Are you searching for a San Mateo family law firm equipped to handle your divorce, child custody, or asset division cases with knowledge and care? Seeley Family Law Practice is a full-service family law firm serving the Bay Area. Whether you need an initial consultation about divorce, a consulting attorney for mediation, a second opinion, or full legal representation, we have the skills and resources necessary to assist you. Our San Mateo family law attorneys have successfully represented a broad range of individuals, including venture capital partners, investment bankers, corporate executives, doctors, salaried employees, entrepreneurs, business owners, and stay-at-home parents.
Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Call us today at 650-347-9111 to speak with our team.
We represent clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Santa Clara County, San Francisco County, Marin County, Sonoma County, Napa County, Alameda County and Contra Costa County.
Dedicated Family Law Services in San Mateo, CA
Situated in the heart of San Mateo County, Seeley Family Law Practice has built a robust reputation for providing dedicated and personalized legal representation in family law matters. With a strong focus on divorce and family law, our Bay Area firm harnesses its extensive experience to assist clients through what can be some of the most challenging periods of their lives. From child custody battles to complex asset division, every family law matter requires a deft touch and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of California law.
Divorce and Separation
Divorce and separation can be a tumultuous journey, fraught with emotional upheaval and legal issues. In San Mateo County, divorce proceedings begin with a ‘Petition for Dissolution’. This legal process involves addressing key issues such as:
- Child Custody – Determining the living arrangements and legal decision-making for children.
- Visitation Rights – Establishing the schedule and conditions under which the non-custodial parent can spend time with the children.
- Property Division – Dividing marital assets and debts between the spouses in a fair and equitable manner.
- Financial Asset Division – Allocating financial investments, retirement accounts, and other monetary assets accumulated during the marriage.
- Spousal Support – Assessing the need for, duration of, and amount of financial support one spouse may provide to the other post-divorce.
This experience can be daunting, but a knowledgeable divorce attorney can be a guiding light during this stressful time.
When it comes to resolving disputes, mediation is often recommended for uncontested divorces, while private judging can be an alternative method to help reach decisions on key issues. At Seeley Family Law Practice, our family law attorneys are well-versed in handling both contested and uncontested divorces. We provide focused knowledge on California’s community property laws for asset division, ensuring their clients’ rights are protected at every stage of the divorce process.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody and support decisions in California are centered on the best interests of the child. The state emphasizes promoting the child’s health and welfare and ensures frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Whether it’s through agreements between parents or judicial decisions, each decision is guided by specific state considerations for setting support levels.
At Seeley Family Law Practice, the emotional and psychological well-being of children is a priority. Our family lawyers understand that the well-being of the children should be at the forefront of family law proceedings. We advocate for the creation of detailed co-parenting plans, providing a framework for consistent and stable parenting schedules and responsibilities. By doing so, we ensure the best interests of the involved children are served.
Alimony and Spousal Maintenance
Whether you are seeking spousal support or need to defend against an unreasonable request, our team is well-equipped to guide you through the complexities of California’s spousal maintenance laws. We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.
Our firm is committed to helping clients achieve fair and equitable outcomes in spousal maintenance matters. We consider all relevant factors, such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living, and the earning capacities of both parties, to advocate effectively on your behalf. With a focus on compassionate yet assertive representation, our Bay Area family law team strives to provide the legal support you need during this challenging time, helping you secure a future that aligns with your financial and personal goals.
Premarital Agreements
Premarital agreements, or ‘prenups,’ have been legally recognized in San Mateo, CA since 1976. These contracts must include adequate disclosure and be entered into voluntarily in order to be valid. However, it’s crucial to note that premarital agreements in California are not allowed to predetermine child custody and support terms as these decisions are the court’s prerogative, based on the child’s best interests.
If you’re going through a divorce and have a premarital agreement, our team at Seeley Family Law Practice can provide the legal support you need to navigate this complex situation. Premarital agreements, while intended to outline the division of assets and financial responsibilities, can be contested during a divorce if they are deemed unfair, entered into under duress, or if there was a lack of full disclosure.
Our experienced attorneys will carefully review your premarital agreement to identify any potential weaknesses or legal issues that could impact its enforceability. We will work diligently to protect your interests, whether that means challenging unfair terms or ensuring that the agreement is upheld according to your original intentions.
Cohabitation and Postnuptial Agreements
Postnuptial agreements, on the other hand, are subject to greater scrutiny due to the fiduciary relationship between spouses, enforcing a higher standard of fairness.
But marital agreements aren’t just for married couples. Non-married couples in California can also outline their rights and responsibilities through cohabitation agreements, which serve a similar purpose to premarital and postnuptial agreements.
Whatever your relationship status, consulting with our experienced Bay Area family law attorney can ensure your agreement adheres to California law and is tailored to your specific needs.
Tailored Approach to Family Law Matters
Every family law matter is unique and therefore requires a tailored approach. At Seeley Family Law Practice, we recognize the importance of adopting a child-centered approach to family law. This methodology significantly lessens trauma and emotional distress for children and often leads to quicker resolutions and more positive long-term results for young individuals, especially when dealing with a family law issue.
In order to develop an effective strategy for family law proceedings, our attorneys at Seeley Family Law Practice require comprehensive and accurate information from our clients. This collaborative approach ensures that the legal strategy is not only tailored to each individual case, but also adaptive to the changing circumstances that often accompany family law matters.
Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Mediation and collaborative divorce are dispute-resolution methods that provide an alternative to traditional litigation. Collaborative divorce combines aspects of mediation and litigation by involving legal representation and encouraging settlement without court intervention.
In San Mateo, mediation may involve:
- A neutral third party who facilitates the resolution process by helping disputing parties communicate and negotiate their differences.
- The possibility for attorneys to be present during the mediation or to offer legal advice and consultation, ensuring that all parties are well-informed about their rights and options.
- A cooperative environment that fosters respectful dialogue and mutual understanding, which can be particularly beneficial in resolving sensitive issues like child custody and visitation.
- A reduction in tension and conflict as the mediation process encourages parties to work collaboratively towards a mutually agreeable solution, often leading to less adversarial interactions.
This process fosters a cooperative environment that can lead to more amicable agreements, especially in matters of child custody and visitation.
Litigation and Trial Preparation
While alternative dispute-resolution methods like mediation and collaborative divorce are valuable, sometimes litigation is unavoidable. In such instances, you need a team of trained trial attorneys who can ensure rigorous preparation for court proceedings. At Seeley Family Law Practice, we employ attorneys trained in trial work practice, boasting a successful track record in trials, court hearings, and settlements.
In contested divorces, our firm is adept at representing clients in trial, tackling the distinct challenges of community and separate property disputes within California law. With client-attorney collaboration being pivotal at Seeley Family Law Practice, you can be assured that our legal strategies are tailored and adaptive to each case.
Experienced Legal Team
An integral part of any successful law firm is its team. At Seeley Family Law Practice, our legal team is not only experienced but also dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients in family law matters. With a team of seasoned attorneys and paralegals, we are ready to help guide you through your family law case.
Client-Centered Approach
At the heart of Seeley Family Law Practice’s approach is the client. We are committed to serving clients with an approach that considers their overall well-being. Whether it’s assisting clients in staying focused on their children and professional responsibilities or guiding them toward a positive transition after their case is resolved, we are dedicated to supporting our clients every step of the way.
Focus on Children and Work Priorities
When dealing with family law matters, it is essential to keep one’s focus on the children and work priorities. At Seeley Family Law Practice, our Bay Area family law attorneys can provide practical tips for clients to maintain work productivity without compromising their legal stance or parental obligations.
Understanding the psychological toll of family conflicts, the firm offers emotional support to clients and provides referrals to child psychologists and counselors. This focus on the client’s emotional well-being ensures that they are not only legally represented but also emotionally supported during the legal process.
Clear Communication and Accessibility
Clear communication and accessibility are essential aspects of our approach. We believe that by helping clients form realistic expectations about the legal process and potential case outcomes, we can minimize misunderstandings and avoid delays, facilitating a smoother legal journey for clients.
Ensure the Best Resolution for Your Family with Seeley Family Law Practice
At Seeley Family Law Practice, we are dedicated to helping our clients through family law issues with confidence and security. Whether you’re a venture capitalist, corporate executive, salaried employee, or stay-at-home parent, we’re ready to assist you with various issues such as business valuations, asset divisions, and high-conflict custody disputes.
Our team-based approach, which formulates strategies to align with our clients’ goals, ensures all aspects of family law can be addressed under one roof. From our intensive trial preparation to our commitment to respond quickly to client communications, we go above and beyond to minimize financial and emotional costs through a holistic approach to cases.
Whether you’re facing a complicated divorce, a contentious custody battle, or need assistance drafting a prenuptial agreement, Seeley Family Law Practice is prepared to take on the challenges with you. With a team of experienced family law attorneys, a client-centered approach, and a range of comprehensive services, we are dedicated to providing tailored legal representation and support throughout your journey.
Call today at 650-347-9111 to begin your legal journey with confidence.
We represent clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Santa Clara County, San Francisco County, Marin County, Sonoma County, Napa County, Alameda County and Contra Costa County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take if I’m considering a divorce in San Mateo, CA?
If you’re considering a divorce in San Mateo, CA, the first step is to gather all pertinent financial documents and personal records. Next, consider consulting with a reputable family law attorney to understand your rights and the legal process ahead. It’s also advisable to explore the various dispute resolution options available, such as mediation, collaborative divorce, or litigation, to determine which method aligns with your circumstances. Additionally, you may want to seek emotional support from a therapist or counselor to help with the personal challenges of the divorce process.
What are the different ways to reach a conclusion in a divorce proceeding in California?
In California, you can reach a conclusion in a divorce proceeding through settlement/non-litigation, mediation, or litigation. Consider exploring these options to determine the most suitable approach for your situation.
How does California determine custody arrangements?
In California, custody arrangements are determined based on the best interest of the child, prioritizing the child’s health and welfare, and aiming for frequent and continuing contact with both parents. It’s essential to keep the child’s well-being at the forefront.
What is a premarital agreement in California?
A premarital agreement in California is a contract that must meet specific requirements to be considered valid in the state. If the agreement lacks adequate disclosure, was not entered into voluntarily, or contains unconscionable terms, it may not be enforced.
Can a couple enter into a postnuptial or marital agreement in California?
Yes, in California, a couple can enter into a postnuptial or marital agreement that covers similar rights and responsibilities as a premarital agreement, regardless of their legal marriage status.
What are the key factors considered in property division during a divorce in California?
In California, property division during a divorce is governed by community property laws, which dictate that any assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered community property and should be divided equally between the spouses. Key factors considered include the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, contributions to the acquisition of the property, and the existence of any premarital or postnuptial agreements. Separate property, which includes assets acquired before the marriage or after separation, gifts, and inheritances, is generally not subject to division.