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The Law Offices of Barton Pokras Blog

Holiday Survival Tips For The Recently Divorced

News and information from Barton Pokras: Thousand Oaks Divorce Attorney

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Types of Child Custody

News and information from Barton Pokras:

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Tips On Choosing A Family Law Attorney

As a family law attorney in Westlake Village, I’m often asked if I can give some tips on finding the right divorce attorney. I think it might be helpful to get an answer to this question from a third-party source. Here are a few tips from an article that first appeared in First Wives World, a website dedicated to providing support to recently divorced people. These tips, and the article itself, are written from the female perspective, but not bad advice for men or women. In addition, if you’re a man, this article will give you a bit of insight into the woman’s concerns and fears. This may help if you actually end up going through the divorce process — it may help you understand why your spouse is focusing on particular matters. In short, if you’re considering divorce and interviewing attorneys, the tips are:

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Is Mediation Always An Option In Divorce?

Although I enthusiastically support mediation over a contested divorce, there are cases where mediation is not suitable. For a quick summary of situations that fall into this category, read this article on divorce mediation from the American Bar Association. For a more in-depth discussion about your particular situation, please give me a call at (805) 477-0505. I urge people who are thinking about divorce to consider a collaborative divorce or mediation. I serve clients around Southern California, with a focus on the areas surrounding Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. Disclaimer   The materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and the receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. Blog posts on this website are offered for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not offered as and do not constitute legal advice or legal opinions. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. The transmission of an email request for information does not create an attorney-client relationship and you should not send us via email any information or facts relating to your legal problem or question. This website also contains links to other resources on the Internet. These links are provided as citations and aids to help you identify and locate other Internet resources that may be of interest, and are not intended to state or imply that the Law Offices of Barton Pokras sponsors, is affiliated or associated with, or is legally authorized to use any trade name, registered trademark, logo, legal or official seal, or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the links.

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Another Perspective On Collaborative Divorce

If you’re looking for a divorce attorney, I highly recommend one who emphasizes collaboration and mediation over a heated battle. This is why I have structured my practice to emphasize mediation first. For another perspective, see this article on collaborative divorce on the well-respected Nolo.com website. If you’d like to discuss your particular situation, please give me a call at (805) 477-0505. I urge people who are thinking about divorce to consider a collaborative divorce or mediation. I serve clients throughout Southern California, with a focus on the areas surrounding Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. Disclaimer   The materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and the receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. Blog posts on this website are offered for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not offered as and do not constitute legal advice or legal opinions. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. The transmission of an email request for information does not create an attorney-client relationship and you should not send us via email any information or facts relating to your legal problem or question. This website also contains links to other resources on the Internet. These links are provided as citations and aids to help you identify and locate other Internet resources that may be of interest, and are not intended to state or imply that the Law Offices of Barton Pokras sponsors, is affiliated or associated with, or is legally authorized to use any trade name, registered trademark, logo, legal or official seal, or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the links.

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Life After Divorce – Let The Healing Begin

Divorce Attorney, Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Lawyer: Serving Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and all areas surrounding the Conejo Valley

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Family Law Westlake Village

For Westlake Village residents, the Law & Mediation Offices of Barton Pokras provide an outstanding resource. Barton Pokras is a Family Law Attorney with substantial experience in all aspects of family law. He can help you with the challenges of taxation, business law, contracts and real property — and divorce mediation. Pokras is particularly adept at helping divorcing families who own businesses, have sophisticated estate plans, real property holdings and retirement plans that need to be dealt with in the division of community assets and liabilities. The Law Offices are located in the heart of Westlake Village, at 3075 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. If you are dealing with a divorce or legal separation, and need advice about child custody or visitation, child support, spousal support or alimony, give the offices a call today. The Law Offices of Barton Pokras are experienced in handling the more complicated aspects of divorce, including asset and property division, post-judgment modifications, paternity and parental rights and prenuptial agreements. Barton Pokras can also offer expert guidance regarding mediation and the collaborative process.

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Determining Alimony or Spousal Support in Divorce

Spousal support is an integral part of the divorce settlement. As a rule of thumb, the courts’ approach to alimony is straightforward: What is the need of the party seeking support and does it match up with the other party’s ability to pay? Ventura County courts look at a variety of factors in determining alimony payments and the term of spousal support. These factors include:

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Divorce Mediation & Finances

Many couples choose a mediated divorce because it helps minimize the costs of divorce. It also provides a context in which a couple can respectfully resolve any or all of the issues in a divorce, including custody and visitation of children, spousal and child support, division of assets and liabilities. But there is sometimes a complicating issue in the process: Finances. In situtions where one of the spouses needs assistance in understanding some of the financial considerations, a neutral financial expert such as a CPA or financial planner can be brought into the mediation process to provide the necessary information, and when helpful to even attend a joint mediation session with both of the spouses. If you’re concerned about financial issues as they pertain to a divorce, please give me a call at (805) 477-0505. I will give you a confidential and objective opinion about your particular situation. ____________________________________________ Westlake Village’s Leading Divorce Mediator   Disclaimer   The materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and the receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. Blog posts on this website are offered for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not offered as and do not constitute legal advice or legal opinions. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. The transmission of an email request for information does not create an attorney-client relationship and you should not send us via email any information or facts relating to your legal problem or question. This website also contains links to other resources on the Internet. These links are provided as citations and aids to help you identify and locate other Internet resources that may be of interest, and are not intended to state or imply that the Law Offices of Barton Pokras sponsors, is affiliated or associated with, or is legally authorized to use any trade name, registered trademark, logo, legal or official seal, or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the links.

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Legal Separation vs. Divorce

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between legal separation and divorce? California state law is specific in regard to divorce and legal separation. In California, it take six months to become divorced. A legal separation is the filing of court documents that can immediately affect almost every legal aspect of your marriage: division of property, alimony, child support, child custody, etc – but there are several significant differences from a divorce. The most important differences are that both spouses must agree to a legal separation and many legal obligations will remain in place although you are no longer living as a married couple. Reasons a legal separation may be preferred over a divorce:

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Testimonials

“What I liked most was he listened to me”

After my ex-spouse made a custody change without discussing with me, I contacted Mr. Pokras. He immediately understood the urgency of my case, had paperwork complete the same night…

Chuck, Ventura County

“With his sincere compassion for me as a person, he shattered the perceived mold of a typical lawyer”

He was highly professional, remarkably proficient in the law and all its nuances, and persistently resolved in achieving what was equitable with incredible creativeness, especially in the courtroom…

Sandy, Ventura County

“He was an engaged advocate committed to protecting my position throughout”

My experience with Barton Pokras started out great and just got better! At the outset, he was able to put me at ease during a very difficult divorce process. His expertise was evident immediately. His measured, consistent, calm approach finally won the day...

Peter, Ventura County

“Barton is a wonderful human being to have in your corner through a tumultuous and emotional divorce proceeding”

Before hiring Barton I asked him to keep the focus on my daughter's future interests, and not get distracted by the emotional roller coaster. He did just that!

D.C., Ventura County

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Location The Law Offices of Barton Pokras

Serving clients throughout Ventura County and Southern California, including Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard,
Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Encino and Malibu

Ventura Office

1198 Navigator Drive #20
Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-477-0505

Fax: 844-646-5658
Email: Barton@PokrasLaw.com

Westlake Village Office

3075 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Phone: 805-477-0505

Fax: 844-646-5658
Email: Barton@PokrasLaw.com