Family Lawyer Alameda County, CA

The Benefits of Hiring Attorney Bernie for Your Family Law Case

With extensive knowledge in family law, Attorney Bernie Kempen brings a wealth of experience to the table. Specializing in this field allows him to provide tailored advice suited to your unique circumstances. Every case is different. Bernie takes a personalized approach to each client, so that your specific needs and goals are addressed comprehensively.

Family law matters can be overwhelming. By working with Bernie, you gain not only a legal representative but also a supportive guide to help you manage the emotional challenges of your case. His experience enables clients to resolve legal issues efficiently, potentially saving you time, stress, and expense in the long run.

When to Consider Filing for Divorce

Deciding to divorce is monumental and fraught with emotional and practical challenges. It’s essential to approach this decision with a comprehensive understanding of its implications.

• Persistent Unhappiness and Incompatibility: Constant distress or a fundamental incompatibility with your partner might indicate that a divorce could be the right choice.

• Irreconcilable Differences: If compromise seems unachievable due to differing life goals or values, divorce may be the only solution.

• Infidelity and Broken Trust: A breach of trust, like infidelity, can irreparably damage a marriage. If reconciliation isn’t feasible, divorce might be necessary.

• Abuse or Neglect: Any form of abuse signifies a need to prioritize your safety, potentially necessitating a divorce.

• Lack of Communication: If communication has irreversibly broken down, it may be time to consider divorce as a viable option.

If you’re contemplating divorce, our lawyers are here to answer questions and provide legal advice and compassionate support. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone.

Common Types of Family Law Cases

Issues relating to family law can be profoundly challenging. Our experienced family attorney is dedicated to providing guidance and robust representation across a spectrum of family law issues. Our practice areas encompass marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and other significant family relationship matters. Learn when it might be necessary to engage our lawyer and how we can assist you through complicated legal processes, to make certain that your rights and interests are fiercely protected.

• Divorce Proceedings

Divorce is notably one of the most common reasons individuals retain our family lawyer. The process can be emotionally draining and legally complicated, particularly with issues like property division, spousal support, and child custody at play. We are here to help you understand your legal rights, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.

• Child Custody and Support Issues

Matters involving children are particularly sensitive. Whether you’re dealing with a divorce or addressing custody as an unmarried parent, our attorneys are skilled at negotiating custody agreements and determining fair child support agreements, always with the child’s best interests at heart.

• Adoption and Guardianship

Adopting a child or assuming guardianship in California involves numerous legal challenges. We provide compassionate guidance through the legal process, confirming all requirements are met for a seamless transition.

• Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

In cases of domestic violence, securing your safety is paramount. Get compassionate yet firm legal assistance to help you obtain necessary restraining orders and protective measures.

• Estate and Will Planning

Family law also intersects with estate planning. Whether creating a will, setting up trusts, or managing an estate posthumously, our legal knowledge is invaluable in making sure that your wishes are honored accurately and lawfully.

Alameda County Family Lawyer Infographic

Alameda County Family Law Statistics

Divorce statistics in Alameda County California provide insight into the frequency and nature of marriage dissolutions in the state. California ranks in the top 10 states for divorce statistics. As of 2021, 8.9% of people per 1,000 population were divorced, which slightly increased to an estimated 9.2% by the end of 2022. The proportion of divorced men is lower than women, with 7.1% of men being divorced compared to 10.5% of women. Notably, the highest number of divorced men are aged 65 and over, at 12.2%

Alameda County Family Law FAQs

Why Should I Hire a Family Lawyer?

It can be difficult to have serious issues involving your family; however, if all the facts support you, you may think you can handle it on your own. After all, why should you hire our lawyer if you believe you have done everything right? There are several important reasons why you should hire our Alameda County family attorney. Take a look at a few of the top reasons why you should work with our legal team.

• Handle the Paperwork For You: One of the most confusing aspects of going through the legal system is that there is a significant amount of paperwork you need to do. A lot of this paperwork is filled with legal jargon, and it can be difficult to interpret unless you have legal training. Lean on our lawyer who can handle the paperwork for you, explain what is included, and help you make the best decision. 

• Guide You Through The Legal System: Another issue involving the legal system is that the court system can be confusing. A lot of people have never set foot in a courtroom before, let alone had a case go before a judge. It can be intimidating, and you need an objective professional who can advise you on what to do. If you have some expectation of how the court case will unfold, you will have an easier time making decisions. For this reason, work with Attorney Bernie.

• Save You Time and Money: Our family attorney can also save you a lot of time and money. Our lawyers have connections throughout the legal system we can use to handle your case quickly. Furthermore, our lawyer can anticipate legal obstacles that may develop, helping you manage them. This could help you save a lot of money during the case. 

• A Family Lawyer Fights For You: In the end, the biggest reason why you should hire our Alameda County family lawyer is that we will fight for you. You need someone in your corner who can explain the legal system to you, advocate for your rights, and fight for your best interests. If you want to put your case in the best position possible to be successful, you need to work with our legal professionals.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Our Family Lawyer?

Almost any legal issue will have some degree of difficulty. This is especially true when you are dealing with something as important as family. You want to make sure you are getting the best representation possible. Whether you plan to go to court or hope to come to an agreement outside of court, working with our attorney can help you be as prepared as possible. We can help:

• Retain key witnesses to help solidify our argument
• Provide you with a legal strategy that can help guide your case
• Retain third-party witnesses, especially helpful in cases of abuse or domestic violence
• Appraise your assets and help you get a fair division of property

Our family attorney knows that there is no one specific answer that will tell you how much a divorce will cost. Some of the different factors that will go into it are what assets you both have, how long you have been married, how many children you share, etc. Another factor that will play a huge part in what a divorce will cost is whether you will pay or receive spousal support.

If you make a larger amount of money in the marriage, it is possible that you will need to pay your ex-spouse spousal support. On the other hand, if your spouse makes more than you do, our attorney may fight to win spousal support (and child support) on your behalf.

Does All of This Need to Be Decided Before a Judge Finalizes the Divorce?

Yes. Especially when it comes to child support and custody, a family court judge will need to make a decision before finalizing the divorce. This can also be beneficial because it can help set clear standards post-divorce. If you would like to speak with our trusted family lawyer in Alameda County, California, please contact our office at your earliest convenience.

Alameda County Family Glossary

At our law firm, we work with individuals and families throughout Alameda County, CA, to address important legal matters affecting their households. Whether you’re facing a separation, deciding custody arrangements, or dealing with property division, our Alameda County, CA family lawyer provides professional legal guidance every step of the way. This glossary is designed to clarify key legal terms you may encounter during your family law case.

Mediation Process

Mediation is a voluntary dispute resolution method used in family law cases. A neutral third party, called a mediator, works with both parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike court hearings, mediation sessions are private and less formal. In California family law, mediation is often required before custody disputes are brought before a judge. The goal is to help parents or spouses settle matters like child custody, visitation schedules, or division of property without the need for trial. We often recommend mediation as a practical approach to resolving disputes efficiently and cooperatively.

Custody Arrangement

A custody arrangement outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after a separation or divorce. In California, there are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the authority to make decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare. Physical custody describes where the child will live and how time will be divided between parents. Custody can be joint, meaning shared between both parents, or sole, where one parent retains full authority. Courts in Alameda County always consider the child’s best interest when approving any custody agreement.

Child Support Order

A child support order is a court-mandated payment from one parent to another for the financial care of a child. These payments help cover housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education expenses. The amount is determined by California’s statewide guideline formula, which factors in each parent’s income, custody time, and other relevant expenses. In Alameda County, support orders are legally enforceable, and failure to pay can result in wage garnishment or legal penalties. We assist clients in both requesting and modifying support orders when circumstances change.

Property Division In Divorce

When spouses divorce in California, property and debts must be divided according to the state’s community property laws. Community property includes any assets or debts acquired during the marriage, such as income, real estate, vehicles, and retirement accounts. Separate property—assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance—typically remains with the original owner. Property division can become more complicated when there are unique assets involved, like business interests or investments. Our role is to help determine what qualifies as community versus separate property and protect our clients’ financial interests during this process.

Collaborative Divorce Approach

A collaborative divorce involves both spouses and their respective attorneys committing to resolving their issues without going to court. This process focuses on open communication and problem-solving. It may also involve professionals such as financial advisors or child specialists to assist in reaching fair agreements. Both parties sign an agreement not to litigate and instead work together to settle all matters—such as custody, support, and asset division—privately. If either party withdraws from the collaborative process and chooses to go to court, both attorneys must also withdraw. We often recommend this approach when both spouses are willing to cooperate and prioritize resolution over conflict.

At Attorney Bernie, we work with families in Alameda County, CA, to help them move forward with confidence and clarity. If you need help with a family law issue, reach out today to schedule a consultation with our team.

Attorney Bernie, Alameda County Family Attorney

Contact Our Alameda County Family Lawyer Today

Family law in Alameda County, California, is a multifaceted and dynamic area of law, reflecting the diverse needs and challenges of families within this vibrant community. The legal framework here, consistent with California’s broader legal principles, addresses a wide range of issues from divorce and child custody to property division and spousal support. The region sees its fair share of family law cases, with each case bringing its unique challenges and emotional depths.

The involvement our experienced legal professionals at Attorney Bernie is vital in managing these often detailed and sensitive matters. Bernie’s experience in Alameda County’s family law not only provides clients with knowledgeable legal representation but also offers a compassionate understanding of the emotional aspects involved in family law cases. Whether dealing with the straightforward proceedings of an uncontested divorce or the complications of high-stakes custody battles, our attorney’s guidance is invaluable.

In Alameda County, CA, our legal team is committed to providing the highest quality legal representation and guidance in family law. Should you face any family law issue, consider reaching out. We are here to protect your rights and get your voice heard by helping you handle legal processes with the utmost care and professionalism.

When considering legal matters that involve family dynamics, it’s imperative to understand when and why you might need to hire our family lawyer. In Alameda County, CA, Attorney Bernie stands as a reputable and experienced family attorney, offering essential guidance and representation in various family law issues.