There are two types of support payments at issue in a divorce: spousal support (also called alimony) and child support. If one spouse makes significantly more money at the time of the divorce or separation than the other, the courts may order that person to pay alimony - regular payments made to the ex-spouse. In cases where the couple has children, child support payments may apply. Both parents are legally responsible for the cost of bringing up their children, and child support payments are used as a tool to even out the financial burden between the two parents. Typically, child support payments are paid from the parent who does not have custody of the children to the parent who does. However, the determination is also based on the amount of income each parent has. The incomes of both parents, as well as the needs of the children and the children's standard of living prior to the separation, will all be taken into account in deciding the child support burden. Although courts do their best to make fair and impartial decisions, a good family law attorney can be crucial to ensuring that all relevant information pertaining to a client's income, financial needs, and ability to pay are brought before the court. If you are going through a separation or divorce and need legal guidance on spousal or child support issues in or around Tracy, Stockton,the Sacramento, or Modesto California, area, please contact divorce and family law lawyer Valerie Stroup today.
Child Support
Like custody, child support is also determined by a court order that can be modified at a later date should circumstances change. The process is similar to an application for child custody modification. The applicant must file a motion for child support modification and notify the other parent. To successfully change the child support order, the filer must prove there has been a “substantial and material change” in one of the parent's incomes or in the financial needs of the child. Both parents will have the opportunity to present their financial information at a court hearing, at which time a judge will determine whether to modify the child support order. Valerie Stroup has many years of experience helping clients obtain the best possible outcomes from child support modification orders. If you would like help with child support modification, please contact The Stroup Law Firm in Tracy, California, today.
Child Custody and Visitation
When a married couple with a child divorces, custody of the child will be granted by means of a court order. Unlike most types of court orders, though, child custody court orders are not necessarily final. They can be modified at a later date if certain criteria are met. In order to change a child custody court order in California, the filing parent must first prove “changed circumstances.” That is, he or she must prove that the original circumstances that led to the first custody determination have changed. Perhaps the filing parent now has a steady source of income. Or perhaps the custodial parent is no longer able to take care of the child due to health reasons. Secondly, the filing parent must prove that a change of custody is in the best interests of the child. If both these points can be proven, the court may choose to modify the child custody order. Regardless of whether you are the person filing for a change or the custodial parent, child custody modification can be a complex and stressful experience. A skilled child custody lawyer can help you navigate more quickly and effectively through the child custody process. For further information on child custody modification near Tracy, Stockton, Sacramento, or Modesto, California, please contact The Stroup Law Firm today.
Adoption
International adoption - involves adopting a child from another country; a more complicated process that requires meeting the adoption regulations of both countries, as well as U.S. immigration requirements
Guardianship
Guardianship of a child refers to legal custody and responsibility for the child's well being. In California, there are two types of child guardianship: guardianship of a minor's person and guardianship of a minor's estate. A guardian of a minor's person is responsible for taking care of the child's food, housing, healthcare, education, and development. A guardian of a minor's estate has the legal right and responsibility to administer the estate on behalf of the child. If a child has inherited or become
Spousal Support
Family law attorney Valerie Stroup is a principal shareholder in The Stroup Law Firm, APC, located in Tracy, California, near Modesto. Ms. Stroup's practice offers specialized civil litigation services to individuals and families in the areas of divorce and family law. Ms. Stroup also has substantial experience in the areas of personal injury and commercial litigation. Her family law clients are commonly individuals who are experiencing marital problems and seeking representation regarding divorce or legal separation and the related child custody and visitation issues, as well as spousal and child support issues. Ms. Stroup also counsels and represents parents in matters of child custody modification, child and spousal support modification, guardianships, and adoptions. In addition to her family law concentration, Ms. Stroup represents individuals and small businesses in matters related to contract disputes and debt collection proceedings.
Legal Separation
An alternative to divorce, a couple may first decide on legal separation - in which they no longer live together but remain married. Many couples try out separation on a trial basis as a way to decide whether a divorce is really the best solution. If you are separating from your spouse and would like help with the legal aspects of this process, please contact The Stroup Law Firm of Tracy, near Sacramento, today for expert family law counsel.
In a wrongful death case, the tragedy of losing a loved one is compounded by the knowledge that someone was at fault. Wrongful death cases are brought against individuals or parties whose negligent or wrongful action causes another's death. If a manufacturer's automotive defect leads to a car accident death, a patient dies on the operating table due to surgeon error, or a drunk driver kills a loved one, the family of the victim is entitled to sue for wrongful death. In many cases, families may be entitled to restitution for medical and funeral expenses, emotional grief, and loss of the victim's future earning potential. If you have suffered the loss of someone you love due to the negligent or wrongful action of another, an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Contact The Stroup Law Firm today for a review of your case. We are located in Tracy, California, and serve surrounding areas, including Stockton, Modesto, and Sacramento.
In negligent security cases, property owners can be held legally responsible if someone is injured or killed on their property due to inadequate security. These cases, which are a form of premises liability, can involve robbery, rape, assault, slips and falls, abduction, or death and can take place in any of a number of public or private buildings (e.g., parking garages, airports, stores, schools, restaurants, etc.). If owners or managers fail to provide proper lighting at night, necessary security personnel for high-risk areas, or adequate locks and security systems, they put innocent people at risk. If you or someone you love has been injured in California because a property owner failed to take proper security precautions, contact The Stroup Law Firm in Tracy, California, near Stockton, Sacramento, and Modesto. We are happy to provide a free review of your negligent security claim.