At Wendt & Abel, a Professional Law Corporation, we take seriously the legal, financial, and emotional impact that family law matters have on you and your loved ones. Representing clients in San Luis Obispo and throughout California’s Central Coast, our attorneys Greg Abel, the principal of the firm, offers comprehensive representation in the following areas:
Family Law Divorce
Our attorneys provide supportive guidance throughout the entire divorce process, ensuring that our clients’ interests are protected each step of the way. Every divorce or separation presents a new and unique set of facts and issues. We will listen to your concerns and help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family regarding the various issues that accompany the ending of a marriage, including:
• Property Division – California is a community property state, which generally means that each spouse has a 50-percent interest in property acquired during the marriage. However, this does not mean that a simple 50/50 split of property will occur upon divorce. Rather, a number of factors will come into play, such as the length of the marriage and the economic conditions of each spouse. We help divorcing couples divide their property and debts, and ensure that our clients’ assets are protected during and after the divorce process.
• Custody & Visitation – Nothing is more difficult or complex than the issues of child custody and visitation. Our attorneys Greg Abel helps parents develop workable visitation schedules and parenting plans that meet their children’s needs and fit their family dynamics.
• Child & Spousal Support – In many cases of divorce, one of the spouses will be ordered by the court to pay child support or financially support, or pay alimony to, the other spouse. We help families establish fair arrangements that meet their financial needs and capabilities.
Modifications of Orders
Even years after a marriage has ended, events may transpire that affect the terms of a divorce agreement. When circumstances change, a party can petition for a post-judgment modification. For example, changes may be made if the current arrangement becomes detrimental to the child, or because a parent has remarried, moved away, or increased his or her earnings. If your original divorce agreement no longer reflects your current circumstances, we can help you seek a modification.
Paternity
Establishing legal paternity gives a father certain rights and responsibilities in regard to his child. For example, a paternity action may be brought in order to impose a child support obligation, establish a right to inheritance, or gain or prohibit custody or visitation rights. Our attorneys Greg Abel can help you assert, challenge, and disestablish paternity depending on your needs.
Adoptions
We believe that adoption is an undertaking well worth the effort; however, the completion of a successful adoption often involves a great deal of stress, many anxious moments, and a significant financial investment. If you are considering adoption, the assistance of an experienced attorney can simplify and facilitate this potentially complex process. We help clients prepare for this milestone in their lives by handling all legal aspects of adoption, allowing prospective parents to embrace the excitement of welcoming a new addition to their family.
Domestic Violence
In cases of family violence, you may ask a court for a protective order by filing a civil suit, which is distinct from filing criminal charges against your spouse. A protective order requires your spouse to obey certain rules before or after a court hearing, such as the divorce or custody hearing. The order may limit contact with you or your children, or prohibit contact entirely. Our attorneys Greg Abel helps victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders and defends those wrongfully accused.
Separation & Marriage Settlement Agreements
We have extensive experience preparing and reviewing separation and marriage settlement agreements, which are required if your case settles before proceeding to trial. Every issue in your divorce, such as the division of property, custody, and support must be addressed in the document before it is submitted for court approval. Our attorneys Greg will go through the agreement with you, ensuring that you are satisfied with all of its terms.
Estate Disputes
Our attorneys Greg provides advice and representation regarding estate disputes, which may involve will contests, allegations of a breach of fiduciary duty, and a myriad of other issues. Understanding that estate litigation may be particularly contentious and emotionally charged, Greg works to handle even the most complex and sensitive matters with sensitivity and discretion.
Seek Experienced, Compassionate Representation
If you are facing divorce or another family law matter, please contact Wendt & Abel, a Professional Law Corporation for comprehensive, personal representation. As our client, you can be sure that we will work tirelessly to serve your best interests.