The Hatherley Firm, Inc.

Requests for and opposition to alimony, called spousal support in California, including temporary support during the case and long-term support after judgment.

Spousal and child support are often handled together, since both depend on each party's income and can be decided at the same hearing.

Spousal support in high-income divorces, including bonus and stock compensation, business income, and disputes over the marital standard of living.

Legal and physical custody disputes in Orange County, including parenting plans, custody evaluations, and hearings focused on the child's best interests.

Move-away cases where a parent seeks to relocate with a child or opposes a proposed move, including related requests to modify custody.

Establishing, modifying and enforcing California guideline child support, including cases with bonus, variable or self-employment income.

Characterizing and dividing community property under California law, from the family home and retirement accounts to business interests.

Contested divorces with several disputed issues at once, such as business valuation, income available for support, custody, and separate property claims.

Litigation of complicated marital disputes, including tracing of separate property, reimbursement claims, and post-judgment proceedings.

Dividing assets and debts acquired during marriage, including real estate, 401(k)s, public-safety and other pensions, and businesses, through settlement or trial.

Contested dissolution of marriage and legal separation in Orange County, from the first filing through final judgment.

Requesting or responding to domestic violence restraining orders, and addressing their effect on custody and visitation.

A practice devoted exclusively to California family law, led by a Certified Family Law Specialist and serving clients throughout Orange County.

Divorces involving substantial assets and income, such as business ownership, executive compensation, and investment and real estate holdings.

Negotiating and drafting marital settlement agreements that resolve support, custody and property issues and become part of the judgment.

Determining whether assets are community or separate property under California law, including tracing, commingled accounts, and reimbursement claims.

Establishing parentage, along with the custody, visitation and support orders that follow.

Temporary and long-term spousal support under the Family Code section 4320 factors, including modification and termination of support.