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Get Answers to FAQ from a Family Law Attorney in Ontario CA

Get Answers to FAQ from a Family Law Attorney in Ontario CA

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Do you have questions about the process of working with a family law attorney in Ontario CA? Are you curious about what you should expect, how to find the right attorney, and what they can help you with? At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are here to help you with these and other questions. Contact us at (909) 920-0908 if you have an additional question or you want to request a free case evaluation.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

That depends on many different factors. If you and your soon-to-be-future spouse agree on every factor of the divorce, from child custody to spousal support, it can go fairly quickly. If you do not, and you must take the case to court, it can take many months. However, no matter how amicable the divorce is, there is a minimum of six months until the divorce can be considered final.

How Long Do Paternity Cases Take?

Paternity involves establishing who the legal parent of a child is. As is true of a divorce case, the amount of time it takes will vary based on how well the parties work with each other. However, these cases do not generally take as long a divorce case. In most instances, the litigants will have a temporary custody and support order in place while the case is finished.

How Can I File for Child Custody?

In most cases, child custody cases are handled by a family law attorney in Ontario CA as part of another family law issue, whether divorce, annulment, domestic violence, or paternity. If you want to change custody then another action will need to be taken. This could be a paternity case if you are not the legal parent of the child. It may be a request for modification of a current custody agreement. Contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to learn more about custody options.

Can I Get Alimony?

That depends on your income, the income of your spouse, and your earning ability, among other things. If you have been a homemaker for 30 years then you may get permanent alimony in which your spouse is required to provide income to you. If you are planning to return to the workforce and simply need additional school to do so, then your spouse may be required to pay you a one-time alimony payment to cover those costs. Your family law attorney in Ontario CA can help you determine if you are likely to qualify for alimony or not.

How Do I Find a Family Law Attorney in Ontario CA?

If you are in need of legal advice then your best option is to contact a family law attorney in Ontario CA. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are happy to provide a free legal consultation that will allow you to get answers to your most basic questions. Call us now at (909) 920-0908 to learn more about how we can help.

How To Find the Right Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA

How To Find the Right Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA

You have many factors to consider as you search for the family law attorney in Claremont CA who can best represent you. The fact of the matter is that choosing the right attorney can make a huge difference in the eventual outcome of your case. Keep reading to find out how you can find the right attorney, then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to request a free consultation.

Look at Testimonies of the Highest-Rated Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA

There are many places you read reviews of legal professionals but the main issue with this is that you cannot always know if the people reviewing them have actually worked with the family law attorney in Claremont CA they are commenting on. This is why reading client testimonials is so much more useful. These are reviews written specifically by people who have actually worked with the attorney in question.

Search for a Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA Who Has Experience in the Type of Law That is Relevant to Your Case

Not every family law attorney in Claremont CA is going to have experience in the specific type of law that you need assistance with. For example, if you need a custody modification you would not work with an attorney who primarily handles divorce filings and responses. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are well-versed in a wide range of family law fields and can help with everything from spousal support to divorce mediation.

You Want a Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA Who Keeps You Up to Date

The last thing you want in a family law attorney in Claremont CA is someone who takes your case but doesn’t return your calls or emails. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we know that you want to be kept up to date and we know you deserve to be. We are accessible, answer your calls, and keep you updated as the case progresses.

Request a Free Consultation from a Family Law Attorney in Claremont CA

It is essential that the family law attorney in Claremont CA you are considering offers you a free legal consultation. Without this, you will not know for sure if they are the right choice until after you have hired them. During this consultation, you can find out if you feel comfortable with them, if they make you feel as though they are a good fit, and if you trust them.

Remember that your family law attorney will need to learn details about your personal life. Choosing the right person can impact the rest of your life so we strongly recommend that you take this decision seriously. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are standing by to provide a free legal consultation – just call us at (909) 920-0908.

What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA

What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA

If you are in need of a family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA you may not know what you are looking for. You know you want the best possible outcome for your case but how can you find the attorney who is most likely to get that for you? Keep reading to learn what to look for and then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to request a free consultation with an attorney.

Choose a Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA Who Has Experience

First and foremost, you need a family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA who has experience. Can you hire an attorney right out of law school? You certainly can but you are unlikely to have the best experience. Everyone must learn sometime and somewhere but don’t let it be at the expense of your case.

When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you are choosing an attorney that has more than 20 years of experience. In those decades, you can count on Attorney Howell having learned how to provide the best possible representation to his clients.

Work with a Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA Who Can Help with a Wide Variety of Needs

There are attorneys who specialize in one particular type of family law but it is best to work with someone who can help with a wide range of needs. For example, you may call us because you need to begin the process of filing for divorce. You and your spouse may have discussed the process and agreed on who you will split property, custody, and other aspects of your divorce.

What happens when, during the course of the divorce process, your spouse finds out something that you don’t want them to know? Or they otherwise decide they feel differently about your relationship? If they decide to play hardball, you need an attorney who is well versed in how to respond.

Call a Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA Who Offers a Free Legal Consultation

Finally, choose an attorney who offers a free consultation. This gives you the chance to ensure that you like the person you choose, to find out what your options are, and to better understand what you are facing. Do not choose an attorney who requires payment for this initial evaluation.

At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are proud to offer everything you see listed above and much more. Now is the time to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Whether you are ready to file for divorce tomorrow, you are just beginning to assess your options, or you need help with a custody or divorce modification, call us now at (909) 920-0908.

Get Answers to Common Questions About Changing Business Ownership

Get Answers to Common Questions About Changing Business Ownership

If you are buying or selling a company then it is likely you have many questions. The good news is that you have a legal expert here to help you. All you have to do is call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to request a free legal consultation. In the meantime, get general answers to some of the most commonly asked question about this process.

Is it Necessary to Hire an Attorney?

You certainly are not required by law to do so but at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we strongly recommend that you do. There are dozens of tasks that must be completed before the closing date. There will be legal documents, negotiations, and many legal needs. If you are unsure if you really need an attorney, just look at documents involving change of business ownership or structure. You will quickly see that it is worth it to have a professional work on your behalf.

What Will Happen to My Business After it is Dissolved?

That depends on what you want. If you are retiring or otherwise ending the business, then you will have to notify your state business division. This requires a legal dissolution. If you are turning the company over to another person or entity, then you must change the business structure to reflect that. You will need the approval and resolutions of your corporate board of directors. We can help you with all this and more.

What Documents Are Required for Business Transfer?

In large part, it depends on what is involved. In most cases, a change of business ownership involves one business ending and another beginning. In that case, you will need many of the same business documents you would need to start a business. This includes an Employer ID Number (EIN) and potentially a new state EIN. Old business documents, such as LLCs, corporation, partnership, etc., documents must be dissolved and new business entity documents must be filed.

We Can Help with Name Changes, Banking Changes, and More

No matter what your specific needs are, if your business name needs to be changed, banking changes need to be implemented, and other steps need to be taken to transfer your company to the hands of another, then you need qualified legal representation.

Note that you should have a different attorney than the person you are buying or selling your company to or from. You need an attorney who is 100% on your side and entirely unbiased. You can count on that and much more from Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. Call us now at (909) 920-0908 for a free legal consultation.

If You Are Being Harassed Then it is Worth Talking to a Domestic Violence Attorney

If You Are Being Harassed Then it is Worth Talking to a Domestic Violence Attorney

You do not have to accept harassment. You can fight back with the help of a domestic violence lawyer. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we will work tirelessly to ensure that you can move forward with your life without feeling frightened, powerless, and helpless. Read on to discover the legal options to respond to harassment, and then call us at (909) 920-0908 to learn more.

The Definition of and Examples of Harassment

For many victims of domestic violence, harassment can be one of the hardest forms of abuse to live with because it is not always identified as such. However, it can leave a victim feeling terrorized and powerless. Harassment can become domestic violence if it involves an intimate partner and includes stalking (this includes cyberstalking), making threats, or sending emails, texts, etc., that are harassing.

There Are Three Main Ways a Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help

If you are dealing with unwanted and harassing attention of a family member or intimate partner, then we strongly recommend you contact an attorney sooner rather than later. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell there are three main ways we can help:

  1. We can have an emergency protective order put into place. This is a type of restraining order that, as the name implies, is used in an emergency situation. It provides five days of almost automatic protection against anyone who is stalking or otherwise harassing you. The five days it lasts is intended to give you the time to have a more permanent restraining order put in place.
  2. We can work to have a domestic violence restraining order put into place. This is a specific type of restraining order that applies to a person who has been harassed by their spouse, domestic partner, live-in romantic partner, ex, dating partner, and certain other people. We can work to have a temporary restraining ordered for up to 21 days. Later, we can work to convince the judge to extend it to a “permanent” order that will be in place for up to three years.
  3. We can work to have a civil harassment restraining order put into place. If you are being abused by someone who does not qualify as a domestic violence abuser, then you can request a civil harassment restraining order. We can help you understand the difference and which is more applicable to your situation.

Call Us Today to Learn More About Your Options

There is no reason to wait – contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today at (909) 920-0908. We are happy to provide a free, confidential consultation during which we can consider all the facts and offer our best legal advice. You are not in this alone – we are here to help. call us now at (909) 920-0908 and let us get started.

Is it Time to Call a Business Litigation Attorney? 5 Reasons it May Be

Is it Time to Call a Business Litigation Attorney? 5 Reasons it May Be

It is common for a business owner to not be clear on when they need to contact a business litigation attorney. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we understand this difficulty, which is why we provide a free legal consultation. All you have to do is contact us at (909) 920-0908 and we can give you honest advice about whether or not you need legal help. in the meantime, read on to find out five signs that it is time to contact an attorney.

1. A Business Litigation Attorney Can Help You by Protecting Your Business Interests

The top priority for most business owners is to protect their assets. This is one of the most important ways a business litigation attorney can help you. We can provide both continuous counsel on ongoing issues, as well as on-demand counsel when needed. We will take the time to understand your business and how we can best help you. Whether it involves contract disputes, legal disputes, or something simpler, we are here to help.

2. Get Access to Large-Scale Legal Options

You may have experts in the office who can handle certain aspects of your legal needs, but only a business attorney is going to know the ins and outs of everything you need assistance with. When you chose to work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you get access our experience and our legal knowledge.

3. You Have Better Things to Focus On

If you are finding that you spend more than ten minutes per day on business legal issues then it is time to contact a business litigation attorney. The fact of the matter is that your time can be better spent growing your business. We can’t help you earn new clients or drum up repeat business, but we can help increase the amount of time you have to do so.

4. Find Out if Business Litigation is Truly Your Best Option

If you are on the fence about how to proceed, then it may be worth it to contact an attorney. In many cases, litigation can be the best option. In others, it is not the most cost-effective choice, even when you have a strong case. When you work with an attorney, we can walk you through every step so you know what your options are.

5. Make Sure Your Company is Properly Incorporated

Whether you have already been through the process, but are not 100% sure that all issues were handled correctly, or you have not yet begun it, it is important that your business incorporation is done correctly. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we will walk you through the process. We will discuss the various options and the pros and cons of each.

To find out for sure if it is time to talk to an attorney, we recommend simply getting a free legal consultation. When you contact us at (909) 920-0908, we will take a close look at your case to find the best way forward.

Ask a California Attorney: Can I Request Alimony During a Legal Separation?

Ask a California Attorney: Can I Request Alimony During a Legal Separation?

If you and your spouse get a legal separation, there will be many of the benefits of a divorce. This legal separation does create a legal independence but it does not grant all the rights of divorce. Many people considering a legal separation wonder if they will be required to pay, or will be eligible to receive, alimony. Read on to get an answer to this question and then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to find out how we can help.

Alimony is Often Available During a Legal Separation

The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earing spouse get on their feet and have their own financial freedom. The idea is that no one should have to stay in an unhappy marriage simply because they do not believe they can survive financially without it. These issues are also possible with legal separations. As a result, alimony is often available during a legal separation in California.

Ideally, Alimony is Ordered When it Is Needed

In a perfect world, alimony is ordered when it is needed. When a couple gets divorced and splits their finances, one may not be able to work due to health issues, caring for children, or not having marketable skills. In this case, the court may award alimony. This could temporary alimony, permanent alimony, or a one-time payment – it all depends on the couple and the judge.

When a couple gets legally separated, they will still be likely dividing their finances in the same way. While they may not be to the point of splitting up all assets (such as their home) they will likely be dividing their savings account, investments, assets, etc. It is generally the end of their sharing income. If one of the spouse has a job and the other doesn’t, then alimony may be necessary.

A Number of Factors Will Affect How Much Spousal Support is Ordered

If alimony is ordered, the next question is how much is ordered. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement, then you can decide this on your own. If not, then a judge will determine. They will consider a long list of factors including the income of both spouses, the standard of living they were used to, both parties job skills and training, any health issues or disabilities that can affect either’s ability to work, how long the marriage lasted, and the age and health of both spouses.

Once the judge has made their determination, it may stand until the divorce is finalized. At that point, the amount can be adjusted. If you are in need of alimony for your legal separation, or you want to ensure that you are not paying an unfair amount of alimony during your legal separation, contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 for a free legal consultation.

California Prenuptial Agreements: Learn What’s Allowed and What Isn’t

CaCalifornia Prenuptial Agreements: Learn What’s Allowed and What Isn’tlifornia Prenuptial Agreements: Learn What’s Allowed and What Isn’t

Any person who gets married in California and has large assets, business interests, investments, or other wealth, is wise to think about whether or not a prenuptial agreement is the right choice for them. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we can go over your assets to determine the right way forward. Call us at (909) 920-0908 to get started, but in the meantime keep reading to discover some things that can and cannot be included in California prenuptial agreements.

What Is Not Allowed in a California Prenuptial Agreement

It is easier to look at the items that cannot be included in a prenuptial agreement because there are fewer of them. In most cases, you can add just about anything you want to a prenuptial agreement – unless the state as specifically barred it. We will cover some of the things the state of California has barred from prenuptial agreements below.

Prenuptial Agreements Cannot Include Public Policy Violations

The court will look at public policy when deciding what limitations should be put on any contract or agreement, including a prenuptial agreement. The court wants people to be free to make decisions for their own benefit, but believes that there should be some interests protected. For example, any term that involved violence, forced sexual behavior, or another type of harm would not be allowed in a prenuptial agreement.

Unconscionable Agreements Are Not Valid

A California court will not enforce an agreement that is considered to be entirely unfair. For example, if the terms are entirely one-sided to the point that the court does not believe someone would have signed it understanding what it said, then they will not enforce it. The court often refers to these as traps and the yare unenforceable.

Child Custody and Child Support Cannot Be Included

When it comes to children, the courts find that their well being is more important than anything else. As a result, they will not uphold information in prenuptial agreements about who gets the children or how much child support will be paid. They make these decisions based on the current factors at the time of divorce – not an agreement that could have been made years yearly when the situation was significantly different.

We Are Standing by to Create an Enforceable Prenuptial Agreement

If you and your spouse add conditions to your prenuptial agreement that are not legally enforceable, a judge could hold that the entire agreement is unenforceable. You do not want to go through the stress, waste the time, or spend the money to make a prenuptial agreement that is not even enforceable.

To learn more about your options, contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908. We are happy to go over your needs and find the prenuptial agreement that works for you.

Three Reasons Couples Choose a Post-nuptial Agreement Instead of a Pre-nuptial Agreement

Three Reasons Couples Choose a Post-nuptial Agreement Instead of a Pre-nuptial Agreement

When one or both people getting married have large assets, they may choose to work with a family law attorney to get a pre-nuptial agreement. However, in some cases they may choose a post-nuptial agreement instead. Read on to learn three reasons they may choose this. If you are considering either option, contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 for a case evaluation.

1. Couples Find a Prenuptial Agreement to Be Unfair and / or Uncomfortable

One of the top reasons that a couple will elect to skip a prenuptial agreement is because it makes them feel uncomfortable or they think it is unfair. The truth is that these agreements can indeed have a negative reputation. It is not unreasonable for a couple to find it distasteful, as it seems like an ultimatum. In some cases, the couples decide to commit to each other first and then sort out the legal aspect.

2. There Was Not Reason to Do So Before the Wedding

In some cases, neither member of the marriage may have been well off before the marriage, or both may have been on equal financial footing. If someone makes a lot more money after the wedding, if one of them starts a business, or if there are other significant changes to their economic lives, then a postnuptial may be signed. It may also be that the couple simply learned the other’s economic habits and feels that they need a postnuptial agreement to protect them.

3. A Postnuptial Can Be Used to Cancel out a Prenuptial Agreement

When a prenuptial agreement is signed but the situation changes, the couple may need to modify said agreement. This may be done via a modification to said prenuptial agreement, or a postnuptial agreement may be drawn up. In the event of the latter, the prenuptial agreement is then null and void.

Is a Prenuptial Agreement the Right Choice for You?

If you are about to get married, it is worth at least considering filing a prenuptial agreement. It will not only work to protect your assets, it will make the process much simpler if you do not end up spending the rest of your lives together.

In the event that you have already married and have started to realize that you should have had a prenuptial agreement drawn up, or you did have it drawn up but need to change it, a postnuptial agreement may be the best choice. Call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 now for a free legal consultation and to learn more about your options.

Divorcing During Pregnancy Can Bring Unique Hurdles and Challenges

Divorcing During Pregnancy Can Bring Unique Hurdles and Challenges

Divorce is always a difficult time. For many people, pregnancy is a time of uncertainty too. When pregnancy and divorce occur at the same time, it can be a truly complicated situation. Keep reading to find out about some of the unique hurdles you may not have thought of. Then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to request a free consultation with a divorce attorney.

Paternity is the Biggest Issue

For most people divorcing while a woman is pregnant, paternity is the biggest issue. While they can file for divorce during pregnancy, they cannot finalize it until the baby is born and all paternity questions can be answered. If the couple was married when the baby was conceived, then the husband is the legal father. However, if said husband believes that someone else may be the father, then a paternity test may be required after the child is born.

Situations in Which the Husband is the Father

If both parents feel confident that the husband is the father and paternity is not an issue, there are still many child-related factors to consider and resolve. This includes child custody, medical support, the costs of labor and delivery, child support, the cost of daycare – the list goes on and on. These issues can all be addressed and decided on before the child is born.

Situations in Which the Husband is Not the Father

On the other hand, if the child’s biological father is someone other than the women’s husband, it can be a complicated issue. If the biological father has died, cannot be found, does not want to raise the child, etc., then the women’s husband can raise the child after the divorce. This is because he is legally the father if the baby was consummated while the couple was married.

That said, the biological father can request a paternity test anytime within two years of the birth of the child. If it is determined that he is the father, the may not be entitled to custody. However, he would be entitled to visitation. He may also be responsible for paying child support.

Further Complications in Determining Paternity

The above examples all relate to straight marriages but when there is a same-sex marriage, it can be even more complicated to determine who the legal parents are – in that situation it generally comes down to a person’s intent to become a parent. It can be complicated if the mother wants DNA testing to prove paternity but two years has passed.

The bottom line is that these laws are complicated and it is best to work with an experienced paternity attorney if you have questions or are dealing with this situation. You can contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 for a free legal consultation.

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My ex-wife hired an attorney which prompted me to do so for our divorce. Torrence Howell was highly recommended from a friend of mine who used Torrence’s services for a divorce just like mine. The results came out much better than he ever thought it would. With all things being equal I felt Torrence would

-Anonymous May 23, 2018

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