Blog - Vacaville Attorney

3 Secrets to Finding the Best Vacaville Divorce Attorney

One of the hardest moments in life is going through a divorce. In the United States, a divorce occurs every 36 seconds. With such a high percentage of divorce, there is no question why many people are consulting attorney’s prior to marriage in order to protect their assets. If you are in a position where you do need a Vacaville divorce attorney, here are 3 things you need to find to find the right one.

Search for an Attorney Who Focuses on Everyone’s Best Interests

When it comes to divorce, there will be a lot of emotions happening. Some people cannot think clearly and can easily make mistakes in the divorce proceedings. Protecting yourself is important, but it also pays to have an attorney who watches out for everyone in the divorce. Are the decisions you making going to have a large impact on the daily routine of your children? Understanding how negotiation works may help you select an attorney that feels right for your situation, especially if neither you and your soon to be ex-spouse have the desire to “battle” for everything acquired in the marriage.

Up Front with Costs

As you work with an attorney, consider discussing the divorce costs with them right away. Will a flat rate fee be easier for your situation, or do you fear getting a large bill for the divorce? A simple divorce may not be worth the amount of money you pay in a large flat rate fee. A good attorney will talk to you about the financial ramifications you can expect from a divorce.

Does the Attorney Care?

Meet with several attorneys before you hire someone. An experienced attorney in divorce law should have empathy and compassion for their clients. You need to hire someone that feels like a good fit for your case. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are comparing attorneys:

Have they dealt with similar divorces to yours?
Do they have plenty of experience?
Do you feel like you can speak with them directly?

Find an attorney you can connect with, and one that you feel has your best interests in mind when handling your case. There are attorneys who can provide you with compassion and care while also fighting for your rights. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville to schedule a consultation to discuss your divorce case.

Filed Under: General

Why David Knecht is The Best Vacaville Attorney

An attorney is someone who needs to have experience and the right level of knowledge in all aspects of the law. Attorneys can learn from any law school, but it takes the right characteristics to truly become the best Vacaville attorney. With experience comes new knowledge, which allows many attorneys to become successful in the courtroom. David Knecht has been practicing in the Vacaville area for more than a decade. David brings years of experience in law to his clients and works in multiple areas of the law including:

Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Wills
Living Trusts
Probate
Trust Administration
Criminal
DUI
Juvenile

Why an Attorney Needs Excellent Communication

A good attorney will be able to listen well in addition to having good written communication. There are several documents that need to be filed, and one simple mistake on a form could delay your case for several weeks or months!

Analytical Skills

At the Law Offices of David Knecht, we focus on looking at each case we take on from all angles. We believe it is important to have both points of view in order to have a well-rounded position when working a case. Our team is able to take in large amounts of information, process it effectively, and use it to present the best place possible. A good attorney has to be capable of thinking on their toes as the courtroom will toss curveballs at them from time to time. David Knecht has proven time and time again that he is always willing and capable of getting the job done!

Personable Skills

Your Vacaville attorney needs to be able to work with all personality types. David Knecht Law Offices work with a skilled team of professionals who are accountable, organized, and have the listening and people skills needed to manage a courtroom. We know that we work with people, and the way we work on a case can impact a person’s life forever. Our team knows how to read people, and we know how to focus on presenting an honest case to the judge.

Without good people skills, an attorney would not be able to look at the case from all angles and bring you the right outcome. David Knecht has the personable skills needed to make him the best Vacaville attorney. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

What to Look for in Your Fairfield DUI Attorney

A DUI case is complex and quite challenging. It is important to have a good DUI attorney managing your case to help you properly navigate this. Here are some tips to help you find the right Fairfield DUI attorney:

Experience

No matter what time of case you are dealing with, you need to find someone with experience. Look for an attorney with a good reputation, and one who has dealt with cases similar to yours in the past. Online reviews are helpful, but it is also beneficial to talk to an attorney about their previous cases.

Empathy and Understanding

A good Fairfield DUI attorney will be understanding about your case and this situation. The attorney will look for options to help you through this case, and even options for where you can go from here.

Honesty

A DUI case can come with a number of unexpected twists and turns in the case. A good attorney will be honest with you about the outcomes you are facing. The DUI attorney will have experience in other cases like yours, and they will be able to let you know honestly what to expect.

Communication

A good attorney will know how to communicate effectively with their clients. The attorney will promptly return the phone calls, emails, and text messages. Having an attorney that is honest and will openly communicate with their clients shows they truly have their clients best interest in mind.

Chemistry

When you meet with the attorney, gauge how well they treat you. If you do not feel that you can trust this person and do not have good chemistry with them, it is a good idea to talk to another attorney. You need to find someone you are comfortable being with, and knowing will protect you and your rights.

Reasonable Fees

The attorney should be up front with you about the fees you will experience related to your case. A DUI is expensive, and you need to be prepared for the costs that you will need to pay. However, there are certain attorneys out there that do try to charge more than their fair share for the case. It is important to look for an attorney that you know will be reasonable and you can trust.

Contact our team at David Knecht Law to discuss your DUI case and determine what is the best option to take for your case.

Filed Under: Contract Law, Criminal Law, General Legal Advice

3 Things People Wish They Knew Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

When it comes to divorce, it’s always going to be a stressful and emotional process. Some amical couples focus on trying to divorce without the need of hiring an attorney, but many quickly regret this decision. Saving time and money is usually the reason people try and divorce without an attorney. Assets, children, and some other complex factors can make a “simple” divorce complicated. Hiring an attorney is the best way to make sure you are protected and represented fairly in the case. Here are 3 things people wish they knew before choosing someone to represent them in a divorce case.

Experience in Family Law Matters

Some attorneys do not have experience in family law. If your soon to be ex has a top divorce attorney, you won’t want to be left without someone with experience in family law is helping you. Certain attorneys will try and take more than what is reasonable for your ex, so it’s important to protect yourself.

Divorce is emotional, and it can be hard to make rational, clear decisions. An attorney is someone who is focused on protecting you, and they will reduce the risk of you making decisions that are not in your best interest. An attorney is an objective third-party so it is easier for them to be able to provide you with sound advice.

Divorce Attorneys Know Multiple Options

When you work with an experienced divorce attorney, you can be certain they will have experience with a variety of cases. Some attorneys know which judges tend to lean different ways in their rulings. If people work out a ruling they need to know if the judge will reject it or not. Lawyers will focus on creating settlement proposals, which need to be proposed in a specific manner to obtain a fair ruling. A lawyer with experience will come up with similar options that others may not know yet. Always seek out an attorney that does have plenty of experience in all types of divorce cases and is familiar with updated family law.

Divorce Can Take a Long Time

Even when you think you will have a simple divorce, it can take a long time for divorce to be completed. The amount of paperwork that one needs to do for divorce can be lengthy and challenging. Producing the proper paperwork and making sure it is filled out correctly can make a difference in how your divorce plays out.

It is important to meet with multiple lawyers to find the right one who fits your needs. Consider not only the number of divorces they have been involved with, but also one that understands your situation. The personality of the lawyer can make you feel at-ease during this emotional time in your life. Contact David Knecht Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your divorce case.

Filed Under: General

What to Do if You Need a Vacaville Divorce Lawyer

Depending upon your situation, you may need to hire a divorce attorney to help you with your case. If your soon to be ex-partner has hired someone to represent them, it might be a good idea to contact an attorney on your own to help you. Many people try to avoid hiring divorce lawyers because they want to save money, but it normally costs them in the long-run. Here are some tips to follow if you need to hire a Vacaville divorce lawyer.

Experience

One thing you need to consider is the experience of the Vacaville divorce lawyer. Not all divorce cases are the same, so it is vital to make sure you are finding someone who knows how to handle cases like yours. If you have children involved, it will add a different element to your case. A good attorney will have experience handling other cases like yours, but they will focus on making sure your children are cared for as well. A good attorney wants the best outcome for your entire family.

Understanding

Everyone is in different life situations. When you go through a divorce, you may be at a time when you or your spouse was financially dependent upon each other. Separating money and assets will become complicated quickly. It pays to look for a lawyer who is going to listen to you and will be understanding about your situation. Their goal should be to help you and to make sure the divorce goes off as simply as possible.

Communication

One of the most frustrating things when going through a legal case is dealing with someone who doesn’t take your case seriously. If you feel like your attorney isn’t communicating with you, you are probably right! Look for an attorney who prioritizes your time and answers your questions. How promptly do they answer the phone or return your phone calls? Do they update you often with news about your case?

Costs

A Vacaville divorce lawyer is someone that needs to be up-front with you about their fees. People need to know what they will be paying for the divorce costs, along with the settlement agreement that will occur. People need to know if they can even afford hiring a divorce lawyer. Here are some things that you need to discuss with the attorney:

Spousal support costs or estimates as to what you will owe or receive monthly
Child support needs
Proposed agreements and if they are legally enforceable
Explanation of your legal rights and making sure your rights are protected

Dealing with a divorce is hard, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Working with a Vacaville divorce lawyer will make sure you are taken care of, and your best interests are kept in mind at all times. Contact David Knecht Law to discuss your divorce case, and to ensure you are working with an honest, fair lawyer.

Filed Under: General

How to Find the Best Vacaville Family Attorney

When you deal with a divorce case, it’s hard to know who to trust and has your best interests at heart. No divorce is as simple as a cut and dry method. There are several things to handle like the division of assets, boundaries, custody, etc. A good child custody lawyer can help with this case as they have experience in similar cases. Finding the right one can come down to selecting through several Vacaville family attorneys. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Experience With Similar Cases

Family law cases will work with a variety of areas in family law that include custody. There is a difference when you find an attorney who truly cares about their clients, and wants to help them individually versus an attorney who is in it for money. Focus on finding a lawyer who wants to help everyone in your family including your children as they will make decisions that are in their best interest.

Proximity

If you are going across state lines, you need an attorney who is in proximity to you and your region. Having a working knowledge of the case’s jurisdiction is important. Another thing to consider is where you live and how close it is for you to get to.

Personality

The personality of the attorney can make a difference in your case as well. You need to be able to find someone you can connect with. The attorney needs to be someone you can trust. If you feel like you cannot tell the attorney about your experiences and things that might help your case, you could end up with an unfair deal in whatever family law situation you are dealing with. You need an attorney that is kind, understanding, level-headed, and has your best interests in mind.

Communication

A good attorney will be prompt in the way they communicate with their clients. A good attorney will make sure they return phone calls from clients. Attorneys will send regular emails and updates to clients so they don’t end up feeling like they are not aware of what is happening with the case.

Experience

One of the important things to consider when working with an attorney is to review their experience. What do their other clients say about them? Read online reviews to learn more about the attorney and how their reputation is in the industry.

It’s not uncommon for people to have three or four different family law attorneys over time. It can be hard for people to find a person they feel does have their best interests at heart. Working with the right family law attorney doesn’t have to be hard. Contact David Knecht Law today!

Filed Under: Legal Advice, Locations Served, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Most Important Things to Avoid Doing When Getting 2nd DUI

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a second DUI in California, hire an attorney immediately. Under California vehicle code section 23540, individuals with a second DUI will find themselves dealing with more jail time, expensive fines, and a DUI program including filing a SR-22.

Anyone with a previous DUI will now deal with stricter penalties including:

Increased jail time, including at least 96 hours in county jail
Larger fines of $390 or more in addition to court penalty assessments which can total upwards of $1950
Longer jail time or community labor requirements

License Revocation

Following a second DUI within a 10-year timeframe, your license can be revoked for at least a year. You can get a restricted license following the installation of an ignition interlock device. SB 1046 will explain in detail how the ignition interlock device and legal requirements one must follow.

Mandatory DUI Program

A mandatory DUI program is the next thing you will be ordered to do when convicted of a second DUI. The mandatory DUI program ranges from 18-30 months. When you complete the program, you can receive your license again.

AA Programs

Some judges will require that you attend AA programs. The goal of the program is to help you understand the seriousness of the DUI, and to help you make better decisions in the future.

Why You Need a DUI Attorney

Many people are not sure of the seriousness of the offense. In many situations, a DUI attorney is the only voice of reason. A good attorney can assist you with several things including

DUI Stop
Sobriety checkpoint misconduct
Rising blood alcohol defense

An attorney will investigate your case and determine if there are issues with the DUI. Certain elements of your behavior will impact the severity of your case as well. It is important to cooperate with officers when you are pulled over for a DUI. If you become combative with the officer, it will only cause additional charges and problems. Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht today to have your legal rights protected!

Filed Under: General

3 Things to Look for in a Fairfield Attorney

Finding a good attorney can be challenging for many people. While there was a time when attorneys were not as prevalent, there has been a significant rise in the number of practicing attorneys in the United States. In fact, the attorney population has increased 15% in the past decade! A good attorney is someone who will fight on your behalf. Their goal is to focus on using ethical, cost-effective, and reasonable methods to help their clients receive the best outcome possible. Here are 3 things to look for in a Fairfield attorney.

Comfort and Personality

A good attorney will make you feel comfortable when you are working with them. While you want someone who is going to be good in the courtroom, you want someone who will valve your time in their offices. Do you feel like you can be honest and open when speaking with an attorney? An attorney cannot help you if they are not willing to pay attention to you. Reading some online reviews from past clients can help you find out if you are working with someone who does value their clients.

Attorneys who value their clients will spend time with them no matter how large or small their case is. You want to find an attorney who does answer phone calls, emails, and text messages. Even for a routine case, a good attorney understands how stressful the entire process can be for their clients, and they are here to help you through it.

Fee Structure and Record

The fee structure is something the attorney will be up-front with you right away. A good attorney will lay out how their fees work, and if there is a possibility if you do have additional charges possibly coming your way. If you have a small case, some attorney’s will do a flat rate fee while others may bill by the hour. Do some research before you start meeting with attorneys so you do have an idea of how much this case will cost you.

Before you meet with the attorney, you need to check on their record. What type of cases do they specialize in, and how successful are they in their industry? Look at the online reviews to find out what people are saying about the attorney, and make sure you know everything you can find out before meeting with them so you can bring up some issues. One bad online review doesn’t mean you have an attorney who won’t value you and your time. Check with the state bar association to read up on any complaints against the attorney.

Experience

Going along with the track record of the attorney, you want to find out what their experience is. What areas of law are the focus of their practice? What is their win-loss record in the industry? Based on what your case involves, you need to find the attorney with the experience that will win your case.

When it comes to finding a great attorney, you need to spend time researching. Do not just call the first number you see in the search engines. Spend time meeting multiple attorneys, feeling out how their personality works with yours, how successful they are, and if you feel they will be a good fit for you. We hope these tips will help you find the right Fairfield attorney to represent you in the court of law!

Filed Under: Fairfield Lawyer, General Legal Advice

How to Start Over After a Painful Divorce

Going through a divorce is an emotionally grueling process. If you do not have the right people on your side to help support you on your new path, it can be even harder to move into this new phase of your life. Here are some things you can do to start over after a divorce:

Take time to grieve. You need to take some time to cry and grieve for the end of your marriage. If you do not grieve and you only hang onto anger and resentment, the internal turmoil you have will worsen.
Learn who you are. The other thing you need to do is start learning who you are. You need to start finding things that are important to you, and what you enjoy doing. Take some time to try new hobbies and find out what causes you to be happy. You need to re-establish your identity as a separate person and no longer as “we”.
Get a therapist. It is important to hire a therapist to speak with on a regular basis. Therapy will help you to process your feelings, and they can help you manage some of the harder days such as holidays, birthdays, and vacations. Therapists and coaches are trained and qualified to make your new life easier, and they want the best for you.
Trust yourself. You have talent. You have worth. Trust yourself to make the right decisions. As you start relying on yourself, you can start gaining confidence in new talents and skills. Try doing some projects around the home on your own or tackling new things that you used to hire people to do. As you continue to learn new things and trust yourself, you will start to feel accomplished in your life.
Become social. Even if you are an introvert, you will want to teach yourself to become social. Join a gym and start going to classes. Not only will it help to improve your health and manage stress, you might end up meeting some new friends. Other things you can try doing is to go out with friends or co-workers. Church and support groups are other great ways to start getting out of your house and experiencing life with others.
Change up your lifestyle. If you have been doing certain things the way your spouse liked it, and not necessarily the way you like it, change things up! You need to find yourself in everything like redecorating in a way you appreciate or changing in your car for something you enjoy driving or enjoying. Even small things like rearranging furniture can help you to establish a new identity.

The divorce process is life-altering, and one of the hardest challenges you will ever face. Contact your divorce attorney in Vacaville to help you navigate the divorce process and ensure your legal rights are protected.

Filed Under: General

3 Things to Do When You Think You Wife is Cheating

Anger, hurt, grief, all of these feelings come to full light when you find out your spouse is cheating. If you have suspicions, it is a good idea to find out if your wife is cheating as it can assist you in the divorce process if you do end up taking this road. Sometimes it can be challenging to know if your spouse is cheating. There are some signs to watch for such as changes in social habits, their behavior at home, and changes in their appearance.

Stay Calm and Gather Information About Your Spouse

If you have confirmed that your spouse is cheating, you need to remain calm. Collect information about your partner to help you in the decision-making process from this point. Was this affair a one-time thing, or is this on-going? If it seems the marriage is destined to fail, you’ll need as much information as you can when you move into the legal proceedings.

Step Away and Surround Yourself with Support

Staying with the person who has hurt you deeply can make it almost impossible to make decisions, and to start the healing process. Take a step back from the relationship and find people to help support you. Surrounding yourself with good company will allow you to start to process these feelings you are dealing with and can help you walk through several scenarios to start this new chapter in your life.

Carefully Consider Your Future

Once you know if divorce is right for you, it is time to call a divorce attorney. The attorney can help you with multiple elements in separation of you and your soon to be ex. Here are some things you need to carefully consider:

Children – who will be the primary caregiver? How can you protect your children as much as possible including their education costs, housing needs, and custody?
Assets – how do you plan on dividing the assets?
Alimony and child support – there will be new costs to deal with, are you planning to ask for alimony or child support? Will you need to pay alimony and child support?

Emotions run high when you find out your wife is cheating. It is important to compose yourself and carefully deal with the situation. Our experienced divorce attorneys can help you navigate your divorce tactfully and ensure that you are taken care of and able to start building a new future. Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht to help you with your divorce case.

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer