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Posts

Divorce Planning – What You Need To Know

March 13, 2020/in Family Law /by Gina Policastri

Are you and your spouse considering divorce? It’s a tricky subject and often, a point of contention. Taking the necessary steps to ensure you’re prepared can make all the difference. Hiring a divorce lawyer to help you with divorce planning is recommended for a myriad of reasons; one being that it can prevent a nasty trial in some cases.

Our San Jose divorce lawyers explain what you need to know to prepare for your divorce. 

What Is Divorce Planning?

Divorce planning is done by a spouse with the help of a divorce lawyer. In the time leading up to actually requesting a divorce from your spouse, you will work with an attorney to plan out where you are currently and where you want to be after your divorce. 

Divorce planning covers all areas of your life from your living situation to child custody. The end goal is to make your divorce as smooth as possible and to result in a favorable outcome for you. 

A spouse hands their ring to another after finding out they've been doing divorce planning.

What Areas Should You And Your Divorce Attorney Consider?

  • How to tell your spouse – One of the most rattling parts of divorce is deciding how to broach the subject with your spouse. It can be intimidating and often very emotional. An experienced divorce lawyer can work with you to anticipate how your spouse is likely to react to the news, and how best to approach the subject with them for an efficient, logical conversation.

    You may also need to plan how to tell your children about the divorce. This is something you can plan ahead of time and then collaborate on with your spouse after you’ve informed them of your decision.
  • Where you will live – As a couple, you most likely have acquired property together. At the very least, you are on a lease together. You will need to create a plan with your attorney for where you will live. You can do this by planning out a budget to ensure you can afford new living situations. You will also have to consider where your children will live during the divorce if you have children with your spouse.

  • Spousal Support – If you are the breadwinner or the sole earner of your household, be prepared for the financial responsibility you have towards your spouse. You may be required by court to pay spousal support during the divorce proceedings. If you are the non-earning spouse, don’t expect spousal support. It is not guaranteed. It is best to consider getting a job. A divorce lawyer can help inform you of your options, whether you’re the primary earner or the non-earner in your relationship. 

  • What about the children? – If you have children, there is a lot of planning to be done in this area. For instance, where will they live? Will you and your spouse share custody or do you plan to fight for sole custody? If you’re the primary earner, you will probably have to pay child support. You will need to work with a divorce lawyer to plan for the specifics of this future expense. If you are the non-earner, will you be requesting child support? If you and your spouse live in different districts, where will the children attend school, and how will the custody schedule work around that schedule?

  • Paperwork – An experienced attorney can inform you of all the paperwork and documents you will need to file for divorce. They can also guide you through the filing process such as where to file and what the laws are regarding divorce. 
A person meets with a divorce planning lawyer

Having an experienced divorce lawyer to help you with divorce planning is crucial. They can keep you informed and position you for the best possible outcome for your divorce. Whatever your position in the marriage, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri is prepared to help you. Get strong representation to help you with your plan. Set up a free planning consultation today.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/75305671-estefania-solveyra-411731-min.jpg 456 684 Gina Policastri https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Gina Policastri2020-03-13 17:18:432021-12-22 19:54:01Divorce Planning - What You Need To Know

How Much Alimony Do I Qualify For?

October 17, 2019/in Family Law /by Gretchen Boger

It’s common to have questions about alimony during divorce cases. The laws on alimony differ state to state. In California, alimony is referred to as spousal support and can be issued in two forms. Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri, experienced lawyers in divorce and separation, have broken down these two types to help you know what to expect. 

When a couple is going through separation, they often wonder about alimony. Will they have to pay it? Do they qualify to receive it? How much will they receive? The truth is the answer varies case by case. Like many things in law, everything is specific to your case and your needs.

Alimony is a legal order to make support payments to one spouse during or after the divorce. In San Jose, there are two types of spousal support : Temporary and Permanent. Just because you qualify for one does not guarantee you’ll qualify for the other. Find out which one you may qualify for. 

Temporary Spousal Support

The purpose of temporary support is to maintain the status quo of the household prior to divorce during the separation case. The time frame this is owed will vary depending on the case. A spouse will be ordered to pay temporary support until a judgement is reached. This can last as briefly as 6 months or up to several years. The amount you will receive is calculated via a software program. The gross monthly income for both you and your spouse is input into a computer program and processed. An amount for monthly payments is then submitted to the court along with who is responsible for those payments. 

Stack of money being paid as alimony

This type of support is common in cases where the primary breadwinner runs off and refuses to support the other partner. The other partner may have given up a career or education to stay at home and look after the family. This places them at a disadvantage and the court will often order temporary support to help. If the primary breadwinner refuses to pay support, the payments can be taken directly out of their paychecks. Temporary alimony can be issued in addition to child support.

Permanent Alimony

While temporary support is decided exclusively on gross monthly income, the court uses more discretion when determining permanent support. Both parties will go to trial over the amount owed. Factors that go into determining the amount to be paid and the length of payments are net income of both parties, if children are involved, age of both spouses, the health of both spouses and if both parties have a job or if one is in need of training. The purpose of permanent support is to transition the lower earning spouse into a lifestyle that is sustainable and allows them to be self sufficient. It is also to compensate the lower earning spouse for any damage caused to their earning potential. This refers to what we mentioned in temporary support; a case where one spouse gave up a career or education to be the homemaker. 

Two rings sit on top of a divorce form with two ex spouses discussing alimony

The amount of time spousal support is owned depends on the length of marriage according to San Jose law. If a marriage is determined short term (less than 10 years), half the length of the marriage is typically rule of thumb but not guaranteed. Long term marriages (10+ years) are more open ended. They can be paid for 10 years or even longer. There’s no way to give a definitive answer to this as it’s determined on a per person basis. 

Get In Contact

If you live in San Jose, CA and have questions about alimony, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri. They offer free 30 minute consultations. Find out your chances of receiving temporary or permanent support. If you have children, you can learn about child support as well. 

Please remember that each individual situation is unique, and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/services2.jpg 1000 1000 Gretchen Boger https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Gretchen Boger2019-10-17 17:52:532021-12-22 19:55:34How Much Alimony Do I Qualify For?

How to Choose a High Net Worth Divorce Attorney in San Jose, CA

September 13, 2019/1 Comment/in Family Law /by Gina Policastri

Going through a divorce or separation is an extremely complicated and emotional time. Thankfully, you do not have to go through the process alone. A high net worth divorce attorney will have your best interests at heart and will help you through this difficult time. Separation is never easy, but it does not have to be hard with the guidance of an experienced lawyer, especially in San Jose.

San Jose sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, the epicenter of innovation and technology. It would be no surprise that you or your former spouse have come to San Jose to work and have worked hard for what you own and shared. You probably have acquired a lot of assets during your marriage such as property or finances. When it comes down to splitting up what you own during a divorce, you might not know where to start or what you are entitled to. Interestingly enough, many people in this town do not know just how much they have or the value of what their assets actually are. This is where an experienced lawyer would come in to help.

High net worth divorce attorney in a meeting with two parties

What Is A High Net Worth Divorce?

In this San Jose, it would not be a surprise if your case is considered a high net worth divorce. A “high net worth divorce” has traditionally been defined as a divorce involving more than one million dollars in net liquid assets. These types of divorces come with their own set of additional challenges and complications that only a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate. One of the complicates may be defining your assets and potential tax consequences that come with it. Additionally, things like pre-nuptial agreements, real estate, businesses, stock options, and retirement assets will be at issue in the divorce proceedings. These items may make the process go from a simple dissolution to a complicated and contested mess. Let our divorce attorneys help you through this complex process.

If your divorce is considered “high net worth”, you should seek the advice of our high net worth divorce attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri. Our divorce attorneys know the intricacies of this unique type of separation and can fight for your needs accordingly. Choosing the wrong divorce attorney could be detrimental to your case. The right lawyer will listen to your concerns, have a strong courtroom presence, and devote the time and attention necessary to secure a beneficial outcome for you. Even though emotions are running high, a good high net worth divorce attorney will cut through emotional distractions to avoid escalating conflict and avoid a lengthy and costly legal battle. Our knowledgeable lawyers will guide you on how to protect your assets and are dedicated to achieving an outcome that is beneficial to you.

High net divorce attorneys Lonich, Patton, Ehrlich, Policastri

If you or a loved one are going through a divorce and are in need of a high net worth divorce attorney in San Jose, please reach out to the experienced divorce attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique, and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pexels-photo-265730.jpeg 1280 1920 Gina Policastri https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Gina Policastri2019-09-13 16:57:582021-12-22 19:56:41How to Choose a High Net Worth Divorce Attorney in San Jose, CA

10 Common Divorce Questions

September 6, 2019/in Family Law /by Gretchen Boger

Divorce is very nuanced. There are many things to consider which can make an already difficult situation more challenging. Lonich Patton Ehlich Policastri has put together a comprehensive guide of the most commonly asked questions. Get an answer to your divorce question now.

1.What Is The Difference Between Divorce Mediation And Divorce Collaboration?

Mediation is when a neutral third party is hired to facilitate resolution of issues between two people during a divorce. The mediator helps with paperwork, mutual communication between all parties, and securing 60%-70% of goals or desires are met for each party. 

Collaboration is a binding contract between both parties and their attorneys stating neither will go to court. If this contract is breached, the parties will have to fire their attorneys and start the process over. Attorneys can help clients identify what’s important to them and how to work through issues. It is common to have non lawyer professionals involved in collaborative divorce. Mental health professionals, divorce coaches and financial specials can add clarity to emotions and difficulties that arise during the resolution of a marriage. 

2. How Much Does It Cost To Get Divorced?

This is probably the most common divorce question. The answer is different for everyone. It depends on what issues you have. Do you have children? If so, you will need to deal with the issue of custody. How will your property be divided? Do you own a business together? What if one of you needs spousal support? Is there a post nuptial or a prenuptial agreement? All of these factors impact the cost of your divorce. The best way to find out what cost you’re looking at is to call an attorney. If you live in San Jose, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri offers a free 30 minute consultation that can answer tough questions like this. 

3. How Long Will A Divorce Take?

The answer for this divorce question is similar to the question above. It depends on your unique situation. The attorney you work with will need to know of any estate plans, businesses or property you and your spouse own. They will also need to consider any children and custody agreements involved. It depends on how much you and your spouse agree upon. If you go through mediation or collaboration, it could take less time than going through litigation. 

4. How Is Property Divided In A Divorce?

In California, this comes down to two rules: Community property and Separate property. Separate property is anything you acquired before your marriage and that hasn’t been commingled or shared between the two parties during the marriage. If you owned a house before your marriage and have kept it separate from community property, that is added to your separate income when division begins. 

An attorney answers the burning divorce question of how property is divided after divorce.

Community property is anything acquired during the marriage or shared during the marriage. This includes a family home, cars, debts or anything earned or gifted during the marriage. Community property is divided during the dissolution of the marriage. This doesn’t mean it is necessarily divided in half. If you have two assets of equal value, one person may receive one while the other party receives the other; an example being a house and a retirement savings plan. 

5. What Are My Rights During A Divorce?

You have rights protected under the Bill of Rights. You have the right to a fair trial; the right to a safe trial free of harassment from a spouse or their attorney. You have the right to see your child unless a court states otherwise.  Speaking with an experienced attorney such as the ones at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri is the best way to learn about your rights during your divorce. Get your questions answered in a free 30 minute consultation.

6. How Does The Court Decide On Child Custody During A Divorce?

Child custody is decided based on many factors. Often, during the case, temporary custody is assigned. This allows the child to have a stable routine they can depend upon and prevents their lives from being upended. Judges can be hesitant to change this plan when deciding on permanent custody as they don’t want to remove that stability from the child’s life. Temporary custody can be an indicator of the end result of child custody, but it isn’t guaranteed. Once divorce is filed, the state your child currently resides in becomes their home state. If a parent wants to move out of the state or relocate, this can affect the outcome as well. 

Judges consider the wellbeing of the child over everything else. This means they will look into any history of mental illness, drug abuse or addiction, and financial stability (to name a few). Courts tend to favor the spouse who is able to put their differences and issues from the divorce aside for the betterment of the child. This means the more level headed you are, the better. 

7.  Does My State Have A Separation Requirement?

This is a crucial divorce question to research before filing. In San Jose, CA, there is no separation requirement. You must have lived in CA for 6 months before filing for divorce however. Once you have filed, you must wait another 6 months before the finalization of your divorce. If you file for legal separation in the state of California, there is no waiting period making it a great option for those who haven’t lived in the state for 6 months.

If you don’t know if your state has a separation requirement, the best way to find out is to research your state laws or contact a local divorce attorney. 

8. How Do I File For Divorce?

This is another common divorce question clients ask. To be eligible for a divorce in CA, you must have lived in the state for 6 months. When it comes to counties, you must have lived in the specific county you file in for 3 months.

Before no fault divorce existed, a spouse had to provide a reason for the dissolution of marriage. This typically involves extramarital affairs or domestic violence and the practice is still common in some states. In California, all divorces are no fault which means one party can simply want a divorce from the other without providing a “fault.” This means that wrongdoing has no impact on the division of assets according to the judge.

After filing, there’s a 6 month waiting period for the finalization of divorce. You and your spouse can work collaboratively to make a plan for child custody and property division without legal assistance and if that doesn’t work you can seek help from a mediator. This is where you might consider collaborative divorce or mediation. The last option is divorce litigation which is also the messiest. This should be a last option if you and your spouse cannot agree on anything. 

For help filing in Santa Clara county, contact Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri.

9. Will I Have To Go To Court?

You may not need to go to court if you are able to resolve issues and division of assets through mediation or collaboration. This is an ideal situation and all papers can be filed with the court with a judgement on your case sent in the mail. Sometimes you may still be required to show up for a hearing in these cases. 

Proper divorce planning and mediation can help you avoid going to court.

If you opt for divorce litigation, the matter will be handled in court and this can be pricey. If you can avoid litigation, it’s in the best interest of everyone involved. However, at LPEP Law, they know how contentious divorces can get and understand not everyone will be able to settle their issues out of court. 

10. How Do I Decide On A Divorce Lawyer?

You should make sure your divorce attorney specializes in family law and divorce cases. You want someone who has handled a myriad of divorce situations and will work to get you the best possible outcome.

Ask how many years of experience they have. If you’re going to court, do they know the court and the judges who preside there? Are they board certified? These are all important questions to ask when deciding on a lawyer.

If you’re considering divorce in San Jose, contact Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri for a free 30 minute consultation. They can help you decide if mediation, collaboration or litigation is the right option for you. Get any divorce question you have answered.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Divorce.jpeg 1367 2048 Gretchen Boger https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Gretchen Boger2019-09-06 19:07:562021-12-22 19:56:5210 Common Divorce Questions

What Personal Information Do I Need To Prepare When Considering A Divorce

August 28, 2019/in Family Law /by Riley Pennington

Separation and divorce are very difficult issues to navigate. If you are preparing for a divorce, there are a multitude of challenges that you must prepare for. However, having a knowledgeable San Jose divorce attorney – like the attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri – will significantly lessen your burden. When preparing to meet with a San Jose divorce attorney for the first time, it is important to gather and have available certain personal information.

A San Jose divorce attorney can help you gather the needed information for a divorce.

What Information Will You Need?

It is important have some basic information for both yourself and your spouse ready. Your full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers are a good start. Additionally, have both your and your spouses contact information, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Another important piece of information to have is a document showing proof that you are a California resident. This can be a mortgage bill or home utility bill for instance.

Other valuable information to gather in preparation of your divorce or separation include employment information for both yourself and your spouse. You should obtain the employer’ name, address, and phone number, for both you and your spouse. Gather information about the length of you and your spouse’s employment. This should include monthly or annual salary, and at least the last three income tax returns you filed.

What If Children Are Involved?

Regarding any children you and your spouse may have, there are a few things you’ll need. First it is important to have available a list of all children from the marriage’s names including the children’s dates of birth, social security numbers, and health insurance coverage. Additionally, it would be good to note what the current custody arrangement is between you and your spouse. If you anticipate custody being an issue during your divorce, vocalize this. Include if there are any children from a previous marriage for either you or your spouse. List their names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and whether there is child support being received or paid for any of the children.

A parent helps a baby walk. A San Jose Divorce Attorney can help you with custody during a divorce.

Finally, if there is some additional information that will be of great assistance to the divorce attorney you meet, provide it to the attorney either before or during your first meeting. The date and place your wedding took place should be provided. Further, a list of any the marital problems involving alcohol or drug abuse, or domestic abuse, that led to divorce. Lastly, your attorney will need the name of your spouse’s attorney if your spouse is represented. They will need to know where to serve your spouse with divorce papers.

If you are separated and planning a divorce or simply considering your options, please contact one of the experienced San Jose Divorce attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri. We offer free consultations for new Family Law clients.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique, and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results.  While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice.  Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2-Rings-Divorce-Papers.jpeg 1367 2048 Riley Pennington https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Riley Pennington2019-08-28 16:19:192021-12-22 20:03:02What Personal Information Do I Need To Prepare When Considering A Divorce

Finding Your Divorce Attorney: 3 Ways to Ensure You Hire the Right One

June 10, 2016/in Family Law /by Gretchen Boger

Hiring the right attorney has the potential to save you time, money, and peace of mind; however, this is no easy task – nor should it be. Getting a divorce is often one of the most difficult, exhausting, and emotionally draining times in a person’s life.  It is of utmost importance to hire the attorney that is willing and able to be your guide and advocate through the arcane domain of divorce. Below are three ways to ensure that you are choosing the right attorney.

1. A Referral

With approximately 40% – 50% of all marriages ending in divorce, it is likely that you know someone who has gone through a divorce.  While it is not always easy to admit that your union has failed, seeking advice from those who have had to go through the process can play an integral role in deciding who will represent you.

Simply asking them if they would recommend their attorney is indicative of an attorney’s capabilities.  However, an attorney who was perfect for someone else may not be perfect for you, and vice versa.  Therefore, confide in those who have gone through this onerous process, but be aware that each divorce is unique and each attorney-client relationship is unique, as well.

2. An Internet Search

Today a simple Google search, for example, “Bay Area Divorce Lawyers,” will return dozens of results.  The results at the top of the list will most likely be the law firms that specialize in divorce in the Bay Area.  Take your time when researching each law firm.

A law firm’s website should indicate its areas of specialization, the attorneys that work there, and the results that the firm gets.  More often than not, the website will give examples of the kinds of cases the firm has tried.  These examples are important to you. You should be asking yourself, if these examples are similar to your current situation.  If so, the firm is one that you should definitely consider.  A firm’s website can provide a lot insight about the firm; however, it should not, necessarily, be the determinative factor in your decision making process.

3. A Consultation

If a referral source or your research has resulted in finding an attorney that you like, you should schedule a consultation.  A consultation is a time for you and the attorney to decide if working together is the right decision. There are number of things that you should consider when meeting with your potential attorney for the first time.

First, if the attorney is charging you an initial consultation fee, do not let it discourage you from scheduling the consultation.  Usually, in other areas of law, when a prospective client meets with an attorney for the first time there is a free 30 minute consultation.  However, divorce attorneys may charge an initial consultation fee.  The reasons for the fee are to determine if clients can afford attorney’s fees and to deter clients that are “lawyer shopping.”  Lawyer shopping occurs when a prospective client meets with a number of different divorce attorneys with the intention of creating a conflict of interest.  As a result, any attorney who the client met with is precluded from representing that client’s spouse.  One way to deter invidious behavior, such as lawyer shopping, is to charge for the meeting.

Second, the attorney-client relationship is something that should be founded upon honesty, trust, and accountability. The consultation is the appropriate time to meet and decide if working together would be in the best interests of both parties.  During the consultation there is a lot of information that each party should receive before making a decision.

As the client, you should make note of the attorney’s demeanor and professionalism. Is the attorney professional, did he or she dress well, was the meeting uninterrupted, did you receive the attorney’s undivided attention, and were you treated with respect? An attorney who dresses well, is professional, and treats you with respect usually correlates to being a fine lawyer.

Third, divorce has the potential to last for years. It is important that you choose an attorney you can be around throughout the divorce. Your attorney is your advocate, and the last thing that you need is to have tension between one another.  Therefore, choose someone that you can foresee yourself getting along with.  This doesn’t mean your attorney needs to be your best friend, but it does need to be someone that you can work with.

Fourth, hiring an attorney who has dealt with cases similar to yours will most likely save you time and money.  While divorce may seem like an ossified area of the law, results are, often times, dictated by specific factual findings and great lawyering.  Having an attorney who is familiar with certain situations will increase your chances of reaching a settlement in your best interest.  For example, an attorney who has dealt with unique assets and situations (horses, real property out-of-state, blended families, etc.) is more likely to reach a better result and not bill as much for researching these unique circumstances.

Finally, if you decide that the attorney is right for you, you should be ready to get the process started right away.  The items that you should bring to the first consultation are: 1) any pleadings, motions, proposed settlement agreements, or any other documentation dealing with the case, 2) your most recent tax returns, 3) a preliminary schedule of assets and liabilities, and 4) your monthly income and expenses.  Any other documents or paperwork that you think are relevant should be brought to the consultation, too.

On the other hand, during the consultation, the attorney will be considering whether your case should be taken.  Each attorney has their own checklist for determining whether to take on a new client.  Generally, an attorney considers if the case is feasible, if he or she is able to work with the client, and if there are any conflicts, among other factors.

Asking for a referral, conducting your own research, and meeting with attorneys are three proactive steps that will ensure that whomever you hire is the right attorney for you.  Remember, finding the right attorney is a decision that only you should be making.

If you need any help in finding the right attorney, the Certified Family Law Specialists at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex family law matters. Please contact the Certified Family Law Specialists at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri for further information.  Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results.  While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice.  Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png 0 0 Gretchen Boger https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Gretchen Boger2016-06-10 15:10:362021-12-22 20:16:50Finding Your Divorce Attorney: 3 Ways to Ensure You Hire the Right One

“Truly wanted to see a fair and just outcome”- AVVO reviewer

March 9, 2016/in Firm News, In the Community /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

David Patton is a family law specialist and partner at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri. David is an experienced trial attorney with over 22 years of experience. He co-founded the firm’s family law practice and has become one of Silicon Valley’s top family lawyers.

David has represented clients in difficult and complex cases, all while treating his clients with kindness and compassion. He recognizes that these times are some of the most overwhelming and difficult for families, and that is why he works hard and diligently to obtain favorable results.

As one AVVO client reviewer stated: “David (and his partner Mike Lonich) were genuinely interested and invested in my case. They were not solely focused on billable hours, but truly wanted to see a fair and just outcome. That sort of personal commitment went a long way toward making the whole experience, if not enjoyable, at least less miserable. I just wish I had David as my attorney when my divorce first started. I would highly recommend David Patton and his firm to anyone needing competent representation in matters of family law. “

If you have any questions about divorce or any other issue, the Certified Family Law Specialists at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex family law matters. Please contact the Certified Family Law Specialists at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri for further information.  Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results.  While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice.  Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/95126-ca-david-patton-319088.html

https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png 0 0 Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri https://www.lpeplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LPEP_PC.png Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri2016-03-09 16:41:572021-12-22 20:17:53"Truly wanted to see a fair and just outcome"- AVVO reviewer

Surviving The Holidays During A Divorce

December 3, 2014/in Family Law /by Mitchell Ehrlich

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and togetherness. For the recently divorced or those in the process of a divorce, the holidays can be a very sad, confusing, and lonely time; especially for those couples with children. Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri, LLP have put together three tips to get you through the holidays this year: plan ahead, socialize, and create new traditions.

Plan Ahead

The first and most important step to ensuring you survive the holidays is planning ahead. This includes planning out where your children will spend their holidays and with whom. Depending on your custody plan, there are inevitably going to be holes in your schedule and during those time, loneliness may be unavoidable. One way to avoid being lonely during these times is to get activities on the calendar.  If your children will be with your former spouse this year, plan activities with friends and family to keep you busy. While keeping yourself busy may be essential to surviving the holidays, it is also essential to leave some time for rest and reflection, so try not to over commit yourself.

Socialize

The more the merrier. It is common knowledge that the more people you surround yourself with, the better your mood will be. Just because your children are with your former spouse, does not mean you have to spend the holidays home alone. This holiday season, be sure to interact with others, whether it be with family or friends. Socializing will help you avoid feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression. If you used to spend your holidays with your in-laws, find somewhere else to go this year. Do not be afraid to crash a holiday party or two. And remember, it is normal to feel out of place and uncomfortable, but the more you socialize, the better you will feel.

Create New Traditions

                Divorce means letting go. This includes letting go of certain family traditions. Now that you are divorced, your holiday traditions are bound to change. This is your opportunity to keep the traditions you enjoy, get rid of those you do not, and create new and better traditions with your children. Take this time to try something you have always wanted to do, were too scared to do, or something your former would never let you and the children do. Also, if your children are spending this holiday with your former spouse, consider celebrating the same holiday with your children on an alternate day.

These are just some of the many tips available to survive the holidays during your divorce. The Certified Family Law Specialists at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex family law matters.  If you are interested in learning more about scheduling where your children will spend the holidays, please contact Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri for further information.  Keep in mind that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results.  While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice.  Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI

Phone: (408) 553-0801
Fax: (408) 553-0807
Email: contact@lpeplaw.com

1871 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126

Located in San Jose, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri handles matters for clients in northern California, specifically San Jose and Silicon Valley. Our services are available to anyone within the following counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Francisco. For a full listing of areas where we practice, please click here.

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