Recent Blog Posts

Stop Threats and Harm with an Emergency Protective Order

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

While getting a permanent restraining order can be a time consuming process, it is possible to obtain an emergency protective order (EPO) in the interim. This type of order is given in emergency circumstances and must be recommended by a police officer. It must also be approved by a judge before it is considered valid. If a police officer responds to a call and believes that the victim is in imminent danger, the officer can call a judge to request an emergency protective order. This can be done day or night but only in extreme circumstances. For example, if an officer believes that a victim is in immediate danger of being harmed.

Once an emergency protective order has been approved by a judge, it will remain in effect for five to seven business days. At that time, people who have obtained EPOs will need to go to court to seek their permanent restraining orders. Are you in need of a restraining order because someone is threatening you or causing you harm? Contact Claery & Green now to discuss your options with a Los Angeles family law attorney as soon as possible so we can take immediate action on your behalf.

Two Law Enforcement Officials Arrested for Domestic Violence in California

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Last week, news sources reported that a prosecutor in San Francisco, California was arrested for a domestic violence incident against her husband. At this time the details regarding the arrest of S.N., the assistant district attorney, are somewhat limited. What is known is that she is 34 years old and married. While news sources say that her husband was the victim, he has yet to confirm or deny that he was abused.

Just a few weeks earlier another public official was arrested for domestic violence. A sheriff was charged with three misdemeanor counts of dissuading a witness, child endangerment, and domestic battery against his wife. He is believed to have harmed his wife on New Year's Eve in front of their children. If you are a domestic abuse victim, whether male or female, know that the law protects you against such maltreatment. Also know that you can put an end to the abuse by contacting Claery & Green to enlist the help of a Los Angeles family lawyer who can help you take appropriate legal measures such as obtaining a restraining order.

Deion Sanders' Wife Files for Divorce

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:15:00 GMT

News sources recently confirmed that former NFL player Deion Sanders is going through a divorce. According to the divorce papers filed by his wife Pilar last week in Texas, Sanders was not a faithful husband. Pilar spoke of several adulterous acts as well as emotional and physical abuse at his hands in her divorce papers. While none of this has been substantiated or confirmed by the athlete, Pilar continues to say the aforementioned incidents are true.

In addition to naming his infidelities, the divorce papers state that Pilar wants sole custody of the couple's three children. She also wants their prenuptial agreement to be deemed null and void. After thirteen years of marriage together, it is uncertain whether a judge will grant that demand. If you are about to go through a complicated divorce, make sure that your rights and interests remain protected by hiring a Los Angeles family law attorney from our team who can provide assistance throughout your case. To enlist our help, contact Claery & Green today!

New Bill to Protect Dogs as Victims of Domestic Violence

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:40:00 GMT

Dog lovers in Florida are uniting over a special bill that is set to be passed this month. It will enact further criminal penalties on those who harm animals during the course of a domestic violence attack. The bill, called Horatio's Law, is named after a small Chihuahua that nearly died trying to protect its owner. The 8-year-old dog's head was bashed in so severely during a domestic abuse incident that he suffered permanent nerve damage. Now, he has to wear tiny sunglasses just to go outside because the sun hurts his retinal nerves.

A dog lover and owner himself, a state senator, has rallied behind the bill for months. It will increase the criminal penalties against someone who is found to have harmed an animal in a domestic violence dispute. Additionally, the law allows for the removal of the animal from the offending person's presence to place the dog in protective care if necessary. Have you been abused by someone close to you? Take action now to put an end to the abuse by contacting Claery & Green. Once you contact us, you'll have a chance to work with a Los Angeles family lawyer who can protect you from further harm.

Why Zealous Advocacy is Important to me

Jonathan Termechi Attorney at Law, Claery & Green, LLP — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:13:00 GMT

Whether the issue is dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, domestic violence, child custody or another area of family law, our clients usually feel that they are reached a low point in their lives. Not only must they face the difficult task of reestablishing their lives but they must do this while trying to navigate through what is a difficult and stressful process. Our clients come to us often experiencing a range of emotions, from sadness to anger to disbelief. I feel it is my job to not only facilitate the process, but provide them with the confidence that they have an advocate on their side and help quell the emotions they are feeling. Someone who is willing to seek the best result for them. As an advocate, nothing brings us greater joy then when I am able to advocate for our clients and provide them with the best result.

Orlando to Extend New Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Same-sex couples are fighting for their legal rights across the country and are slowly winning the battle. Even in Florida, a state known for being conservative, domestic partnerships are about to become legal in one city. Legislators in Orlando have been working hard on the Domestic Partnership Affidavit. This is a document that can be signed by those in a domestic partnership, whether straight or gay, that confirms their legal relationship as a couple.

This document is more than just a paper saying that they are bound to each other. This affidavit will allow domestic partners certain rights that have been banned in the past. For example, domestic partners will now be given access to hospital and jail visitation periods. They can also make official decisions for the other person as well as have equal participation in their child's education. While this is a big step for domestic partners in Orlando, city officials are adding an important caveat. This affidavit is not the same thing as marriage or a civil union. Therefore, not all of the legal rights that married couples enjoy will be extended to those who have signed the affidavit. Do you have questions related to California domestic partnership laws and benefits? Contact Claery & Green today to get answers from a knowledgeable Los Angeles family lawyer immediately.

Convicted Serial Murderer's Divorce to be Unsealed

Los Angeles Family Lawyer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:10:00 GMT

In Canada, convicted sexual offender and serial killer Russell Williams' divorce was unsealed by the court. After the divorce was approved, it was automatically sealed from the publics' eyes. However, on Tuesday, the Ontario Court of Appeal unsealed the divorce officially. Since then, the court has set aside bans and orders imposed by an Ottawa Court back in April.

Normally, such a decision would take effect immediately. However, in this case, the court is allowing fourteen days for Williams' former wife to challenge its ruling. For the time being, the bans will remain intact and Williams' former wife will remain known as M.E.H. Back in February 2012, Williams was arrested for two counts of murder, forcible confinement, breaking and entering, and sexual assault. Now, M.E.H. has told news sources that the unsealing of her divorce may bring more attention to her than her husband's criminal trial did. Are you having issues or conflicts with your divorce? If so, contact Claery & Green now to enlist the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles family law attorney from our office.

Football Player Moves Ahead with Divorce

Claery & Green — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The wife of a football legend who started making negative claims about her husband is quickly changing her tune. Now that he has filed divorce papers she wants to play nice and reconcile with her beloved husband.

Rumor has it that she learned about the divorce on a celebrity gossip website. When she confronted her husband, he confirmed that it was true. Now several other people have come forward with stories about the marriage. One of them, his daughter from another marriage, claims that the wife is nothing more than a gold-digger that doesn't love him or his family.

Her attorney has fought back by saying that all of these rumors are just that, rumors. His client has a deep commitment to her husband and family that comes before her interest in his money or wealth.

Are you contemplating divorce? Do not sign any papers until you have spoken with a Los Angeles family law attorney from our firm. To enlist our help, contact Claery & Green now.

Hollywood Couple Calling it Quits

Claery & Green — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:10:00 GMT

After being married for less than two years, a famous Hollywood couple has decided to call it quits. While neither party is saying much about the details of the divorce, it is known that nothing seems to be standing in the way of the settlement papers being signed.

The union between the 27-year-olld chanteuse and her 36-year-old comedian husband was scoffed at in the beginning. Yet, their oddly sweet relationship captured the hearts of Americans over time. Rumors of the husband's infidelity have led many to believe that his past of philandering made its way into his marriage as well.

Since the two were married in India without a prenuptial agreement, everyone seems to be wondering just what will happen to her assets. Since the singer makes much more money than her funny husband, she could stand to lose half of it since the two are divorcing in California, a community property state.

Should you need legal advice and advocacy during your divorce, contact Claery & Green now to enlist the services of a Los Angeles family law attorney from our team as soon as possible.

Wife of Governor Confirms Intentions to Divorce

Claery & Green — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:38:00 GMT

Despite a very large diamond ring on her wedding finger, one famous lady is still getting divorced. The wife of the former governor is keen to have the divorce done and finalized.

Rumors swirled over the past few weeks that the two might reconcile after a very public falling-out. Some people even said that her religious beliefs would prevent her from getting the divorce. Yet the religious wife told the press that the divorce is on and both sets of lawyers are working on the final settlement. It seems that even the "sweet gestures" that her husband has been trying to woo her back with are not working. Nothing will make her forget about the infidelity that ultimately ended their marriage.

The ring that she has been wearing on and off is actually her late mother's engagement ring. The former first lady has been wearing it intermittently since her mother passed away over two years ago.

If you are about to file for divorce in California, you may wish to seek legal representation from an experienced Los Angeles family lawyer. To get help throughout the dissolution of your marriage, contact Claery & Green now.

Why Zealous Advocacy is Important to Claery & Green Attorney Brian Ruiz

Brian Ruiz, Attorney at Law, Claery & Green, LLP — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:08:00 GMT

The essence of family law is to help people out of bad situations and into better ones. As family law attorneys we assist clients daily with the most personal aspects of their lives to which nearly everyone can relate in one way or another. This commonality and human aspect of family law is what attracted me to this field, and why zealous advocacy of my clients is important to me. I strive to give each and every client a voice in the legal system through these difficult times by listening to their goals, advising them compassionately but realistically, skillfully negotiating with the other side, and diligently arguing their interests in the courtroom.

NBA Hall of Famer Engaged

Claery & Green — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:45:00 GMT

A former basketball player has finally taken the plunge into matrimony. News sources say that the bachelor got engaged on Christmas Day.

The 48-year-old player asked his 32-year-old girlfriend to be his wife. She said yes with a big smile on her face. This is not his first time getting married, however, as he was with his first wife for 17 years. The two divorced in 2006 and the NBA Hall of Fame player did not have intentions of getting married again.

Despite his first wife getting $186 million in the divorce settlement, there is no word yet as to whether he will sign a prenuptial agreement with his second wife-to-be. Although he does not play basketball professionally anymore he does own a smaller NBA team.

Are you considering asking your partner to sign a prenuptial agreement? If so, you should have it reviewed first by a Los Angeles family lawyer from our legal team. To get help from our practice, contact Claery & Green now.

Why Zealous Advocacy is Important to Sean C. Sobottka

Sean C. Sobottka Attorney at Law, Claery & Green, LLP — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:03:00 GMT

When friends ask me if I enjoy the practice of family law, I explain to them the following: Family law issues are tough. Whether issues related to dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, child custody, domestic violence, etc., our clients are going through, what is for most of them, the most difficult time in their lives. They are often experiencing a range of emotions—sadness, distrust, anger. What I value most about my job is being able to offer my clients comfort in the knowledge that, despite any other difficulties, they have an attorney on their side who will fight for them, guide them through an unfamiliar and sometimes confusing process, and seek to obtain the best results possible for them. For my clients, I enjoy being a fighter, a guide, and an advocate.

Why Zealous Advocacy is Important to Me

Darin Groteboer Attorney at Law, Claery & Green, LLP — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:59:00 GMT

Family law issues are extremely personal by nature, thus the number one concern for any person who seeks legal representation should be to ensure that they have not only a knowledgeable attorney but also one who makes their client's wishes and hopes their utmost priority. Because family law matters are one of the most difficult cases to be addressed in Court at time of settlement due to the everlasting implications in regards to finances, property distribution as well as the future of the children involved, I make it my goal to provide my clients with the zealous advocacy that they deserve.

Zealous Advocacy and what it means to Arran S. Treadway

Arran S. Treadway Attorney at Law, Claery & Green, LLP — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:51:00 GMT

"An advocate, in the discharge of his duty, knows but one person in all the world, and that person is his client."
This was stated by Lord Brougham in the 19th century when defending Britain's Queen Caroline, who faced an attempt by her husband, King George IV, to obtain a divorce.

I personally believe there is a force inside of us that manifests itself when we are faced with crisis in our lives or within our families. I believe this force is part of the human spirit that refuses to surrender when faced with adversity. As an advocate I refuse to surrender when it comes to the cause of my client.

As an advocate I believe it is critical to immediately recognize the issues presented before me and personally connect with my client concerning these issues. I feel a naturally strong sense of urgency while listening carefully to my client about the problems we are going to solve. I put myself in the position of my client and I fight as if the cause were my own. Zealous advocacy is not just part of my job it is part of who I am. I have and will continue to welcome the challenges and rewards that comes hand in hand with being a zealous advocate.