All posts by TRIWriter

Domestic Violence and Parenting Plan Modifications
California Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Mediation, Restraining Order, Termination of Parental Rights

Domestic Violence and Parenting Plan Modifications

Parenting plans are created to meet the unique needs of a divorced or separated family. When domestic violence has been present, your parenting plan needs to provide safety for you and your children. California Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger helps families when domestic violence makes parenting plan modifications necessary.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a comprehensive set of agreements for how separated or divorced parents will care for their children. It includes many factors, including:

  • Custody agreements
  • Visitation schedules
  • Sharing costs for the child’s care
  • Arrangements for holidays and school breaks
  • Exchange arrangements
  • Phone and video contact with the children
  • Communication between parents
  • Authority for making decisions for the child
  • Religious matters
  • More…

No two parenting plans are the same due to differing schedules, needs, locations, and many other factors. The factors above and many more should contain elements that keep you and your child safe when there has been domestic violence.

Creating a Parenting Plan

Often, parents work together to create a workable parenting plan to care for their children. The court will review this plan, determine if it needs legal requirements, serve the child’s best interests, and approve it. However, in cases of domestic violence, this may not be possible or safe. You may need a legal representative to act on your behalf to create or modify an existing parenting plan to help you and your child stay safe.

Your attorney will need to provide credible evidence of domestic violence and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it is likely to continue. Then, a judge will be far more likely to agree to a parenting plan or modifications to an existing plan that contains elements to prevent future harassment or abuse.

Family Law Attorney Judy Burger is an effective negotiator if you feel threatened or fear mistakes in an agreement could place you or your child in jeopardy. She has a wealth of experience in working out parenting plans and custody agreements in difficult situations. In some cases, the judge will ultimately decide the best agreement. This is particularly true in cases of substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, or incarceration.

Domestic Violence and Parenting Plan Modifications

Sadly, domestic violence does not cease after separation or a divorce. In fact, the separation may only antagonize the other party and cause conflict to escalate. Your parenting plan needs to include specific provisions to prevent contact wherever possible. Vague or unclear parenting plans open the door for more abuse or harassment.

A CA Domestic Violence Attorney like Judy Burger has the knowledge and experience to include certain specific elements in a modified parenting plan to prevent contact, communication, and unsafe situations. Some measures she may recommend can include:

  • Keeping your living arrangements private and secure
  • Having a neutral third party exchange the child between parents
  • Exchanging the children in a public place in full view of security cameras or guards
  • Restricting communication between parents and children (prohibiting video calls so the other parent cannot see into your home)
  • Using an app for all communications so there is documentation
  • Keeping travel plans and daily activities private
  • Sole legal custody

The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger knows how to gather evidence to help convince the court that your proposed parenting plan modification is in your and your child’s best interests. She can represent you before the court, handle communications and negotiations, and otherwise help you remain safe during the proceedings. Our office can also help you when domestic violence or gun violence restraining orders are necessary.

Keep Your Family Safe from Domestic Violence

Domestic violence survivors may fear discussing custody and parenting plan modifications with the other parent. Relationships can be difficult, and meeting in person may not be safe. Reaching a safe agreement with the other parent may not be possible, especially without help. Keep yourself and your family safe from domestic violence. Contact The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger in California for experienced help with parenting plan modifications.

CA Gun Restraining Orders
Domestic Violence, Restraining Order, Restraining Order

CA Gun Restraining Orders

The Golden State has some of the toughest gun laws in the United States to protect its citizens from domestic violence and firearm crimes. CA Gun Restraining Orders were approved in 2016 by the state legislature so “family members, household members, some employers, colleagues, teachers, and law enforcement can take action to prevent a person who poses a significant risk of harming themselves or others from having or purchasing a gun, ammunition, or magazine for a specified length of time, between 21 days and five years.”

When would you need a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO), and what protections does it provide? CA Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger discusses CA Gun Restraining Orders and how they work.

California Domestic Violence and Firearm Restrictions

California law prohibits anyone from buying or owning firearms for 10 years after a violent misdemeanor conviction, including stalking, assault, and battery, no matter the victim’s relationship to the offender. Newer legislation now provides a lifetime firearms ban on anyone convicted of willfully inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition against a current or former spouse, cohabitant, or dating partner or against the mother or father of the offender’s child after January 1, 2019.

California law also prohibits anyone subject to several types of court orders from buying, receiving, owning, or attempting to buy a firearm or ammunition while the order is in force. This includes domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, workplace violence restraining orders, and more.

California also prohibits people who are subjects of domestic violence restraining orders from owning or possessing ammunition and certain ghost gun kits and firearm components.

How Do CA Gun Violence Restraining Orders Work?

“The GVRO provides an opportunity to remove guns from individuals who would not otherwise be prohibited from possessing firearms.” Those in a close relationship with a person facing a crisis and whom they fear is at significant risk of lethal behavior (to themselves or others) may petition the court for a GVRO. This legally binding order reduces the risk of gun-related violence for between one to five years, allowing the person in crisis to get help.

The judge may issue a temporary Gun Violence Restraining Order before the scheduled hearing and may also grant other restraining orders as deemed necessary. A temporary GVRO is good for 21 days. If the judge grants a 1-5-year GVRO, a law enforcement officer will serve the papers to the person and collect any firearms, ammunition, and magazines. The subject of a GVRO cannot legally purchase any firearms, magazines, or ammunition while the order is in force. A GVRO may be extended by the court.

What a GVRO Does

A GVRO requires that all firearms and ammunition be relinquished by the subject of the order and prohibits the subject of the order from purchasing any guns or ammunition while the order is in effect.

What a GVRO Does Not Do

A GVRO does not affect knives or other non-firearm-type weapons. It does not include an order of protection for anyone. Additional protective orders may be granted by the court if needed.

Get Help with Gun Restraining Orders in California

Relationships can become complicated, and the risks of violence can escalate quickly. CA Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger can help you when you need legal protection or seek to protect someone close to you from committing harm or harming themselves. Contact one of our eight offices across California to schedule a consultation. We can answer your questions about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and other types of restraining orders, offer advice, help you file petitions with the court, and get the help you need now.

 

Top Reasons to Seek CA Child Support Modifications
California Divorce, Child Support, Debt, Disability

Top Reasons to Seek CA Child Support Modifications

Child and spousal support are critical responsibilities after a divorce. As life changes occur, you may need to make formal child support modifications to your original agreement. The Family Court must approve any changes, but it is always best for both parents to present a workable plan to the court. Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger examines why you may need to seek child support modifications in California.

Income Changes

Any changes in your income of 20% or more warrant examination for a possible change in your child support amount. This includes:

  • Increases: Increases may raise your payments.
  • Decreases: Decreases may reduce your payments depending on the nature of the decrease.
  • Job loss: If a parent loses a job, the court may temporarily reduce payments until they secure new employment, then make a more permanent determination.
  • Self-employment: This type of employment can fluctuate, requiring adjustment or some other modification.
  • Retirement: This often makes significant changes in income, usually decreases, and will require an adjustment.

Never assume that changes to your child support payments can be made on your own when things change. All changes must be agreed upon by both parents and approved by the court. CA Family Law Attorney Judy Burger can help you navigate this process to ensure your child’s best interests are met.

Custody Changes

Custody agreements can change and reflect a need to modify child support arrangements. The time a child spends with each parent is a primary consideration. Common reasons for a change in custody include:

In most cases, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent. If the custodial parent changes, this likely means a change in the amount of child support. The child’s needs and the new custody arrangements must be reviewed to create a workable agreement. Typically, the custodial parent spends more time with the child and contributes more to their care.

Changes in the Child’s Needs

Children grow and change, and this creates new and different needs. The most common changes in the child’s needs that demand support modifications include:

  • Education: As children age, they can require more resources for their education, such as school supplies, activity fees, or college tuition.
  • Living expenses: As children age, their tastes and needs change, including clothing, food, daily essentials, and incidentals.
  • Medical expenses: Developing medical conditions or treatments not covered by insurance, like wisdom teeth removal and orthodontics, can require extra resources.
  • Extracurricular activities: Children can pursue all forms of sports, music lessons, hobbies, and school clubs that may require additional financial resources.
  • Unpaid child support: If one parent falls behind on child support payments, the court may order a modification to ensure the child is receiving proper care and support.

Parents can agree on how they’ll handle the new payments. However, they still need a judge to sign off on the agreement and ensure it meets the requirements for a child support modification. So, any verbal agreement should be put on paper and certified by a family law judge.

Get Help with CA Child Support Modifications

Every family is unique and has different child support needs. No two support agreements are alike. Working with a seasoned family law attorney is the best way to find solutions to complex support issues that meet your family’s needs while satisfying the family court’s requirements. A lawyer should review any change in your situation to see if it warrants changes.

Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger has extensive experience helping families create workable child support agreements and modifications as life changes. She is an effective negotiator and problem-solver who can help you find solutions that fit your family’s needs. Contact one of her offices across California to schedule a consultation today.

 

Is It Time for a New Parenting Plan? custody and visitation
Child Custody, Child Support, Visitation

Is It Time for a New Parenting Plan?

Divorce is often painful and difficult, but parents don’t want to transmit this anguish to their children. Child custody and visitation agreements hammered out in your parenting plan and approved by the court are designed to protect your children and provide what is best for them. However, circumstances can change and require modifications. Is it time for a new parenting plan? Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger examines when you should consider making some changes.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan outlines how parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children after a divorce or separation. It typically includes details on how much time the children will spend with each parent, how major decisions about the children’s upbringing will be made, and how conflicts or disagreements between the parents will be resolved. The parenting plan is filed with the court and becomes a legally binding agreement.

Reasons to Change Child Custody and Visitation in Your Parenting Plan

Life happens to everyone and adjustments are part of it. Sometimes this means a new patenting plan must be figured out to address new needs, changes, or demands. Here are five signs that it’s time to change your joint parenting plan.

Changes in Your Child’s Needs

Children’s needs change as they age. This could be going to a new school, taking on new extracurricular activities or hobbies, medical needs or health changes, and more. The possibilities are endless and every parent knows that you have to adjust to these new realities. Your parenting plan may need revisions to reflect these new changes and how each parent will accommodate them.

Changes in Your Work or Living Situation

Adults face changes throughout life, too. You or your ex-spouse could move, start a new job, go to college, or start new activities that require adjustments in child custody, support, or visitation arrangements. A CA Family Law Attorney like Judy Burger can help you negotiate the new changes and get them approved by the court.

Changes in a Parent’s Situation

Changes in the other parent’s living situation will also require you to make adjustments. For example, if your ex-spouse remarries, has additional children, moves, or starts a new job in another city, this will impact how you care for your child and meet their needs. These changes can be difficult at times, but a family law specialist knows how to help you make satisfactory changes and keep your own life on track.

Conflict or Tension Between Parents

Co-parents who now lead different lives but share a child and parenting responsibilities can experience conflict or tension. Sometimes your parenting plan must change to improve communication or reduce the stresses on your children. For example, trusted third parties may need to pick up and drop off children to prevent parental conflicts.

Concerns About Your Child’s Safety

Your child’s safety and well-being are your primary concerns. Any threats or concerns about their physical, mental, or emotional stability demand immediate changes to your parenting plan. California Family Lawyer Judy Burger can work with you to modify custody arrangements and visitation plans to address specific concerns. She can also help you obtain ex-parte “emergency” hearings and domestic violence restraining orders if necessary.

Get Help with Child Custody and Visitation Arrangements in Your CA Parenting Plan

Attorney Judy L. Burger is a Certified Family Law Specialist in California with extensive experience in child custody, visitation, support, and related issues. She can help you work out details of a new parenting plan that reflects recent changes in your parenting situation and file it with the court. Contact one of her eight offices across California to schedule a consultation.

 

Child Custody and Establishing Paternity
California Divorce, Child Custody, Termination of Parental Rights

Child Custody and Establishing Paternity

Children deserve to have a strong bond with good parents and be protected from inappropriate, dangerous, or abusive behavior. This is why child custody matters are so critical. Obtaining custody of your child and establishing paternity can be a tough challenge, but experienced legal guidance and representation can help.

Attorney Judy L. Burger is a Certified Family Law Specialist in California with extensive experience in child custody and paternity cases. She discusses these vital issues below.

Why Is Paternity So Important?

Establishing a child’s legal parentage is critical because many things depend on it. Legal parents have significant rights and responsibilities that directly influence the child’s well-being.

Legal parents:

  • Can ask for custody and visitation
  • Are required to support their child financially
  • Are listed on a California birth certificate
  • Can bequeath financial benefits to their child
  • Can guarantee U.S. citizenship, even if the child was born outside the country

Determining a child’s legal parents can involve emotional and complex issues and is best handled with the guidance of a family law attorney. Judy Burger can help you establish parentage of a child in California.

Ways to Establish Legal Parentage

California law establishes legal parentage in the following circumstances:

  1. You are the child’s birth parent (not a surrogate)
  2. You and the other parent were married or registered domestic partners when your child was born or conceived 
  3. You and the other parent filed a Declaration that establishes you as the legal parents
  4. A judge determined that you are a legal parent in a court case

You and the other parent can establish legal parentage for your child by completing and filing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP) form. This is typically done when the child is born but can be completed later. This becomes a binding legal document similar to a court order.

A California Family Law Court can determine the legal parentage of a child and establish child custody and support orders if necessary. California law allows fathers up to three years after the child’s 18th birthday to legally establish paternity.

Father’s Rights and Paternity

California law distinguishes between a “parent” and a “biological father.” Once the biological father has established his parental rights, he can legally request custody or visitation, pay or receive child support, and make decisions on the child’s behalf. The mother cannot deny the father’s legal rights once paternity has been established unless exceptional circumstances have been recognized by the court.

Although a man may be the biological father of a child, paternity can only be legally established through adoption, marriage, or a court order. If a child is born outside of marriage or as a result of an extramarital affair, the biological father has no legal rights. In such cases, the woman’s legal spouse would automatically be granted paternity rights over the child. However, a biological father has up to two years from the date of the child’s birth to petition the court for a paternity test.

Experienced CA Child Custody and Paternity Lawyer

Judy L. Burger is an experienced CA Child Custody and Paternity Lawyer with eight offices across the Golden State. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist with extensive knowledge and expertise in handling volatile and complex cases where paternity is an issue and child custody questions are at stake. When your family life and responsibilities are in question or other problems arise with paternity, Ms. Burger can help you fight for what is best for your child.

Contact her nearest office today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and get sound legal advice. Judy and her team care, and we know how to help.

Splitting Liabilities in a CA Divorce
California Divorce, Property Division, Property Division

Splitting Liabilities in a CA Divorce

Dividing assets and liabilities in a California divorce can be problematic. Some elements of property division are not cut and dried, and many factors can influence how these arrangements are made. Many are concerned about getting their share of the assets from a marriage, but what happens to the debts?

Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger addresses the complexities involved in splitting liabilities in a CA divorce and how she can help.

Community Property and Debt

California operates under the community property principle, a system designed to ensure fairness. This means generally that, in the absence of other arrangements, both parties will receive an equal share of everything they acquired while married. Any separate property owned before the marriage or obtained after the separation remains the owner’s sole property, providing a sense of security in the process. There are complex exceptions to the division of property acquired during marriage or prior to marriage. 

However, the community property principle also applies to debt. Other arrangements can also come into play here, but typically, both parties in a divorce are responsible for half of the debt incurred  during the marriage.. Unfortunately, these issues are not always so black and white—they more often appear filled with grey areas.

A CA Property Division Lawyer like Judy Burger can work with you to help make the best decisions and arrangements.

Dividing Debt in a California Divorce

Property division can be confusing because of so many potential exceptions relating to community, separate, and co-mingled assets. Here are just a few potential examples:

  1. The divorcing couple’s marital debts are greater than the value of their community assets. A family law judge may assign more debt to the spouse earning more income.
  2. Some marital debt incurred by one spouse may be ruled as separate debt by the judge due to extenuating circumstances (like a cheating spouse using family money to buy gifts or fund travel for the affair).
  3. Student debt funded by marital income may be ruled as separate debt to the one benefitting from the education. One spouse may be directed to reimburse the other for a portion of the student debt already paid.

Complex situations like these are why you need an experienced CA property division lawyer on your team to help ensure you are treated fairly.

Date of Separation and Property Division

California is somewhat unique in that it uses the date of your separation to distinguish between most marital and separate property. Most other states use the official date of the divorce. Once both parties agree the marriage is over, they are considered to be leading separate lives (even if they still live together). From that moment, both are acquiring separate assets and debts.

This is a significant matter in your divorce, but agreeing on a specific date of separation can be tricky. The exact date can be argued from many points and affects which assets and debts are to be retained, split, or surrendered to the other spouse.

Get Experienced Help with CA Property Division

California Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger has the resources, working relationships, and expertise to help with the most complex property and debt divisions and business valuations. She harnesses the expertise of various professionals to help ascertain pertinent facts that influence who should be responsible for debts and how assets are to be divided.

Spouses and their attorneys cannot always be trusted to act fairly, so you need an experienced lawyer guarding your best interests. Decisions and arrangements made during these negotiations can affect your life and future. Contact Attorney Judy Burger at one of her eight offices conveniently located throughout California to schedule a consultation.

 

Your Top 12 Child Custody FAQs Answered
Child Custody

Your Top 12 Child Custody FAQs Answered

Child custody is one of family law’s most complicated and emotional issues. Parents understandably have questions and concerns about the child custody process. Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger answers the top 12 child custody questions clients ask us throughout California.

Most Common Child Custody FAQs

  1. What is child custody?

Child custody is the legal and physical responsibility for a child. Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, religion, and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who cares for the child.

  1. What is the difference between sole and joint custody? Sole custody means that one parent has exclusive legal and physical custody of the child. Joint custody means that both parents share legal and physical custody of the child.
  2. What factors do the courts consider when determining child custody? The courts consider several factors when determining child custody, including the child’s age and needs, the parents’ ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.
  3. Can grandparents or other family members get custody of a child? In some cases, grandparents or other family members can get custody of a child. However, the court will consider the child’s best interests and the parents’ rights before awarding custody to a third party.
  4. Can a child choose which parent to live with? Sometimes, a child can express a preference for which parent to live with. The court will consider the child’s age and maturity level before taking their preference into account.
  5. Can child custody orders be modified? Yes, child custody orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a parent’s relocation or a change in the child’s needs.
  6. What is a parenting plan? A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that outlines each parent’s responsibilities and rights regarding the child. It includes details about custody, visitation, and decision-making.
  7. What is supervised visitation? Supervised visitation is when a parent is allowed to visit with their child but only under the supervision of a third party, such as a social worker or family member.
  8. Can a parent move out of state with their child after a custody order has been issued? If a parent wants to move out of state with their child after a custody order has been issued, they must obtain permission from the other parent or the court.
  9. Can I get custody of a child in another state?

It is possible, but it requires petitioning for custody in the state where the child lives. Attorney Judy Burger can help you understand the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and what is required.

  1. How can I prove the other parent is unfit?

This requires presenting evidence to the court that demonstrates the other parent clearly endangers your child’s safety and well-being. Photos, videos, doctor reports, witness testimony, and more may be used to present your case.

  1. What are my parental rights?

Married spouses have joint custody of their children under the law until a court-ordered custody order is in effect. Unmarried mothers have sole physical custody of their children until the father legally establishes paternity. Court-issued custody orders grant certain rights according to the circumstances.

What If I Have Other Questions?

What should I do if I need help with child custody issues? If you need help with child custody issues, you should consult with experienced Family Law Attorney Judy Burger. She can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the legal process.

Child custody can be a complex and emotional issue. Understanding the process and your rights can help you make informed decisions and protect your child’s best interests. Contact Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger with your questions and concerns.

 

What Makes a CA Certified Family Law Specialist Different?
California Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence, Mediation, Property Division, Property Division, Restraining Order, Spousal Support

What Makes a CA Certified Family Law Specialist Different?

Family law matters are often intensely personal and highly emotional. Dealing with families and relationships is always complex and much is at stake for everyone involved. You want more than an attorney when family law issues arise – you want a specialist. California Family Law Attorney Judy L. Burger is a Certified Family Law Specialist who is able to handle complex personal cases through court petitions, negotiation, and litigation.

What makes a CA Certified Family Law Specialist different from run-of-the-mill family law and divorce lawyers?

A High Level of Specialization

Obtaining a law degree and passing the California State Bar exam to practice law is only the beginning. Certified specialists in any area of law must pass a rigorous set or requirements to demonstrate their exceptional knowledge, experience, and proficiency. Only after completing this extensive process does the state bar award the attorney a specialist certificate.

To become a Certified Family Law Specialist in CA, attorneys must satisfy the following prerequisites: 

  1. Pass a written examination
  2. Continuously practice law in their specialty area for at least five years
  3. Complete continuing education in their specialty area
  4. Receive favorable evaluations by other attorneys and judges
  5. Demonstrate experience in a variety of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, property division, and more.

Becoming a certified family law specialist takes time, experience, and extensive knowledge.

Superior Experience in Family Law Cases

Certified Family Law Specialists must continue to demonstrate their expertise by handling complex family law cases to further broaden their knowledge and experience. Recertification every five years requires more continuing education while putting this extensive knowledge into action helping California families.

A CFLS will have considerable experience with:

  • Messy divorces
  • Complex business valuations
  • Sophisticated property divisions
  • Tense negotiations
  • Filing petitions with the court
  • Advising clients
  • Litigating difficult child custody and support cases
  • Ex parte hearings
  • Domestic violence
  • More…

Seasoned representation by a Certified Family Law Specialist like Judy Burger means the putting encyclopedic knowledge, extensive education, years of real-world experience, and measured expertise in your corner. She is vastly more qualified to help you get the results you need and want than other non-certified family law attorneys.

Why Should I Choose a Certified Family Law Specialist Instead of a Family Law Attorney?

Family law matters can be rough on you mentally and emotionally. The possible complexities and problems are legion and specific to every case. However, a CFLS has likely encountered similar cases before and has experience helping families find solutions. If you anticipate a difficult road ahead in your divorce, child custody, support, or related matters, choose a CFLS like Judy L. Burger.

Here are some examples of cases where we recommend a Certified Family Law Specialist:

  • Both parties have agreed to a divorce, but that’s all you agree on.
  • You have differences of opinion about matters like college debt, large real estate holdings, retirement funds, and other asset divisions.
  • You have small children still at home and cannot agree on a custody and support arrangement.
  • Both parties grew up in different cultures, so family rights and extended family concerns are involved.
  • Both parties jointly own a business.
  • One or both divorcing parties are active duty military.
  • You or your child’s safety is threatened.
  • You or your child are victims of abuse.

CFLS Judy Burger has trained for just these and many other situations so she knows how to help you. In fact, she’s been there with other families before. She can guide you through negotiations, difficult conversations, far-reaching decisions, and even embattled litigation with compassion and fortitude.

When you need stable counsel and steady legal representation through one of the most difficult times of your life, you need the services of a Certified Family Law Specialist. Contact The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger as soon as possible to discuss your case and next steps. We have offices throughout California for your convenience.

CA Domestic Violence Restraining Orders 101
Domestic Violence, Restraining Order, Restraining Order

CA Domestic Violence Restraining Orders 101

A domestic violence restraining order  is issued by courts to protect people from threatened or actual abuse from others with whom they have a relationship. California law allows granting protective orders for physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. California Family Law Attorney Judy L. Burger can help you understand more about restraining orders and when you need to petition the court for one.

Here is some basic information about domestic violence restraining orders that you should know.

You can also get immediate assistance by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Who Can Request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California?

Anyone age 12 and older can request a domestic violence restraining order if they have a close relationship with the person who has threatened abuse or actually committed abusive acts. California law defines a close relationship as including individuals who are:

  • Dating
  • Used to date
  • Currently or previously living together in a relationship (not roommates)
  • Married
  • Separated
  • Divorced
  • Co-parenting a child
  • Blood relatives (parent, grandparent, sibling, etc.)
  • In-laws

You may also need an ex parte, or emergency, restraining order. Attorney Judy Burger can explain more about this temporary measure. Call us now for assistance.

How Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?

Why should you file for a domestic violence restraining order against someone? This legal court order provides a layer of protection from harm. The court may enact the following measures against someone:

  • Stop abusive actions
  • Stay away from you (including anyplace you frequent, like home, work, or school)
  • Have no contact with you (including phone, text, mail, email, deliveries, third persons, etc.)
  • Provide support (child support, payments on jointly-owned property, etc.)
  • Grant exclusive use (like a home or car jointly-owned with the abuser)
  • Pay restitution (such as for property damage or medical expenses caused by abusive actions)
  • Relinquish firearms in their possession
  • Attend a treatment program
  • Undergo regular drug tests

The courts may also issue orders relating to child custody, support, and visitation in consideration of the child’s safety and welfare. They may order the abuser to stay away from places the child may frequent, such as schools, daycare, doctors, after-school activities, and more.

Tips for Filing a Restraining Order

Attorney Judy Burger can walk you through the process of filing for a domestic violence restraining order in California. This is often helpful due to the anxiety and fear that often accompanies the circumstances making it necessary. Her experience and confident demeanor are an anchor to help you as you seek stability, relief, and direction during troublesome times.

As you consider what is needed for a restraining order, it is helpful to think of your petition as a blueprint for testifying at a trial. What should be included?

  1. The specifics of the abuse or threats you have experienced. Be as detailed as possible, including dates, times, locations, and other pertinent facts. Think of it as a log of your abusive experience.
  2. Consider the type of help you need. What do you need the order to accomplish? Stop the abuse, prohibit contact, protect your children, provide support or other measures.
  3. Collect evidence to accompany the order petition. Screenshot emails, texts, and social media posts. Photograph damaged items and physical trauma from the abuse. Photograph destroyed property, clothing, personal items like a damaged phone, and other evidence.
  4. Collect witness statements. Record their testimony in writing or digitally.

The more specifics you can provide, the stronger your petition for a restraining order. Overwhelming evidence can also motivate the court to enact stronger protections. Think through the above factors and be ready to discuss everything with Attorney Judy Burger in a confidential consultation. She can also provide further guidance and advice on your next steps.

Get Help from a Certified Family Law Specialist

Judy L. Burger is certified by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist. She is your strong and aggressive advocate in highly conflicted domestic matters when you need the law on your side. Her encyclopedic knowledge of CA law and astute representation offers the protection and guidance you need in domestic violence cases. The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger has locations throughout Northern, Central, and Southern California for your convenience. Get the help you need to stop the abuse and get on with your life. Call us today.

 

Exploring Business Valuations in a Property Division
Property Division

Exploring Business Valuations in a Property Division

One of the most contentious issues in divorce proceedings is dividing property and assets. This can be especially challenging when a couple owns a business together. In such cases, business valuations are an integral part of the property division process. CA Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger understands the intricacies of business valuations in a property division.

She has numerous long-term working relationships with area Forensic Accountants and Actuaries, Ligation Real Estate Appraisers, Real Estate Attorneys, Business and Corporate Attorneys, Title Companies, and Real Estate Professionals who assist her when business valuations are needed for a divorce case.

Let’s explore this topic a bit further.

What Are Business Valuations?

Business valuations are the process of determining the economic value of a business or company. It is a complex process that involves analyzing the financial records of the company, its assets, liabilities, market competition, and other relevant factors. The value of a business includes various factors, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Profitability
  • Growth potential
  • Future earnings prospects
  • Market competition
  • Industry trends
  • Capital structure
  • Market value of assets
  • Company management

A jointly-owned business is considered to be an asset in divorce cases and is subject to division between the divorcing spouses. This can often be challenging because each spouse may have differing options about the value of the business, and some of these may be difficult to quantify objectively. As a result, disputes and conflicts are common.

Attorney Judy Burger works with respected professionals who are experienced business valuation experts to help overcome these challenges. They partner together to thoroughly analyze the financial records, assess assets and liabilities, and consider other relevant factors that impact the company’s value.

Methods of Business Valuations

Selecting the correct valuation method is one of the most critical factors in business valuations. Several valuation methods are available. Choosing the best method depends on the type of business, its size, and other relevant factors. Judy Burger and her team of experts choose the most appropriate method for valuing the business.

There are over a dozen different business valuation methods, but these are the most common:

Asset-based Approach

Also called the book value method, this valuation method is based on the value of the company’s assets, including its tangible and intangible assets. The expert will consider the value of the company’s assets, such as its inventory, property, and equipment, and subtract its liabilities to arrive at the net asset value of the business.

Income-based Approach

This valuation method is based on the income generated by the business. The expert will assess the company’s historical and projected earnings and apply an appropriate capitalization rate or discount rate to arrive at the present value of the business.

Market-based Approach

This valuation method is based on the market value of similar businesses. The expert will analyze the sales of comparable businesses and arrive at a fair market value for the business being valued.

Times Revenue Method

The times revenue valuation method uses a multiplier dependent on the industry and economic environment of the business. It is applied to a stream of revenues generated over a certain period of time.

Get Help with Business Valuations and Property Division in a CA Divorce

Establishing the correct value of a business in a divorce case can be a challenging process, so it requires skills and expertise. Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger works with experienced valuation experts to ensure a fair and accurate valuation of your business. She is tenacious regarding fairness and preserving your rights throughout the divorce and property division journey.

Contact The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger for more information and to schedule a consultation.