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The Law Office of Robert M. Baskin is a full service Divorce and Family Law Firm conveniently located in Ventura. Representing Family Law clients in and around Ventura for more than 40 years, each Family Law Lawyer at our firm possess the experience required to help you resolve your divorce or family law case efficiently and cost-effectively.

Contact a Ventura Family Law Attorney at the Law Firm of Robert Baskin at (805) 658-1000 to schedule a free initial consultation with a highly knowledgeable and compassionate Family Law Lawyer. We will meet with you to thoroughly review your case, determine your needs and goals, and do everything within our power as aggressive legal advocates to help you achieve the results that you are seeking.

Whether you are deciding if divorce is your best option, have made the decision to file for divorce, or need quality representation in any Family Law matter, it is crucial that you retain a Ventura Family Law Firm that will fight vigorously on your behalf! Conveniently located in Ventura, we are proud to assist clients not only in Ventura, but throughout the region.

Top Quality Legal Representation by a Family Law Attorney in Ventura

At the Ventura Family Law Firm of Attorney Robert M. Baskin, we possess an in-depth understanding of the Family Law process, and know that these disputes frequently result in high levels of stress for our clients.  When you retain a Ventura Family Law Lawyer at our law firm, he or she will work diligently to reduce your stress by thoroughly explaining the law to you and by working with you to formulate a successful negotiation and litigation strategy.

Additionally, our Ventura Family Law Firm takes great pride in maintaining excellent client contact. All email and telephone inquiries will be addressed in a timely manner, and you will be updated on a regular basis so you are not left wondering what is happening with your case.   

For skilled legal representation by a knowledgeable, compassionate and highly experienced Ventura Family Law Attorney, please contact us as soon as possible so we can get to work on your case. We represent clients in a wide variety of Ventura Family Law matters, including:

 Divorce – Initiation of divorce proceedings, contested divorces, uncontested divorces, high dollar complex divorce representation, division of marital property assets and debts. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets or income, we will bring in experts to conduct extensive research to find any such assets.

 Child Custody – Initial determination of child custody, including legal custody, physical custody, and post-judgment child custody modifications. We also represent parties whose spouses have absconded with the children, either within the United States or abroad.

 Child Support – Initial determination of child support, representation in child support enforcement actions involving the Department of Child Support Services, actions pertaining to the judicial determination of back child support, and post-judgment child support modification proceedings.

 Child Visitation – Ventura Family Law Attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Baskin represent clients in all child visitation matters, including drafting comprehensive parenting plans that adhere to the best interests of the child standard.

 Domestic Violence – The Law Office of Ventura Family Law Lawyer Robert Baskin represents clients who have been the victims of domestic violence and are seeking protective orders, as well as those who have been wrongfully accused of committing acts of domestic violence by an ex who is seeking to obtain the upper hand in divorce and custody proceedings. Contact us at (805) 658-1000 for a free consultation.

 Grandparents’ Rights – Representation of all parties embroiled in disputes pertaining to a grandparent’s attempt to establish visitation rights or obtain permanent custody of their grandchildren. Under California Law, there are limited situations wherein a grandparent can obtain visitation or custody. Ventura Family Law Attorneys at the Law Office of Robert M. Baskin can answer all of your questions regarding grandparent’s rights.

 Spousal Support – Initial determination of spousal support, spousal support disputes, matters involving spousal support arrearages, and post-judgment modification of spousal support.

 Prenuptials / Postnuptials – Reviewing, drafting and revising prenuptial (pre-marital) or postnuptial (post-marital) agreements, and providing experienced advice to clients who want to enter into such an agreement, or who have been asked to sign a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement by their partner.

Contact an Experienced Ventura Family Law Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation

If you need to retain an experienced Family Law Lawyer for skilled and compassionate legal representation in a Family Law case, the Ventura Family Law Firm of Attorney Robert M. Baskin can help you.

Helping clients resolve their Family Law disputes in Ventura and all surrounding communities since 1975, we are one of the top Family Law firms in the region.

When you hire a Ventura Family Law Attorney from our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we will advocate vigorously on your behalf. Highly skilled negotiators, if we are unable to resolve your Family Law conflict peacefully through mediation or settlement, our seasoned Ventura Family Law litigators possess the experience necessary to take your case to trial.

Please contact us by completing our Family Law Case Evaluation Form, or call (805) 658-1000 to make an appointment for a free, confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Ventura Family Law Lawyer.

Although many Family Law litigants attempt to represent themselves, only a Family Law Attorney who possesses years of experience handling these matters can fully preserve and protect your rights. We will not only work to resolve the issues in your initial case, we are devoted to helping our clients obtain permanent resolution and prevent future conflict and litigation.

Law Office of Robert M. Baskin | Family Law FAQ

What are Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements?

Marital agreements are written contracts which bind the spouses to the agreed upon terms. A prenuptial agreement is established prior to the marriage. A postnuptial agreement is established during the marriage. These agreements can contain provisions for the handling of assets and spousal support in the event of divorce, separation or death. Certain conditions must exist during the drafting of these contracts for them to be enforceable. Each party must have the contract reviewed by their own attorney and each party must be able to sign under their own free will. If a party is coerced into signing, or fraudulent measures were taken while obtaining the signature, the contract will not hold up in court.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are often used to protect an individual’s property and assets which were acquired prior to the marriage. A qualified family law attorney should draft or review these agreements before you sign to ensure your financial stability is not impacted.

Why do I need a Divorce Attorney?

A divorce lawyer can advocate for your interests at a time when many things in your life may seem out of control. An experienced divorce attorney has a deep understanding of California’s divorce laws. This legal professional looks at each component of your case in addition to the bigger issues while taking steps to protect your rights. Divorce often involves much more than the ending of a marriage. Child support and child custody must be established. The division of marital assets and debts must be arranged.  

An attorney can guide you through the entire divorce process, thereby helping to reduce the amount of stress you are under. In addition, the attorney will handle all the legal paperwork necessary. Sometimes a divorce attorney can negotiate the divorce settlement agreement. In cases where issues are disputed, a divorce attorney can represent your side in the divorce trial.  

Why is the Date of Separation Important?

In California, the date of separation is important because it determines the exact moment when a spouse’s income will no longer be considered as community property. This date requires careful consideration because of the potential legal and financial consequences involved. After the date of separation, each spouse can begin growing their own separate estate. This holds true for debts as well. Because California is a community property state, all assets and debts incurred during the marriage are assumed to be held by both spouses.

The date of separation may come into play when other issues of the divorce need to be decided. For example, a family court judge may determine that child support should begin accumulating from the date of separation. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney prior to deciding upon a date of separation can help you avoid costly mistakes during the divorce process.

What are Commingled Assets in California?

The division of marital property often becomes complex when determining community property, separate property, and commingled assets. Assets acquired during a marriage become community property and are owned jointly by both spouses. Assets brought into the marriage by one spouse are considered separate property. These guidelines can become blurred because separate property can easily become community property and both spouses can have an interest in that asset. This is often the case when real property or professional practices are brought into a marriage.

For example, if an asset such as a deceased family member’s residence was gifted to one spouse, it is considered separate property and will be excluded from the property division process. However, if marital funds are used to pay the property’s mortgage, this asset is now commingled giving each spouse an interest. An experienced divorce attorney can provide skilled guidance on the valuation and treatment of community property and commingled assets.

What is the difference between Physical Custody and Legal Custody?

Physical custody recognizes the actual amount of time a parent spends with the child. Legal custody determines which parent is responsible for making decisions regarding the child’s welfare, health, education, religious activities, and other critical matters. During the divorce or separation process, parents and the family court mediator can determine a custody arrangement. Several factors are considered, such as each parent’s mental fitness and the ability to care for the child.

In most cases, the court expects both parents to participate in the child’s life. California law requires an outcome that reflects the child’s best interests. This often results in both parents sharing custody. Sometimes it will benefit the child to have one parent hold sole legal and physical custody. Other times the parents will share a percentage of the joint custody.

What is Spousal Support?

In California, spousal support refers to a financial amount ordered to be paid from one spouse to the other after a divorce or legal separation. These financial payments are sometimes described as alimony payments or spousal maintenance and can be either permanent or temporary depending upon the situation. Spousal support is not automatically granted to the spouse that earns the least. Numerous factors are considered by the Family Court Judge when awarding spousal support, including:

• Evidence of domestic violence during the marriage
• Earning capacity of each spouse
• Education levels of each spouse
• Length of marriage
• Financial obligations
• Employment opportunities
• Expected standard of living

Temporary spousal support may be ordered during the divorce for the lower earning spouse. Permanent spousal support orders may be established when the earning potential of one spouse has been impacted during the marriage. An experienced spousal support lawyer can advocate for your interests in establishing or disputing a spousal support order.