5 Considerations for People Going Through a Divorce During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When COVID-19 put many portions of the country under lockdown and social restrictions this year, people found themselves spending a lot more time at home. While many have enjoyed the experience of working from home and being quarantined with their family members, the forced togetherness has certainly not been good for some marriages and relationships. Indeed, by April 2020, the interest in divorce had already increased by 34% in the United States. 

If you find yourself going through a divorce this year, read on to discover five important issues we recommend that you take under consideration.

Assets:

 

The global and national economies have seen significant effects and instability as a result of fears related to COVID-19. If you’re currently in the process of negotiating the allocation of assets and finances during your divorce, it’s important to be mindful of the impact the economy and market may have on these assets.

Financial Obligations:

 

For divorcing spouses who have lost their employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are likely questions and concerns surrounding financial obligations such as alimony or child support payments. If you’ve suffered a change in financial circumstances, it’s important to address your situation with your attorney to see if anything can be modified or done to alleviate some financial pressure.

Health Insurance:

 

Now is certainly not an ideal time to be without medical insurance coverage. If you’re going through a divorce, keep in mind that your health insurance plan will likely need to change if you were a member of your former spouse’s health insurance policy. Make sure you know your situation and your options before the divorce is finalized.

Parenting Concerns and Communication:

 

For divorcing spouses with children, now is the time to set aside any animosity and cooperate with each other in the best interests of their children. It’s crucial that each parent stay updated and provide notice to the other parent of any health-related changes impacting their child or whether anyone in their respective homes has tested positive for the COVI-19 virus. Parents should also timely share Coronavirus-related information received from their children’s school or extra-curricular activities.

Court Operations:

 

For those who need certain divorce matters addressed in court or in a mediation, they may have found certain court dates and meetings being postponed or altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is something for anyone in the middle of divorce proceedings to be aware of and to discuss with their attorney.

Contact Us:

A divorce is never easy. The events of 2020 have undoubtedly made family law issues even more difficult. However, a knowledgeable family law attorney can assist you with the legal issues surrounding your divorce, especially any new concerns or questions that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

David W. Knecht has years of experience handling various divorce cases in California. Contact David Knecht Law at 707-451-4502 today to learn more or schedule a consultation. 

 

Do I Really Need a DWI Attorney in Vacaville, CA?

Dealing with a drunk driving case is a serious matter. It is important to review the charges against you to determine the severity of your case. Talking to a Vacaville DWI attorney is an important thing to do as you want to focus on staying out of jail, and hopefully keeping your fine low.

Dealing with an attorney has a number of benefits as they are used to the local court system and will be able to help reduce the charges. Their ability to navigate the complex DWI process will have a large impact on the outcome of your case. Here are just a few of the things you can expect when you hire a good attorney.

Pleading Guilty?

There are some people that choose to plead guilty without consulting with an attorney. This can cause you to take a deal that might not be the best option. If this is your first DWI case, pleading guilty might be the best option to avoid jail time. Individuals that have a high BAC level are at-risk for jail time and serious charges.

If the officer will take the stand to testify against you, pleading guilty is usually the best choice as they can show how you were driving recklessly. Talking to an attorney is the best way to find out what your options are, and if pleading guilty is the smartest choice. If you were intoxicated and driving with a minor in the car, the charges against you will be severe.

An attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the judge that is reasonable instead of having the maximum sentence. The judge in your case is another reason why it pays to hire an attorney. Most judges will hand down similar sentences for their cases. This is important to understand as you want to try and get a judge that usually shifts more toward the lenient side.

Bargaining

Do you have the right skills needed to bargain for a lesser sentence? Most lawyers are trained to debate, and they know how to bargain well. They can get your charges reduced to a lesser sentence, such as reckless driving over a DUI. For cases where an individual has a BAC that is over .15, you want to have an attorney on your side.

They will work hard to try and lessen the charges so you aren’t going to have to serve prison time, or get hit with a large fee. Trying to negotiate without an attorney is risky, especially since the judge may not truly listen to what you have to say. With an attorney, they are likely to listen to what they have to say and will take it into consideration before handing down their sentence.

Hiring an Attorney

If this is not your first case, hire an attorney. Second offenders are often hit harder with sentences from the judge as they feel they may have been too lenient with you in the past. An attorney will understand that the judge is not going to go easy on you, so they work hard to try and limit how extreme the ruling can be.

You should talk to your attorney about your case, and what you can afford. If you are struggling to meet the payments for their fees, negotiate a payment plan with them. A good Vacaville DWI will work hard to fight for your legal rights and limit the punishment you will face for DWI charges.

Compelling Reasons for Hiring an Injury Attorney

You do not need to be represented by an injury attorney every time you have an auto accident or other injury claim. There is always a threshold.

The injury must have been severe and you should not have been the one at fault. Nevertheless, hiring an attorney helps you push for a better settlement from the offending party’s insurance company. There are people who go ahead and lodge personal injury claims on their own. It is still possible to obtain settlement this way but you will be taken advantage of by the insurance people.

Below are the main reasons that should propel you to hire an injury attorney:

To increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation

The detriment of presenting your claim without any legal assistance is that the insurance people will exploit loopholes in personal injury law. As a layman, there are rights you may not be aware of. On the other hand, your ability to negotiate is limited. The story changes totally once you bring an experienced attorney on board. You should always know that insurance companies are in business. By under compensating you, they will be able to maximize on their profitability. Once they see that you are not represented, they automatically quote low compensation figures. Attorneys are able to push for an amount that is fair to you.

Personal injury lawyers have a vast understanding of the underlying laws

Every state has got its own personal injury laws. Ordinary citizens many not understand all personal injury laws as much as lawyers do. Personal injury attorneys are professional legal practitioners whose business it is to grasp all laws relating to their area of practice. They are able to tell you the kind of rights you have and will defend that on your behalf. A personal injury attorney can interpret the law as it relates to your resident state. Besides, they have a vast experience that has come about from their handling of similar cases before.

Fair representation

There arises a situation where, the insurance company has awarded compensation. In your opinion, you feel that the amount in question is too low.

If you believe that you have been given an unfair settlement, look for a lawyer who is ready to dispute the settlement in front of a judge. In most cases, insurance companies do not like such matters getting into the public domain. This may ruin their reputation. A personal injury attorney will use such techniques as putting pressure on the insurer to either increase the settlement or have the matter go to court.

Vacaville DUI Attorney: The Advantages of Having One

If you reside and drive in Vacaville California today, getting a Vacaville DUI Attorney might be an option to consider. If you have a lawyer of this caliber and you are suspected to be a DUI offender, the services offered by the lawyer will offer you a myriad of advantages.

Most DUI attorneys out there today possess good experience when it comes to dealing with DUI cases and again most of them are well acquainted with the laws used in the state.

So, why is having a DUI attorney necessary when you are driving within Vacaville CA? Here are some of the benefits of having a DUI lawyer:

  • The lawyer is often able to reach plea affectively deal with authorities on matters relating to taxes and other obligations.  If you happen to be involved in an accident, the lawyer can ensure you are compensated and taken care of before the case commences.
  • The DUI attorney possesses the right skills and experience to help you find various ways through which the case can be dropped or even thrown out altogether.
  • A good attorney will also allow you to contact them at any time using any form of communication available.
  • In any case, everything that you discuss with your DUI lawyer will remain private and confidential and well protected by the advocate.  In that case therefore, since your details will be private, it is good to be as honest as possible in order to allow the lawyer to build a strong case.
  • A qualified DUI lawyer may also able to delay court proceedings until that time when you are able to get a fair hearing.  Since they have presided over such cases before, it is possible to get a fair judgment because you are dealing with someone who has the right skills and experience to handle the job.
  • Last but not least, a DUI lawyer will have an easy time going through the police report and finding out any inconsistencies. If any inconsistencies exist, they can seek clarifications from the authorities with a bid to build on your case.  That is why having a Vacaville DUI attorney is not just something that you can choose to wish away.

Contact our law office today to schedule a consultation today!

What Makes a Good Vacaville, CA Attorney

There are many circumstances where you will need the services of a lawyer. Legal services come in handy when you have a business or family matter at hand. You will also need a lawyer when you have been accused of breaking the law. The relationship between a lawyer and client should be cordial.

If you want the best from a lawyer, you must bond with them and disclose any relevant information that you feel will help win your case. In order to get a good Vacaville CA attorney, ask your friends or business associates to recommend attorneys they have worked with before. Interview your prospects before making up your mind on whom to hire.

Nonetheless, a good Vacaville CA attorney should have the following qualities:

  • He should have a lot of legal experience: The kind of training attorneys go through prepares them to handle any type of legal case. In order to get the best person, focus your search on someone who has specialized in a particular area. If you are faced with a DUI charge for instance, look for a DUI lawyer. Similarly, if contemplating divorce, hire a divorce attorney.
  • He must be an excellent communicator: Good lawyers know that not everyone understands legal jargon. Each profession has got its own language and only those who are in it can understand. Therefore, your lawyer should take the liberty to explain in simple terms the meaning of legal terms or phrases that he has used.
  • He should always be available for you: When you meet a lawyer for the first time, you may get to like and hire him to represent you. Later on, you find out that he keeps postponing meetings or sends other colleagues to court. There is no problem with this so long as it is brought to your attention right from the beginning. Make sure you get this clear.
  • His fees should be reasonable: Different attorneys charge their fees differently. There are those who will charge you by the hour. Others charge per session while personal injury lawyers use a contingency method. This means that you pay them only when you win a case. Irrespective of the method a lawyer uses, the fee should be reasonable and commensurate with the services rendered.
  • He should have good client relationship skills: Lawyers are in practice for the sake of making use of the skills they learnt in school in order to earn a living. Without clients, a lawyer would not be in business. It is therefore fair that he treats you well. There should be good chemistry between the two of you. If you feel uncomfortable being around a prospective lawyer, then he is not an ideal choice. Hire a lawyer that you can blend with.

When comparing the services offered by different lawyers, do not base your choice on the cheapest option. Use other features highlighted above and make an informed decision.

You can also negotiate for a fee discount, there’s no harm in doing that. Contact David Knecht Law today to schedule a consultation with our experts!

5 Tips for Choosing an Attorney

 

Dealing with a criminal law case requires the help of a skilled and experienced attorney. While the law presumes a person innocent until proven guilty, it can often be challenging for ordinary people to prove their innocence when they do not have the right tools and resources at hand. An attorney not only understands the law, they will have experience with the local court system. When you are looking for the best criminal defense attorney to handle your case, here are some important things you need to look for. 

Tip # 1 – Time

Does the attorney have the time to take on your case? Some attorneys are heavily sought after, which makes it difficult to hire them for your case. You need a person who can provide the right attention and time to your case in order to help you win. If you hire an attorney that you feel doesn’t understand your situation, or simply doesn’t take the time needed to call you back and answer your questions, move along. This case is important to you and you need an attorney that is willing to give your case plenty of time and attention.

Tip # 2 – Experience

The other area that makes an attorney qualified to take on your case is their overall experience. How long has the attorney dealt with cases similar to yours? What is their winning record? Have they been able to obtain fair outcomes for their previous clients? You need to look for an attorney that has plenty of experience with the local court system as well. This shows that the attorney has the right understanding you need for your case to move ahead properly. They know the judges in the area, and can easily work your case in a way that is favorable to what the judge likes to see. 

Tip # 3 – Costs

Attorney fees are not going to be cheap. What is their standard rate? Can the attorney come up with an arrangement to make it easier on you to pay them? The costs are always a concern for clients going up against larger companies and other things. You want to be able to hire the best attorney, but if you cannot afford them, you could end up dealing with another legal battle as the attorney takes you to court for their fees.

Tip # 4 – Confidence

Even if you do plan on hiring an attorney that is new to the world of criminal law, you want to hire a person that is confident. Do they have all the right education, training, and knowledge to hold their own in the courtroom? Do you feel that they can easily stand up for your rights and get you a fair trial? Having confidence in your lawyer will go a long way in your ability to trust them. Take a look at their previous client’s cases to see what people said about their presence in the courtroom, and the overall outcome for the case. 

Tip # 5 – Trust

For the relationship to work with an attorney, you need to be able to trust them. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and others who have worked with the attorney before. Educate yourself about the attorney as much as you possibly can before you meet with them. Having some information about their background can easily help you to forge ahead with a trusting relationship. You will know that the attorney cares about you and your case and wants to fight hard to win the case for you.

Contact David Knecht Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal rights!

 

What to Expect for a Quality Criminal Attorney

 

If you are facing serious criminal charges, which could lead to time in prison, you need to ensure that you have the best criminal defense attorney on your side. The fact is that no two criminal cases are the same, which means that you need to find a criminal attorney that is well versed in the type of charges that you are facing.

Some of the responsibilities that your criminal attorney will take care of include:

  • Working with the prosecuting attorney to negotiate a plea agreement or deal. These plea bargains can typically reduce the sentence that is imposed and may even eliminate some of the charges that you are facing. 
  • Work to create a better sentencing program. This typically involves serving a portion of your sentence in jail and the other at a treatment center or facility.
  • Informs you of the legal regulations and laws that pertain to your specific case. There are many aspects that you may not understand, which your attorney will be able to explain to you. 
  • Ensure that investigations into your case are handled properly and fairly.

When you hire a criminal attorney there are also certain characteristics that you should look for. This will ensure that they meet the standards that are needed to win a case. Some considerations to make include:

  • What is their record of successfully won cases? Also, how many of these cases are similar to your legal situation?
  • Do they have any special training or education that would provide them with additional knowledge that may help you out in your case?
  • Are they available to talk and ask questions to when you need them? Or do they get back to you in a reasonable amount of time?
  • How many years have they been practicing law? Many times, new attorneys will not have the experience or relationships that those who have been practicing longer do. 

A quality criminal attorney will provide you with support and guidance through this hard time. They have the training necessary to work with prosecuting attorneys and judges to ensure that the case comes out in the best possible way for your situation. 

A Vacaville criminal attorney will provide you with all of the guidance and help necessary for a positive outcome to your case. This is essential in ensuring that your sentence is reduced or eliminated. It is also important to understand that in most cases, prosecuting attorneys are not willing to negotiate or deal if you choose to represent yourself. This is why it is so important to find a qualified and experienced attorney that will be able to represent you in your criminal case and ensure that the best possible outcome is reached. 

 

3 Tips on Researching a DWI Defense Attorney

 

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious charge. It is vital that you meet with multiple attorneys to find one that can best represent you. How can you find the right person to trust with your case? Here are 3 tips on how to research a defense attorney to handle a DWI case. 

Tip # 1 – Experience

Research the experience of the attorney to know you are hiring the right person for the job. How long have they been a practicing attorney? Do they primarily focus on DWI cases? How long have they exclusively worked on DWI cases? It is vital that you hire an attorney that works on DUI and DWI cases as they are required to keep up with the latest information on drunk driving regulations. How many cases have they taken on in the past? What is their win/loss record? This is another thing to consider as you need to hire a person that has a lot of experience in the field. What can the attorney do to keep your case off your driving record? You need to demand clear answers to the questions you are asking an attorney. If they are not willing to give them to you, get a second opinion. 

Tip # 2 – Handling Your Case

Since each case is unique, it is expected to have multiple people working on the case with the attorney. How many people will focus on your case, and will the attorney be your primary point of contact? Will they work on other cases at the same time or will they devote all of their attention to your case? It is important to understand where the professional accountability lies. You need to hire an attorney that cares about you and is invested in your case. Look for a person that values the client relationship. Will they keep you informed of updates related to your case? If you do not know who will handle your case on a daily basis, it is best to seek out a second opinion. A good attorney will treat you like a person, not like another case. 

Tip # 3 – Cost

Paying for the legal fees associated with a DWI case can be costly, especially if you go to trial. How much will it cost you to hire the attorney? Will they ask for a fee up-front, or will you pay them once the case is settled? Many attorneys will have a flat-rate fee for their services. This cost will rise if they do need to take your case to court. In which case, you must make sure you are hiring a person with a good winning record in the court room. During the initial meeting with the attorney, try to get a sense for their personality. If they seem like a fighter, and you feel that they are trustworthy, it may help to ease some fears about taking your case to trial. Once you do settle upon a cost, get it in writing. You need to cover your end and make sure you are not getting charged for excess fees that were not in the original agreement. 

 

Hiring the right DWI defense attorney is a decision you must carefully consider. Make sure you are taking the time to research multiple attorneys so you can find a person you can trust. Any case is winnable with the right team on your side. Contact David Knecht Law for a consultation! 

 

Tips to Hire an Honest Vacaville CA Attorney

Wrongful death, divorce, injuries and business disputes are all difficult issues to deal with. In order to gain some restitution, you need to hire an attorney. The legal fraternity has some highly competent people who are always ready to assist their clients. However, finding a good Vacaville CA attorney can at times overwhelm you. Fortunately, if you know the qualities to look out for, the task becomes very easy. The success of a case depends on how well your attorney has prepared for it. It calls for finding credible witnesses and gathering evidence that will make the case watertight.

A good attorney should exhibit the following qualities:

Passion

Professional attorneys are always passionate about cases they take up. Being an attorney does not just come on its own. It is a calling. Without the zeal to serve other people, no lawyer can be successful. The work requires putting in long hours for a client’s sake. A lawyer must take time to understand the circumstances his clients are in. He then applies the right legal principles in order to advice, go to court or negotiate with other parties. Clearly, without passion this may not be possible. Find an attorney who is passionate about what he does.

Empathy

Good attorneys understand how their clients feel. They know that it is not easy to deal with the emotions that come with the death of a loved one. Similarly, an attorney tries to imagine how people who have loved each other suddenly decide they are not ideal mates. This is another quality you should look for in an attorney. An empathetic attorney takes time to get acquainted with clients, obtain facts and gain an understanding of their case. Only then will he be able to represent them in court.

Fearlessness

A fearless attorney gains a lot of respect from prosecutors, judges and other colleagues. Being fearless means taking a stand and not wavering no matter the circumstances. At times, influential people issue threats to attorneys in the hope of making them drop a case. Others try to bribe them so that they can change their line of argument. An experienced attorney develops thick skin and argues with facts. In the end, you get a fair judgment and a reprieve. The quality of being without fear makes a good lawyer remain confident.

Creativity

Good lawyers are supposed to be creative people. In order to attain this, they prepare thoroughly for their cases. If it is a medical case, they obtain medical reports, talk to doctors and even obtain statements from the police. They then look for a path of argument that convinces the judge or jury beyond reasonable doubt. It requires a lot of creativity to do this considering the fact that the opposing side may also be represented by an equally competent attorney. It requires creativity for an attorney to spot a loophole and capitalize on it.

A competent lawyer knows how to use logic in his arguments. Above all, he needs to be organized in the way he presents his case. That is what makes a good attorney.

 

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiring My Fairfield Divorce Lawyer 

Hiring someone to represent you in a divorce case can be challenging. The lawyer you hire will need to know personal details about your life, including information about your assets, finances, and children. Failure to hire the right person can land you into a frustrating future as you deal with expensive payments, less time with your children, and other difficulties. Here are 3 things you should look for when hiring a trustworthy divorce lawyer.

How Many Cases Have Gone to Trial?

When you meet with a lawyer, ask them about the percentage of cases they have that have gone to trial. Most people are able to come to an agreement out of court, but there are rare cases that do go to trial. In actuality, 1-2% of divorce cases go to trial. It is important to discuss this information with your attorney.

If you know you will be dealing with a complex case, you do need to be aware of the way the court will run. When you have a trial date, you want to know you have a trusted attorney on your side. How much experience do they have in cases similar to yours? Having an attorney with years of experience in needed when it comes to many difficult divorce cases. Contact David Knecht Law Firm today to discuss your divorce case. Our lawyers all have years of experience in family law with an emphasis in divorce.

Who Will Handle my Case?

Family law is an extremely personal and painful process for many people. There are some lawyers who outsource the majority of the work to new attorneys in the office, or even to the paralegals. It is important to know who will be working on your case and making sure you are working with the person that will handle your case directly.

State your case to the lawyer so they know how important it is to you to have contact with them directly. A good office will focus on making sure you have updates related to your case, and to make sure you are in touch with your lawyer frequently.

How Will the Billing Work?

Part of working with an attorney also comes down to understanding how the billing it set up. What are the details of billing? Will you be charged a retainer and how much will it cost when there are additional complexities added to your case? Some law firms have different billing rates when it comes to support staff. Filing fees and other court costs can be associated with a complex divorce case. Talk to your attorney about these costs as it is important to be aware of what you will be financially responsible for with your divorce case.

Divorce is a challenging time for everyone. It pays to hire the right lawyer to represent you and make sure you are properly taken care of during this time. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville today to schedule a consultation.