in order to amicably dispose of assets and determine other issues such as, child support, child custody and spousal support. Mediation is ideal in many situations. Where the parties are amenable to a quick and amicable resolution mediation works best. Mediation will give the couple a chance to resolve outstanding issues through direct contact with each other, while the entire session is guided by a legal professional.
Mediation is further beneficial due to the fact that it is much more cost effective than being involved in a litigious divorce case.
Spousal Support
The courts often award spousal support to the party who has not worked or earned less financially. This is done in order to maintain the lifestyle to which the supported party has become accustomed. In cases where the length of the marriage is less than ten years spousal support is usually awarded on a monthly basis for a prior equal to half the length of the marriage. For example, if a marriage lasted eight years one party will be ordered to pay spousal support every month for the period of four years.
However, in cases where the length of the marriage exceeded ten years, upon a successful demonstration of the supported party’s need to receive spousal support and the supporting party’s ability to pay said support a court may order lifetime spousal support.
Child Custody and Child Support
Okhovat Law Group passionately and zealously handles cases were child support and custody are at issue. Absent an agreement by the parties, the custody of a minor child is determined by the court. In deterging the ideal plan, the court looks at what is in the best interest of the child. On the other hand, the amount of child support is based on various factors such as, the percentage of the custody belonging to each parent, the age of the minor child, the ability of the supporting party to pay child support and the need of the supported party to receive support.
Property Distribution
California is a Community Property state. This means that except as in rare situations and absent an agreement to the contrary all property acquired during will be divided equally between the parties in a divorce. Okhovat Law Group can competently represent your legal interest in receiving property that is rightfully yours.
Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
Alarmingly, California has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country. Victims of domestic abuse are often intimidated by their aggressor and therefore, choose to keep quiet. At okhovat law group we make it a priority to be compassionate to those who have suffered and we fight aggressively to protect the rights and safety of domestic violence victims. Except in atypical instances it is best for victims of violence to seek a domestic violence restraining order which, will provide the victim necessary safety and peace of mind to calmly and logically make decisions regarding the fate of his/her relationship with the aggressor.
Paternity
Establishing paternity is crucial in every case. While in many cases the parties voluntarily do so, sometimes it is necessary to get a court order. Okhovat Law Group has experience in handling paternity cases and will see your case to the most favorable outcome possible.
Premarital and Post-Marital Agreements
A premarital (prenuptial) agreement is drafted in contemplation of a marriage and often done so to protect the assets of the party seeking such agreement. These agreements allow the parties to decide how their assets will be divided in case of a divorce. The advantage of these agreements is that the parties can decide the manner with which their assets are disposed even if the elected manner is not consistent with what California law prescribes.
On the other hand, post-marital agreements are similar, but differ as they are drafted subsequent to divorce
At Okhovat Law Group we will skillfully negotiate between the parties involved in order to come to an agreement both parties can be comfortable with. Upon reaching an agreement we will skillfully and cautiously draft these documents so as to avoid inadvertence and subsequent legal problems.