The Dangers of Social Media in Divorce

April 2, 2019 By

Most people understand that posting on social media on divorce can impact the divorce process, and article will discuss what information you need to keep off of social media.

  1. Even posts to friends typically do not stay private.

You may be posting just to a small audience of friends and family and think that the information will stay private.  Remember that posts can be shared, saved, forwarded and discussed.  When you put information out in the internet, you lose control over how it will be spread.

  1. Pictures and comments can be evidence of bad parenting behavior.

A disparaging or threatening comment can be evidence that is used against you in a divorce trial.  Pictures or post indicating excessive drinking or drug use could be detrimental to your case.  This applies to any boyfriends or girlfriends that you may be in a relationship with because their behavior can impact custody also if you cohabitate.

  1. Do not post violations of court orders.

Whatever you do, don’t post anything that shows you are violating a court order.  If you are not supposed to see you ex, do not post pictures or comments to indicate that you have violated that order. If you have been told by a judge certain parameters about your posts, your kids, your finances, etc., it goes almost without saying that you shouldn’t incriminate yourself by showing that you have disregarded the judge’s order.

  1. Statements on dating aps or elsewhere that are not truthful can impact your case.

Be wary of making any statements on social media that aren’t accurate.  For example, if you claim to be single without kids, that may be perceived indicate that you have less interest in parenting.  If you make false statements about your ex-spouse, those can potentially get you into even more hot water as they may be perceived as harassing.

  1. Posts that put your mental health in question can have an impact.

It is not uncommon when going through a divorce to be depressed, anxious and angry and perhaps even to have an occasional suicidal or even violent thought. Be careful about posting these feelings.  Although it is natural to have strong emotions during this time, posting about those feeling publicly will not help your case.  See a therapist or an in person conversation with a close friend or family member.

  1. Watch out for posting information about money.

Finances are a key part of a divorce, so be careful about what you post when it comes to money.  Be cautious about posting about vacations, expensive entertainment, food or purchases.  Be aware that anything you post on a site such as LinkedIn or Facebook about your income, promotions, bonuses, etc. will be in the public domain and could impeach you if that doesn’t match up with the information you have presented in court. Be aware that anything you post about your earning capacity is important as well.

It isn’t easy to watch your posts and pictures on social media, but the divorce process will only be for a limited time.  By being aware of the pitfalls discussed in this article, you can avoid negatively impacting your case by inadvertently social media disclosures.

 

 

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer

Why Is Divorce So Expensive and Tips to Bring Down Cost

March 15, 2019 By

If you are considering divorce, you may be concerned about the financial impact the divorce will have on you and your family.  While some costs are unavoidable, this article will discuss some tips to consider to determine if they can help bring down the cost of the divorce in your particular case.

  1. Legal fees – keep them down through planning and organization and negotiation.

If both parties hire attorneys, legal fees can be significant.  Your attorney may charge a flat rate fee or the fee may be hourly.  The cost may be set or may be negotiable.  One way that my help lower the legal fees if for you to come in prepared and organized with clear objectives.  If you gather all the financial information into an organized manner and approach a potential attorney with that information, you may be able to reduce the bill by showing him or her that their time can be directed to advocating on your behalf as opposed to helping you gather or organize evidence.

  1. Adversarial – set reasonable goals.

An adversarial divorce may be out of your hands if your ex is one that wants to fight.  However, if you set reasonable and realistic goals for what you want to achieve then you may be able to keep these costs in check. This does not mean you shouldn’t fight for what is validly your right, but consult with your attorney to get a realistic view of what has been successful and typical in the past in order to set realistic and achievable expectations.

  1. Dragging out discovery – be prompt in responding to your attorney.

During the discovery phase, you will typically need to provide written responses to questions and provide requested documents.  By being prompt, thorough and organized in providing this information to your attorney, you can avoid costs if you attorney is charging you by the hour because he or she will not have to bill you to follow up.

  1. Going to court – consider mediation or settlement.

It’s not unusual for an initial reaction to divorce to be “I want my day in court!”  Emotions run high during divorce and a judge is perceived as an advocate who will right the wrongs that your ex has imposed on you.  In some cases trial might, in fact, be the right move.  However, if you are looking to minimize the financial impact of a divorce, then mediation or a settlement without mediation might be a more cost-effective process.  The decision is very personal to your case and depends on your goals and the reaction from your ex to alternative means of resolving disputes.

  1. Education – don’t be afraid to research, study and be informed.

In some cases, the high cost of a divorce can stem from the cost of education.  You may spend money on the wrong attorney.  It is not uncommon for a person to hire an attorney only to discover that the person you hired isn’t experienced or just doesn’t have the personality that works well with yours.  Do research. Talk to people. Find an attorney who has the experience and demeanor that works for you, so that you don’t get down the road with someone only to have to incur the additional expense of changing course and starting over with someone else.

The costs of a divorce can seem daunting, but with planning, preparation and information, you may be able to lessen the impact of the divorce process on your pocketbook.  If you need a highly effective and experienced family law attorney who will be mindful of your budget constraints, consider David Knecht Law, davidknechtlaw.com.

 

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Mediation Tips

March 10, 2019 By

Many divorce cases are settled at the mediation phase.  This article will provide suggested tips to help you prepare for a successful mediation.

  1. Know the state of your finances.

Prior to attending the mediation you would be well advised to thoroughly review and understand the financial situation you had during the marriage and to predict your financial needs after the divorce if final.  This step is essential to help you achieve your financial goals for the mediation.

  1. If you have children, think through the best parenting plan for them and you.

Attending the mediation with a bit of an open mind to different parenting plan possibilities is a good idea, but it is also important to know what you believe would be ideal for you and your children.  Give some thought to their schedules, their preferences, their after-school activities, their religious worship preferences (if any), the kids’ relationship with grandparents and other extended family, etc.

  1. Let go of vengeance and think about what you want and need.

There is an old saying that you shouldn’t cut off your nose to spite your face. This applies in negotiations as well.  Some negotiators get caught up in wanting to appear firm, or say no, or generally shut down what the other party wants just for the sake of making that party dissatisfied.  This can be a self-defeating negotiating strategy.  One that is more commonly successful is to approach the problem by thinking of what you want and how to get it, rather than trying to punish the other party by depriving them of what they want.  Remember a win-win is better than a lose-lose.

  1. Consider your chances at trial.

In order to evaluate whether a mediation solution is acceptable, you need to have an idea of what the consequences will be if you don’t agree in mediation.  Talk to your attorney and find out the range of results at trial.  No attorney has a crystal ball, so they can’t tell you what will happen, but they can give you an idea of what the results have been in similar cases.  Understanding the consequences of not settling will help you make a more informed decision about whether the settlement proposed is right for you.

  1. Use your knowledge about your ex-spouse to your advantage.

Nobody knows your ex as well as you do.  If you can think about what will persuade him/her, then you can use that knowledge to your advantage.  Before you go into the mediation, think about the “cards” in your hand, and decide how to play those cards.  Help your attorney understand what your ex’s hot buttons will be. 

A mediation can be many things:  for some, it is a grueling experience, for others it is a short pain on the path to closure and healing.  Regardless of the type of mediation you can expect, preparation and mindfulness in preparing for the mediation will generally improve the outcome.

 

 

Filed Under: General

Think Like a Lawyer:  DUI Defenses

February 20, 2019 By

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, don’t give up on a powerful defense. This article will explain key DUI defenses that you can discuss with your lawyer to plan an attack against the prosecution’s evidence:

Reasonable Suspicion for the Stop. Examine the reason for the stop.  Did the officer observe a violation of the law?  Or did he pull you over because of a guess or a prejudice?  The officer must have reasonable suspicion that the driver or passenger have committed, is committing or will commit a crime.  Reasonable suspicion is more than a hunch and has to be based on specific facts.  If the officer can’t justify the stop, then your attorney can file a Motion to Suppress the evidence.  If the motion is successful, the prosecution will typically not have the evidence available to convict you.

Don’t Assume the Blood Alcohol Tests Are Irrefutable. A test is intimidating evidence, but there are still ways to undermine the reliability of this evidence against you:

  • Undermine the reliability of the testing procedures.
    • Did the administrator of the test have the proper training?
    • Were the testing procedures followed with exactness?
    • Was the device functioning properly?
    • Were there results that were inconsistent with each other?
    • Did they observe you prior to the DUI?
    • Were you smoking, eating, drinking, burping, vomiting, etc. prior to or during the test?
  • Rising Blood Alcohol. The relevant point in time for blood alcohol level is at the moment you are driving.  If your blood alcohol level goes up after you are arrested because the alcohol is absorbing into the blood stream, then you have an argument that the test is not accurate to the level while you were driving.
    • The amount of food that is consumed, the gender of the driver, and other factors may play into whether the blood alcohol defense can be credibly asserted
  • Medical Problem Defense. The key point here is whether you have a medical problem that would render the results inaccurate.
    • Do you have a medical condition such as asthma or emphysema that affects your lung capacity and ability to blow into a machine?

Fight the Officer’s Observations and Field Sobriety Tests.

  • The key here is to undermine the validity of the tests. Do you have a medical condition?  Were there weather conditions?  Did the officer explain and administer the tests properly?
  • tests, or if correct instructions were not given, then you can question the reliability of the conclusions drawn from the tests.

Don’t give up.  There are many possible defenses in your case, so consult with your attorney.

 

 

 

Filed Under: DUI, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer

Should I Stay or Should I Go:  Thinking About Divorce

February 14, 2019 By

If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you are not alone.  The decision to pull the trigger can have consequences for your finances, your family, and your freedom to move or make decision.  This article will help walk you through questions to ask an experienced divorce attorney if you are on the fence about whether you should get a divorce at all or if you are deciding when you should get a divorce.

What will be the effect on my time with children?

If you have children, your time and decision-making power for them are likely to be two of your top concerns.  Discuss with your attorney some of the typical parenting plan arrangements so that you can get an idea ahead of the divorce of the options that are best for you.

How will a divorce impact my ability to move out of state?

If you have children, a divorce can impact the ease with which you can move out of state.  Consider your long terms plans for yourself and your children, and if you prefer to settle outside the state you are currently in, then that’s definitely a topic you should discuss with your attorney.

How will divorce impact my standard of living?

Think about the property/assets that you had prior to marriage and those that were acquired during marriage.  Discuss how these will be divided.  Consider timing.  Are you or your spouse eligible for a raise or bonus in the near future.  Is now a good time or would a short wait be more or less advantageous to you?  It’s important to think in advance about the optimal timing.

What are the tax consequences?

Evaluate how taxes will likely play into the mix.  Will keeping or selling property have tax consequences?  How do the retirement accounts play in?  How will claiming the children on taxes factor in?

How adversarial is my spouse likely to be?

Planning ahead includes thinking through your spouse’s reaction to divorce and preparing to manage his or her reaction.  If you can find a fair middle ground with your and your spouse, you will both save on legal fees that come with an adversarial posture.

What would be the consequences of losing at trial?

Be sure to understand all the consequences of a plea and all the consequences of losing at trial so that you can make an informed choice.  Get the whole picture of counseling, probation, and fines.

The choice of whether to call it quits on the marriage or keep trying to work things out is a difficult one with many unknown consequences.  If you can get an idea of what you would be entitled to and how you will be impacted overall, you can make a better decision about the right way and time to end the marriage.

 

 

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer, Legal Advice

Guilty Plea or Go to Trial?

February 1, 2019 By

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you will eventually have to make the important decision of whether to accept the “known evil” of a plea deal, or risk the unknown of a trial?  This article will walk you through the questions you need to ask your attorney as you contemplate this important step:

  1. You can fight the charge even if you feel guilty.

You do not have to make a decision the first time that you are asked what plea you will be entering.  Even if you think you are, in fact, guilty, you have a right to enter a not guilty plea and to prepare a defense.  You can take your case all the way to trial, even if you feel guilty.  The police officer may have violated your rights during the stop.  The tests may have been administered improperly or registered incorrectly.  Don’t assume just because you feel a certain way that you can’t mount a powerful defense.

  1. How likely is success?

You need to discuss your odds with your attorney.  Nobody has a crystal ball to tell you what will happen, but they can tell you what has happened in other cases with similar fact patterns.  What is your attorney’s experience with this police officer?  Does he come to court prepared? What about the judge?

  1. What will the plea bargain do for you?

What deal is being presented?  Is there any real advantage to entering a plea?  If you are likely to receive the same sentence if you do not enter a plea, then that is something to consider in your choices.  Is cost of defense a factor?  You are in the driver’s seat of your case, so be assertive in making a decision that is right for you.

  1. Who are the key players?

What kind of prosecutor do you have?  Is he or she likely to prepare a case, or will the prospect of trial be such an annoyance that a better plea will be offered on the day of trial? How reliable are the witnesses?  How effective is your counsel?  The facts are important, but the skill and preparation of the players.

  1. What would be the consequences of losing at trial?

Be sure to understand all the consequences of a plea and all the consequences of losing at trial so that you can make an informed choice.  Get the whole picture of counseling, probation, and fines.

The choice of whether to fight or bargain is a tough one.  Consulting with an experienced criminal defense firm is vital for making an informed decision.

 

 

Filed Under: General Legal Advice, Legal Advice

Visitation Rights of Grandparents in California

January 15, 2019 By

Are you a grandparent who adores your grandchildren and is concerned about visitation in the event of divorce?  This article will help you understand your rights as a grandparent.

  1. Can a grandparent ask the court for visitation?

Yes, a grandparent can ask the court for reasonable visitation.  In order to grant that request, a court has to evaluate two factors:  1) there has to be a bond already in existence between grandparent and grandchild, such that the visitation is in the best interest of the child, and 2) the court has to balance the best interest of the child in having visitation with the parents’ right to make decisions about their child.

  1. Can the grandparents take action to get visitation if the parents are still married?

Generally, no, the court will not order visitation for a grandparent if the parents are still married.  The exceptions to this general rule include:

  • Grandchild has been adopted by a stepparent
  • Child does not live with either parent
  • One of the parents joins the grandparents in their petition for visitation
  • A parent’s whereabouts are unknown
  • The parents are living separately
  1. Where can I find more information about grandparent custody rights? 

California Family Code section 3100-3105 can provide more information about grandparent custody rights.  You could also consult an experienced family law firm, such as David Knecht Law.

  1. How does a grandparent ask for visitation in court? What is the process?

A grandparent can file a petition in court to ask the court to order visitation with a grandchild. In general, the first step would be to find out if there is an existing case already open or whether the grandparent needs to start the case themselves. The next step would be to file the appropriate paperwork and serve those on the parents. Subsequently, a hearing or mediation may be scheduled. When the judge makes a decision, he or she will sign a court order.

A grandparent can add security, love, and wisdom to a grandchild’s life.  If you are a grandparent who is concerned about securing the legal right to visit your loved one, contact a firm that is experienced in family law, David Knecht Law.

 

Filed Under: Fairfield Attorney, General Legal Advice, Vacaville Attorney

DUI: What to Expect When You’re Caught Under the Influence

January 13, 2019 By

California has two relevant laws regarding drunk driving. The first law makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The second makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08%. Notice the important distinction here?

Driving under the influence of alcohol, as defined in the first law, has nothing to do with any measurement of blood alcohol, but only with an objective assessment of your sobriety. Imagine, for instance, someone particularly susceptible to the effects of alcohol drinks just one drink then proceeds to drive. If they were stopped by the police and the breathalyzer returned a blood alcohol reading of only 0.03%, they could still be charged under this law if something about the person’s driving gave the police probable cause to pull them over to begin with.

Conversely, under the second law, the impairment or otherwise of the person’s actual driving ability by the effects of alcohol are irrelevant to the reading itself. Another person might have been driving perfectly well, but was submitted to a breathalyzer test in a sobriety checkpoint, which returned a reading of 0.12%. This person, too, would be charged.

In practice, these two laws function as one. A person can be convicted of both offenses—sections a) and b) of Vehicle Code section 23152—but can only be punished for one, and the punishments are the same.

At the time of the incident, however, when a person has been detained under suspicion of drunk driving, there will be certain procedures that you can expect the police to follow.

Your encounter with the police will most likely begin with some questions. You should remember that you are not obliged to answer any questions that may incriminate you. This is your Fifth Amendment right. And while you will be (or should be) advised of this in the Miranda warning, it still applies at all times.

The same applies to field sobriety tests where the officer will instruct you to attempt physical tasks, such as walking in a straight line and so forth. Your participation in these tests is voluntary. The detaining officer should, but frequently will not, advise you of that fact.

At this point you should be given your choice of submitting either a breath test or a blood test. You can refuse this, too, but by carrying a drivers’ license, you gave your implied consent to giving a chemical test when required—meaning you can be tested by force.

The most important thing is to be aware of your rights at all times. When you are placed under arrest, do not say anything until you have your lawyer present. Visit our website at http://www.davidknechtlaw.com/ to find out why your first call should be to David Knecht.

Filed Under: General

Changing the Terms of Your California Divorce Decree

January 10, 2019 By

Circumstances change over time, and sometimes that means that the divorce decree, or Final Judgment of the Dissolution of Marriage, needs to be modified. There are two ways a divorce judgement can be changed.

  1. Appealing the judgment to the California District Court of Appeals.

Appealing the judgment is a method that is not used as often because appeals are usually only granted If the trial court did not apply the law correctly or if the judgment was the result of one of the party’s bad faith, such as intentionally hiding assets.

  1. Motion to Modify the Terms.

A motion to modify the terms is the more commonly used approach to change the divorce decree.  Modifications are usually more likely to be successful, less expensive, and faster.

  • Can modifications be temporary?

Yes, modifications can be either temporary or permanent.  For example, if a party has lost his or her job, the divorce judgment may be modified to change child support or alimony temporarily.

  • Can modifications be permanent?

Yes, modifications can not only be permanent, but they can change some or even all of the divorce decree.   Examples of a permanent modification might be where one party permanently changes careers or acquires a disability or injury which permanently changes that party’s ability to pay child support or alimony.  Other changes could be to child custody, where the changes accommodate the growing and changing needs of children.

Some people feel locked into the divorce decree, perhaps because they don’t realize that changes are possible or perhaps because they fear the pandora’s box that may be opened if they readdress the current terms.  An experienced divorce attorney, such as David Knecht, can provide advice about how to modify your divorce decree to make it right for you.

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer, Fairfield Lawyer, Vacaville Attorney

California Divorce:  What Happens if You Want to Move Out of State With Your Children?

January 1, 2019 By

Your rights with respect to your children will be governed by your own specific custody situation, but this article will discuss some of the general topics relating to relocation that you can discuss with your attorney.

  1. Can one parent relocate out of state and take the children?

In general, a parent who has sole custody of the children can move out of state, unless the other parent can show that the children will be harmed.  If the parents have joint physical custody and one parent opposed the other one leaving, the parent who wants to relocate will have to show the court that the move is in the best interest of the children.

  1. Can a parent take a vacation or trip out of the state or country with the children?

If the other parent is going to miss their visitation, you will typically need that parent’s permission to travel out of state with your children.  You can also look at your order and see whether it contains restriction on travel.  If so, you will need a special order to modify those terms.

  1. Can custody decisions be made in the states of each parent, if they are not in the same state?

 

No, custody decisions are only made in one state.  Here is some general information in what courts look at for determining the right state for the decision:  if the state is the child’s home state (living in the state for the last 6 months), or if the child has significant connections to people in the state, so that it can be proven that the child’s care, personal relationships, etc. are based there, or if the child is at risk of being abused or neglected if sent back to a different state.  (See the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act for complete information on this topic.)

Taking your child out of state in violation of the order can be serious business, so consult an attorney experienced in family law to get answers on whether you can take a trip or relocate with your family.  David Knecht is an experienced family attorney who can find the answers for you.

 

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer
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