Collaborative Divorce:

Collaborative Family Law is a non-adversarial resolution process geared toward the best interests and well-being of the family. All negotiations take place in four-way settlement meetings that both clients and both attorneys attend. When the threat of going to court is out of the picture it is easier to focus on reaching a settlement. When a settlement is reached amicably, it feels much more like a "win-win" situation.

Divorce will have a powerful effect on everyone involved. Collaborative Law will provide you and your family effective support for the emotional aspects that often accompany divorce. If divorce is inevitable, you may not be able to salvage your marriage, but you can protect your children and your future. As your attorney, my role is to create a safe environment for you to assess your options and make the transition.

As a respected Westlake Village Collaborative Family Law Attorney, I will guide you through a difficult transition using an effective therapeutic approach that best meets the needs of your family.

Divorce:

A court of law is the only way one can obtain a divorce decree, dissolution, legal separation, nullity or other form of terminating a marriage. Other than the termination of the marital estate, the court also has jurisdiction to resolve other issues that are intertwined in the existing marriage which include, but are not limited to: custody and visitation rights, division of property of the marital estate, spousal support, child support, restraining orders, etc.

Divorce Mediation:
The basic attitude marking divorce mediation is a focus on solving problems, not fighting the fight. Family mediation is a voluntary process which gives a divorcing or separating couple the opportunity to make their own arrangements for their financial and personal future, while protecting themselves and their children from distress and the needless expense of litigation. The strength of a mediated agreement is that it is built by both parties together in an open process that requires all participants to recognize and make accommodation for the needs of the other participants, often without having to compromise one’s own.

While no two situations are alike, the emphasis in a mediated approach is to achieve a satisfactory settlement in an efficient, cooperative manner. This might include "four-way" settlement conferences where the parties meet along with their divorce mediation lawyers to work on a settlement. The philosophy of Divorce Mediation is that as much effort should be exerted toward settlement as is traditionally spent in preparation for and conducting a trial.

Paternity:
Paternity covers matters related to proving the parentage of a child or children. For married couples, paternity of a child is presumed to be the spouse, unless there is a court order or judgment stating otherwise. For unwed parents, paternity can be established by signing an Affidavit of Parentage or by filing a paternity action with the court.

Legally establishing paternity or determining that someone is not the parent of child can have a significant impact on divorce settlements, property division, child custody, child support and the ability to move out of state. Determinations of paternity can also have a significant impact on interstate conflict between unwed parents.

Child Custody:
Custody is the charge and control of a child, including the right to make all major decisions such as education, religious upbringing, training, health and welfare. Custody usually refers to a combination of physical custody and legal custody. "'Joint physical custody'" means that each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody. Joint physical custody shall be shared by the parents in such a way so as to assure a child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents, subject to [Fam. Code §3011] and [Fam. Code §3020]." (Fam. Code §3004.)

All couples have differences in their ideas about child rearing and it can be difficult to find common ground when couples separate or divorce. The key to developing common ground while living separately is regular, constructive communication about your concerns. For children of all ages, ongoing conflict between parents may lead children to develop a low self image, become disobedient, do poorly in school, and have problems getting along with friends. The more children are put in the middle of their parents’ dispute the worse the conflict may be for the children. 

Many factors influence an award of custody and the way a case is presented in court can have a large impact on the result for you and your children. If you are awarded the children as a primary custodial parent, it has far reaching consequences both to you and to their well-being and development.

Child Support:
Child support refers to a support obligation owing on behalf of a minor child. It is a periodic payment made to a custodial parent from a non-custodial parent to help compensate a child's living expenses, i.e. food, clothes, etc., and any other related debts. It also refers to past due support and arrearages and includes maintenance and education for the child. The obligation for child support is for both parents to support their minor children in the manner suitable to the child’s circumstances. The duty continues until the child reaches age 18, but can be extended if the child is still a full time high school student and not self-supporting. If over age 18 it terminates when the child completes the 12^th grade or reaches age 19 – whichever occurs first.  

In determining the amount of child support the Court must adhere to statewide uniform child support guidelines for computing the support and may only depart from the guideline in special circumstances. These guidelines seek to place the interest of the children as the state’s top priority. The award should also reflect the parents’ standard of living. 

The amount of a child support award is more than a question of bare necessities. If the child has a wealthy parent, that child is entitled to, and therefore needs something more than the bare necessities of life. Where the supporting parent enjoys a lifestyle that far exceeds the custodial parent's living standard, child support must, to some degree, reflect that more opulent lifestyle.

As a trusted Westlake Village Family Attorney, I will work hard to ensure you receive the maximum amount the law provides.

Spousal Support (Alimony):
Alimony is temporary or permanent financial support paid from one separated spouse to the other, either in one lump sum or in installments. The length of the marriage bears both on the need for support and on the amount and duration. The longer a spouse has been out of the job market on account of the marriage, the stronger the case for granting support. However, just as the supporting spouse’s ability to pay is considered, the Court also may consider the supported spouse’s earning capacity. Duration of the marriage also has particular significance regarding whether the Court should continue to retain jurisdiction and allow support into the future. The goal is for the supported spouse to become self sufficient within a reasonable time. 

There are several factors a judge considers when deciding whether to grant support. These include the parties' relative ability to earn money, both now and in the future; their respective age and health; the length of the marriage; the kind of property involved, and the conduct of the parties.

Division of Assets and Debts

Absent a valid agreement marital property rights are fixed according to California community property law. Community property is all property acquired by a married person during marriage while domiciled in California and is divided equally, although the parties are free to agree to any division of their estate. The parties may agree to an in-kind division of disputed items. In other words each takes one-half of a fungible asset (bank account, stock). If one party cashes out his or her interest in the asset in exchange for a sum certain, the other party bears the entire risk, or reaps the full reward of future price fluctuations. Transactions between husband and wife are subject to rules governing fiduciary relationships requiring the highest of good faith and fair dealing. 

Property acquired out of state (quasi-community property) during the marriage is treated as community property for purposes of a property division. The characterization of an asset may be affected by certain actions or agreements by or between the spouses. Separate property is property that is acquired before marriage, after separation, or by gift or inheritance. 

A debt is an obligation incurred by a married person before or during marriage. Characterization of a debt as a community estate or separate liability depends on whether the debt was incurred before marriage, during marriage or after separation. Generally, the community is liable for a debt incurred by either spouse before or during marriage and prior to separation regardless of which spouse has management and control. As such the community liability may not be limited to debts incurred for the benefit of the community and may even extend to debts incurred by one spouse for his or her personal benefit, although there may be a right of reimbursement. 

Community assets and liabilities ordinarily must be valued as near as practicable to the time of trial. 

If you or someone you know in Ventura County, Los Angeles County or throughout Southern California needs the assistance of an experienced Westlake Village Family Attorney, call Jacqueline Y.  Blade today at 866-435-5966, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.

• My clients get individualized attention. My primary goal is taking care of the needs of my clients. Since the founding of my firm I have handled each case on an individual basis and deal directly with my clients.
• I will not waste your time. I realize that your time is important. I am flexible, and if necessary, will meet you after hours for a free consultation.
• I will always strive to provide you with individualized attention and the highest quality legal service. I believe that communication with my clients is paramount, so I will make myself available for any need my clients may have at virtually any time. Your calls will be returned promptly. 
• You will have the benefit of the latest legal computer technology, both in research and case management. This will ensure accurate and up to date information on your case at all times.
• I will keep you informed. During your case, you will receive regular updates and copies of important documents.

LAW SCHOOL:

Ventura College of Law,
Ventura, California - J.D.
Dean’s Award, 1995-1996
Highest Cumulative GPA 1995 - 1996
Corpus Juris Secondum Award - Torts
President, Student Bar Association 1997-1998


PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:

California Bar Association
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Ventura County Bar Association
Ventura County Family Bar Association
San Fernando Valley Bar Association

PRIOR LEGAL POSITIONS:

2002-2005 In-House Counsel
Farmers Insurance Exchange
Law Offices of Ralph A. Van Dueck
Ventura, CA

2001-2002 In-House Counsel
Farmers Insurance Exchange
Early, Maslach & Rudnicki
Los Angeles, CA

1998-2001 Legal Assistant
Farmers Insurance Exchange
Law Offices of Andrew M.P. Rudnicki
Ventura, CA

1996-1997 Certified Law Clerk - Internship
Office of the Public Defender
Ventura, CA

1988-1998 Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Law Offices of Gregory J. Kaapuni
Thousand Oaks, CA

PRO BONO CONTRIBUTIONS:
Ms. Blade volunteers her time at the Conejo Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks. She also handles a variety of pro bono work according to need on a first come first served basis. Contact Ms. Blade to see if you qualify for discounted services or free legal assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Ms. Blade has been a Ventura County resident since 1981. She is currently in private practice in Westlake Village, California serving the residents of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Her practice is dedicated to helping people work through the legal aspects caused by the trauma of a divorce using an innovative and therapeutic approach. Ms. Blade is also adept at handling a myriad of personal injury lawsuits.

Ms. Blade enjoys gourmet cooking, gardening, interior decorating, and traveling. She has traveled to Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Lictenstein, Switzerland, Greece, Canada, and Mexico, as well as to many states in the continental U.S.

If you or someone you know in Ventura County, Los Angeles County or throughout Southern California needs the assistance of an experienced Westlake Village Family Attorney, call Jacqueline Y.  Blade today at 866-435-5966, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.