Irvine Divorce Attorney

Skilled Family Law Attorney in Orange County, California

Many people are often unsure of what to expect after they or their spouse has filed for divorce. This uncertainty, combined with worries about child custody and property issues, can leave many people concerned about their futures and looking for answers. The dissolution of marriage involves disassembling a life that was put together with another person.

The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman provides clients with a full range of legal services designed to address divorce, legal separation and annulment concerns effectively and efficiently. Would you like to speak with a lawyer about your divorce concerns? Contact The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman to arrange a consultation in her Orange or Irvine, California, office to discuss your family law matters.

Marital Settlement Agreements

Divorce attorney Beckman strives to reach marital settlement agreements without litigation. She is conscious of the emotional and financial strain that litigation can cause. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, she does not hesitate to vigorously represent clients in divorce court. The divorce settlement will cover issues such as:

• Property and debt division: California is a community property state; property, assets, and debts that are acquired throughout the course of the marriage will be distributed equitably, including pensions. Alimony (spousal support) may be awarded in long marriages (generally ten years or more) and due to certain property issues.
• Child custody and visitation: Courts generally favor arrangements that allow children to spend time with both parents. This can be settled between parties but may pass through court-ordered mediation if the parties cannot agree on the custody or visitation schedule. Children and divorce issues are often the most contentious, and the firm strives to protect clients' rights while keeping the children's best interests in mind
• Child support: Parents are obligated to provide for the needs of their children. Child support in California is based on a guideline that factors in income of both parents, time spent with the children, living expenses, and other issues.
• Spousal support or alimony: Spousal support and alimony provide financial support to a spouse during or after divorce or legal separation. Spousal support and alimony issues can be complicated because support is based on numerous factors, including the length of the marriage, income of each spouse and earning ability after divorce.
• Paternity: Married and unmarried parents alike may encounter the question of a child's paternity. The firm is experienced in the technical and legal areas of DNA paternity testing.
• Domestic violence: This sensitive issue can involve valid claims of abuse as well as false allegations of domestic violence. The firm works with clients on both points of the issue to ensure their rights are protected.

Orange County Annulments

In California, an annulment is not the same thing as a divorce or a legal separation. An annulment is a proceeding that, if successful, declares that the marriage was invalid. After an annulment, it is as though the marriage never occurred. You may consider an annulment if your marriage was entered into under a false pretense, misrepresentation or fraud. The evidence to obtain an annulment is fact specific. Attorney Beckman will answer all of your questions about an annulment in Orange County.

Lawyer Karen Beckman works to keep you informed throughout your divorce, legal separation or annulment. Her commitment to personal service is demonstrated by her dedication to each and every client and his or her individual needs. Contact The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman to arrange a consultation.