Practice Areas
Dissolution of Marriage
My parents divorced when I was a teenager, so I have personally experienced the trauma and drama divorce can unexpectedly bring into your life and the lives of your family. I understand the importance of approaching these emotionally complex proceedings with as much personal dignity and mutual respect as can be mustered under such difficult circumstances. I am committed to adhering to this philosophy throughout your divorce and all family law proceedings.
Paternity
Fathers who are not married to the mother at the time of their child’s birth have no rights to timesharing with the child until a court enters a Parenting Plan. Mothers who are not married to the father at the time of the child’s birth are the sole legal guardians of the child and legally do not have to consult the father in any decisions concerning the child including relocating. Note, however, that a mother’s failure to involve the father may have negative legal implications if the father seeks timesharing.
Name Change
Individuals have the right to change their name to any name of their choice, as long as they are not doing so for a fraudulent purpose. While I do not recommend that anyone go before the court without legal representation, I recognize that the process for changing your legal name is fairly straightforward and that many individuals choose to represent themselves through this legal process. However, due to the personal bias of some judges, some of my transgender clients have experienced difficulties during the change of name process. If you have experienced difficulties, are concerned about the prospect of such difficulties or just want the peace of mind afforded by legal representation through this process, please contact me.
Adoption
I can help with several types of adoptions. Many step-parents form close relationships with their step-children and may wish to become the legal parent of the step-child or children. The legal process is Step-parent Adoption, which I can help you with. Second Parent Adoption is the process of establishing parental rights for a non-biological or non-legal parent who is not married to a legal or biological parent. Because this procedure is unusual and not specifically addressed in adoption law, it is important that you retain an attorney experienced in this procedure to represent you in the Second Parent Adoption. I can also help with uncontested adoptions.