Family Law
The family law attorneys at Hiroshima, Jacobs, Roth & Lewis, A Law Corporation, serve clients in Sacramento and the surrounding communities in the following areas:
Litigation
Family litigation typically involves representation of a client in divorce or dissolution proceedings, either in filing an action or responding to one. Divorce litigation also includes issues related to the dissolution of the marriage, such as issues of support, child custody, visitation, and division of assets and debts.
During litigation, our goal is to educate our client about the law and the legal ramifications of each decision they are considering. We realize that litigation can be very costly; therefore, we work with the client to ensure that no unnecessary work is performed. Our goal is to obtain the most favorable and timely outcome for every client.
Mediation
Family mediation involves the amicable resolution of all issues related to the divorce by use of a third party neutral (mediator). As a mediator we do not represent either party as an advocate but instead we act entirely as a neutral party. We seek to obtain mutually acceptable agreements on all issues related to the divorce and the most agreeable and timely resolution of the case.
During the mediation process, we seek to educate both parties about the law and the legal ramifications of their decisions. All matters discussed during mediation are confidential, subject to the parties agreeing otherwise. If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the mediation process, they will have to retain other attorneys to represent them in divorce litigation.
Our responsibilities as a family mediator are to determine all areas of agreement or disagreement, draft all necessary paperwork for filing the divorce, and complete and submit any written agreements to the court to obtain a final judgment.
Collaborative Practice
Collaborative Practice is a process where both spouses and their attorneys commit themselves to resolving differences in a manner acceptable to both parties, without the threat of resorting to the court system or to any form of litigation. Collaborative Practice enlists attorneys to help spouses arrive at a fully informed agreement, with confidence that relevant legal issues and ramifications have been explored and addressed.
Collaborative Practice uses informal discussions and conferences attended by spouses and their attorneys to settle all issues. Each spouse and attorney is required to take a reasoned and reasonable approach to all issues. When interests differ, all participants use their best efforts to create proposals that meet the fundamental needs of both parties, if necessary compromising the issue in order to reach a complete settlement.
Major goals of Collaborative Practice are to maximize settlement options for the benefit of both parties and children, and to minimize or eliminate the negative economic, social and emotional consequences of litigation. To that end, the process relies on the commitment of the spouses and their attorneys to exercise honesty, cooperation, professionalism, and integrity in working toward the future well-being of the family.
If you are seeking experienced legal representation in connection with a family law matter, contact Hiroshima, Jacobs, Roth & Lewis for a consultation.
