Family Law Overview

Divorce

Rarely does a judge arrive at a solution to a family law problem, such as divorce or property settlement, that is mutually satisfying to the couple involved. It is much more likely that the couple themselves will be able to find a resolution that satisfies their needs and goals, despite the difficulty of their situation.

At the Law Offices of Shirley D. Jacobs our Walnut Creek, Fremont and Pleasanton divorce lawyers have helped thousands of women and men reach divorce settlement agreements through litigation, mediation or collaborative law .

When to choose

Litigation

Collaborative Divorce

Mediation
  • When one or both members of the couple do not want to want to participate in mediation or collaborative divorce
  • When the couples cannot communicate with each other
  • When there is a high degree of mistrust or conflict
  • When one spouse is being deceptive or threatening
  • When both partners want to participate in informal resolution of all issues
  • When there is a power difference or a knowledge difference between the two partners
  • When the partners want the support and expertise of an attorney to assist them in reaching a decision
  • When both partners want to participate in informal resolution of all issues
  • When the partners have a comparable amount of power and knowledge
  • When the partners have some degree of trust in each other and are able to communicate their positions and objectives

Most costly option

Likely to be less costly than litigation but more costly than mediation

Potentially least costly option

 

In order to help you reach informed and appropriate decisions, our divorce lawyers may recommend other professionals, such as certified divorce planners, certified public accountants and child psychologists. You can choose the level of support you need and the services you require to reach a settlement agreement regarding division of marital assets, child custody and visitation, and child support and spousal support.

The processes of mediation and collaborative divorce are typically constructive processes, with less negative fallout for children. In fact, we find that parents may actually improve their communication skills by using either of these processes, which then helps them become more effective co-parents after their divorce is completed. However, because, negotiation does not work for every couple and our divorce attorneys are prepared for aggressive litigation if the situation demands it. We have litigated thousands of cases.

Contact Walnut Creek, Freemont or Pleasanton divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Shirley D. Jacobs to speak with an experienced divorce attorney in your area.

We provide dissolution of marriage services to residents of the East Bay, California area, including Alameda County and Contra Costa County and the nearby cities of Martinez, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Livermore, San Ramon, Union City, Hayward, San Leandro, Alameda, Emeryville, Dublin, Berkeley and Oakland.