When a divorce is finalized by a judge, the legal separation of the couple becomes final, but if there are any children involved, the situation is a lot more fluid, and decisions are never really final. This is because as the child grows up, his or her needs, desires, and circumstances are always in flux, so child custody arrangements and visitation decisions naturally need to be adjusted periodically as well.

How often to modify

Many parents choose to modify their child’s custody arrangements every 2-3 years because of various circumstances, including living situations, remarriages, the child’s wishes, and financial considerations.

What’s involved in the process

If both parents agree on the changes made to either the child custody arrangements or visitation rights, the process is relatively simple. The parents, with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell’s assistance, officially petition the court where their custody and visitation agreements were first made to request a hearing to modify those arrangements. The essential pieces of this petition agreement is an explanation of how the child’s circumstances have changed since the original decisions were made, and a persuasive explanation of why this change is in the child’s best interests. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will craft the language of this agreement to be as persuasive and detailed as possible to ensure the judge decides in your favor.

If the parents don’t agree, one parent can petition the court for a modification, but almost always, a change can’t be made unless both parents agree, so the court will send them to a mediator. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell has successfully mediated between parents about custody and visitation agreements so changes can be made, and you can count on him to be fair, honest, and respectful throughout the mediation process so you can reach an effective agreement.

If you absolutely cannot reach an agreement, you may choose to go before a judge so he or she can decide, but that’s not recommended. Only the parents truly know what’s best for their child, and even if you have disagreements, it’s better to make decisions for your child’s well-being together. While a judge may have the best intentions and desire to hand down an equitable ruling that will help the child grow up to be happy, safe, and well-adjusted, a judge is, ultimately, a stranger. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell can help couples navigate through the challenging waters of child custody and visitation and agreements, doing everything in his power to reach an agreement.

After agreements are reached, the judge will sign a court order detailing the new child custody and visitation agreement, which will then be implemented immediately.

So many clients of Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell have successfully modified child custody arrangements because of Attorney Howell’s expertise, attention to detail, and compassion towards blended families and divorced former couples.

If you’re thinking about modifying your child or children’s custody arrangements there are some important considerations to be aware of. This is an overview of important information, but for specific counsel according to your particular situation, schedule a free initial consultation with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell by calling (909) 920-0908, emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or send his office staff a message by clicking “Contact Us” in the menu above.

Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell is the best divorce lawyer in Upland, CA for so many reasons. Here’s a brief outline of the most essential ones.

Specialties

Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell specializes in family and business law, so especially if you’re a business owner who is going through a divorce, it’s essential that you have a lawyer on your side who will advise and represent you during a divorce. Random run-of-the-mill lawyers don’t know about the nuances of both family and business law, but you can count on Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to guide you wisely through the challenges of a divorce. He has focused on these two key areas—family and business law—for his entire career, which has already spanned multiple decades.

Mediation

If your divorce process isn’t going smoothly, you’re not alone. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell also offers mediation services to help divorcing couples reach agreements on key issues such as child custody and support, alimony, property division, and more. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell recommends that whenever possible, parties should do all they can to reach an agreement on these issues outside of the court system. Judges always strive to use their best judgment when it comes to these decisions, but only you know what’s best for your family, so it’s better if you can decide, not a judge who’s basically a stranger. But no matter what happens in your divorce proceedings, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will represent your best interests every step of the way—during mediation, court proceedings, and everywhere in-between.

Representation in Court

During his double decade legal career, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell has successfully represented many people in the court system. He takes care of filling out all necessary court documents and ensures they are submitted properly and on-time to avoid negatively impacting your case. Getting a divorce is incredibly difficult task for many people—emotionally, psychologically, financially, etc.—and he always treats his valued clients with respect and compassion. In court, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will meticulously represent your best interests with passion, tenacity, and drive. Your odds of a favorable outcome are monumentally increased with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell as your lawyer in Upland, CA.

Whether you’re going through a child custody, child support, alimony, property division, or any other dispute in court, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will craft the most sound legal strategy possible to achieve the ideal outcome. He currently practices in the courts of San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

Your case will be a top priority

When you call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to set up a complimentary initial consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to explain the details of your case and ask Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell any questions you may have. He’ll be glad to give you specific legal advice at that time—absolutely free!

Don’t wait another minute—call the best divorce lawyer in Upland, CA—Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908

Divorce can be an extremely difficult process: anger, resentment, sadness, frustration, and sometimes even loneliness can sometimes feel overwhelming… and that’s just the emotional side.

There’s also the financial side that must be dealt with. Perhaps your spouse controlled all your household money, clearing it out when you announced you’re seeking a divorce. Perhaps your spouse was abusive, so you left home with nothing, not even your debit card or a few dollars. Or perhaps you and your spouse struggled financially for many years, which is one of the main reasons you’re ready to be divorced.

Whatever your financial situation, it is possible to still get divorced right away. It’s a little more complicated than the traditional route, but it can be done.

Come speak with expert divorce lawyer Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell for a free consultation about your particular situation. He’ll offer superb legal advice that you can count on to get you through this difficult phase of your life successfully. Read on to find about how to deal with the financial toll of divorce.

While there are attorney and court fees that factor into divorce proceedings, there are ways to reduce (and sometimes even eliminate) costs for those who are in a financially challenging spot.

• Temporary alimony — During the initial separation of spouses, attorney Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell can secure a temporary alimony order to get you the money you need to survive during divorce proceedings. Then he can proceed to secure permanent alimony terms in your divorce settlement.

• Payment plan — In some cases, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell is able to offer people the option to pay their attorney fees according to a pre-established installment payment plan. Stop by during business hours 8am to 5pm anytime or set up a special evening or weekend appointment to discuss your case and see what can be done to get you expert legal advice and representation from Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.

• Apply to have court fees waived. In divorce proceedings, court fees can often add up to a pretty large amount. If you’re going through financial hardship, you can apply to have them waived for that reason. You’ll have to include explanations and include documents that indicate your financial status. Alternatively, you can ask the court to require your spouse to pay the fees.

A word of advice and caution: when you’re in financial straits, it can be tempting to just get an online divorce. Filling out divorce papers on your own is a real gamble because there are legal nuances and repercussions that could seriously affect your situation. Any paperwork you file has incredible weight because it’s legally binding for both you and your former spouse.

To be sure your interests and wellbeing are completely protected, it’s best to hire an experienced divorce lawyer who will fight to secure the best possible outcome from your divorce—Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.

Call (909) 920-0908 to set up an initial consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

Getting a divorce can be an incredibly complicated matter. There are so many issues that need to be worked out, especially if there are any children involved—private and business property division, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and more. Make sure you do your research about the major issues in a divorce and speak with a qualified attorney like Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.

Once the dust of child custody and visitations discussion settles, many parents turn to the issue of child support. If one of you is going to have sole custody of the child, or if you’ll be going with partial custody, it’s essential that you work out who will be responsible for paying child support before the divorce terms are finalized.

Then you’ll have to agree on what amount is most reasonable and beneficial to maintain the wellbeing of the child. In the eyes of the court, the #1 most important task is making sure the child has what she or he needs to thrive.

No matter how involved you plan on being in your child’s life, it’s your responsibility as their mother or father to provide for them financially. If you and your ex-spouse cannot reach an agreement on the child support terms for your divorce, you may petition the court to decide for you. This path is not recommended because only you and your ex-spouse can truly know what’s best for your child, though the judge will do everything in his or her power to determine the ideal outcome for the child’s optimal wellbeing.

The amount of child support that will need to be paid is determined by various factors, including:

• Time each parent has custody of the child
• Gross income of each parent
• Tax filing status of each parent
• Child care costs
• Other mandatory expenses

IMPORTANT NOTE: The court may adjust the recommended Guideline Calculation of the child support payment according to the specifics of each case, so it’s essential that you have a qualified, knowledgeable divorce lawyer to represent you.

Instead of letting the court determine the outcome of your child support payment disagreement, try as hard as you can to reach an agreement with your ex-spouse via mediation. Here at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we have successfully mediated between many couples about all the issues considered during a divorce, including child support. Schedule an initial consultation today by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. We’ll set up a time that’s convenient for both parties to meet and start working towards an equitable solution.

If you or your ex are business owners, working with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell is an especially smart choice because we specialize in both business and family law. There are unique issues that arise in the event of a divorce when a business is involved – including fairly dividing business assets while making sure the company can stay intact. All of the nuances of business and family law are carefully taken into consideration when you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.

Call (909) 920-0908 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation today.

California law acknowledges that the bond between grandparents and grandchildren can be very special, and that both parties often benefit from interacting regularly.

Grandparents can teach youngsters about manners and customs, play sports with them, and pass along lessons from previous generations. Grandchildren can inspire their elders to be more active, have a lighter sense of humor, and give them lots of hugs that perhaps they wouldn’t receive otherwise.

If you’re a grandparent that would like to legally gain visitation rights to see your grandchild (or grandchildren), there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Try to Talk it Out

If at all possible, it’s always a good idea to try to resolve disputes between parents and grandparents outside of the court system. It’s a much less costly approach and it often leads to more family harmony, as opposed to taking family members to court. Even if you aren’t able to work things out on your own, and decide to bring your case to court, judges often send require those who are involved in family law cases to attend mediation anyhow.

At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, we can offer you sound legal counsel and compassionately and effectively mediate between parties to resolve any grandparent visitation rights disagreements. Just call (909) 920-0908 to set up a free initial consultation about your particular situation.

But if you’ve tried and failed to work things out on your own, applying to the California court system may be your best option. Knowing what the law allows is an important first step in what may be a lengthy process.

First and foremost, in the majority of situations, grandparents may not petition the California court system for visitation rights if both parents of the child are legally married.

There are notable exceptions to this rule, though, such as:

• The parents aren’t living together
• For at least a month, one parent’s whereabouts are unknown.
• One parent joins the grandparent’s petition for visitation
• The child doesn’t live with either of his or her parents
• The grandchild has been adopted by a stepparent

To grant reasonable visitation privileges to a grandparent, the court must find that:

• The grandparent and grandchild have a preexisting relationship that is being endangered, so preserving that bold by having visitation is in the best interests of the grandchild.
• The court must strike a balance between acknowledging that grandparent visitation is in the best interests of the child and the parent’s authority to make decisions for their child.

This link contains the California law applicable to grandparents’ rights. Feel free to review it on your own and come talk about your situation at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. Our top-notch attorney has dealt with many grandparents’ rights cases in his [year] year career, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive impeccable legal advice and representation in court.

For grandparent visitation privileges, and any other family or business law case, just call (909) 920-0908 to set up a free initial consultation with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.

Former LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling just can’t stay out of the spotlight. Have you heard the latest news?

Sterling’s wife just got her revenge in court against his alleged mistress, V. Stiviano, who was ordered to pay the Sterlings back for the whopping $2.6 million in cash, gifts, and real estate Donald secretly gave her in the course of their relationship.

What’s your take on the judge’s verdict? Do you think V. Stivano and her counsel will be successful in their appeal?

Check out the story posted by B. Melley of AP to get the full scoop!

The story: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_STERLING_STIVIANO_SUIT

When getting a divorce, there are so many financial factors to consider. From alimony, child support, property rights, and so many other hot button issues that need to be addressed in divorce terms, sometimes retirement benefits don’t seem like such a big deal—but they are. Successfully dividing retirement funds between parties is essential to ensure a fair division of assets, especially because many people have 401Ks and other retirement funds that are worth many thousands of dollars.

Experience the Torrence L. Howell Difference

At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell you can count on us to have your back through every step of your divorce. Since our specialties are family and business law, you can trust that we will take care of every financial detail of your divorce terms so you can get divorced as efficiently as possible and move on, hopefully to a more pleasant phase of your life.

Talk it Out

It’s essential that you talk to your retirement plan providers because many plans have strict policies about what needs to be done in the event of a divorce. Many retirement plan companies dictate whether the funds will need to be paid right away when a divorce occurs, or when the owner reaches a certain age, often 65. Some divide by shares, and others by percentage. Knowing what is required is the first step so you and your former spouse can make decisions about what to do with the retirement plan(s), if you have any options available.

Six and half a dozen

Dividing marital assets equally, including retirement benefits, is important to be able to reach an agreement on divorce terms. Many ex-spouses find it convenient to let one spouse retain his/her retirement fund, while the other spouse takes something of equal value. This option can be a bit tricky, though, because taxes, appreciation and depreciation, fees, and other variables can make it tough to figure out what would have the same value as the retirement account.

Split and Sit

Splitting your retirement account evenly is another option, but it also has some drawbacks. You’ll have to fill out a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) that must conform to your retirement plan’s requirements in order to be accepted. If it’s rejected, finalization of your divorce may be delayed for months, weeks, or even year, as well as incurring additional fees. This QDRO must stipulate that you’ll continue to pay into the retirement account and manage its investment choices, while the former spouse will make investment choices for his/her portion of the account without contributing to it.

Liquid Gold

You could also liquidate the portion of the retirement funds and give your former spouse the amount of money that pertains to him/her in a lump sum. There are some legal requirements that will need to be met to make this an option, and there are some tough tax consequences, so financially this option might not make sense for most people. But perhaps it makes sense emotionally in the sense that former spouses will be able to make a completely clean break and move on in terms of their finances.

Roll it On Over

If you’ve left the company the retirement plan is tied or you’re older than age 59.5, you may be able to roll the portion of funds awarded to your ex-spouse into an IRA. With this option, you won’t incur any penalties or tax liability from rolling over funds, and your ex can choose from a greater variety of investment choices.

Let Us Help

At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, we’ll walk you through all financial considerations during your divorce, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to walk away with a fair deal. Call (909) 920-0908 or email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to start discussing your particular situation today.

If you feel you are in danger, the #1 first thing you need to do is call the police immediately. The police will make a detailed report of your injuries and other issues, and then set up an Emergency Protective Order, which will last 5 days. During those 5 days it’s essential that you contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to secure a permanent restraining order against the perpetrator. For your protection and continued safety, call right away after talking to the police. Your first consultation is free, and you’ll get the legal advice you need to legally separate yourself from this person immediately. Rest assured that you will be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. You can count on complete confidentiality at our office as well.

When your safety is at stake, no matter what the situation, make sure you act to protect yourself immediately. All the legal details can be worked out later—just focus on taking care of your physical wellbeing first.

Questions?

You probably have a lot of questions about what needs to happen to get a legal separation or divorce. Here are a few common questions and answers. Make sure you schedule a free initial consultation by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to discuss the specifics of your particular case.

How Does California Define Domestic Violence?

Whether the person who is abusing you is your spouse, former spouse, co-parent, dating partner, or close relative, California law strictly protects victims. Some forms of abuse that may be prosecuted according to California laws are:

• Physical abuse (kicking, punching, burning, biting, choking, hair pulling, force alcohol or drug use, and denying medical care may all be considered physical abuse)

• Threats of violence (don’t wait for an individual to act out his or her threats—if you feel your safety is legitimately in danger, get help right away)

• Harassment (including stalking both in-person and online, making threats, and sending harassing phone, text, or email messages)

• Mental abuse (this is defined as anything that makes you feel powerless, worthless, intimidated, etc. such as name-calling, mind games, force isolation from friends and family, and constant criticism)

• Sexual abuse (including marital rape, forcing sex after physical violence, treating the victim in a sexually demeaning manner, and forcing any other kind of sexual activity without consent)

• Child abuse (including deliberate physical harm, sexual abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, threats including violence and kidnapping)

• Spousal abuse (including physical violence, rape, withholding reproductive control, withholding money or employment to force the victim to depend on the perpetrator, emotional abuse, and threats)

• Other forms of abuse

Not Sure it’s Domestic Abuse?

Lots of victims aren’t sure about what’s going on until conditions are especially dangerous. If you’re at all unsure about your situation and whether the perpetrator’s actions qualify as domestic abuse come speak with expert domestic violence attorney Torrence L. Howell for a free, confidential consultation. We take our clients’ privacy and safety tremendously seriously, especially in the event of a domestic violence situation, so you can confide in us without any concern. Call now for a free case evaluation and to get the protection you need: (909) 920-0908.

Within the last 10–20 years, there as been an influx of services that are provided online. Just about everyone loves how within a few clicks you can buy a cell phone, computer, clothing—pretty much anything under the sun. You can hire a babysitter, coordinate all the details for an overseas trip, talk to a distant cousin in seconds, and so much more. The added convenience is wonderful, but there are some disadvantages of doing everything online. Working with a lawyer is definitely one of those times when it’s best to close the computer, make an appointment, and step into his or her office in-person.

Trust

Since internet use became widespread in the 1990s, online crime has grown exponentially. It seems like every day we hear news stories of companies’ websites being hacked into and confidential data being stolen. When you go to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you know that you’ll be speaking with an actual person who has real credentials. You’ll see Torrence L. Howell’s diplomas, awards, and other honors he’s received over the years prominently displayed. On a website, you never know who is behind the curtain, so to speak, and it’s much easier to hide shoddy credentials behind a flashy façade. Plus it’s always so reassuring to see the face of the person you’re working with and shake their hand when conducting important legal transactions.

Expertise

When you come to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you’re not just there to deal with one issue and then beat it. You’re there to develop a real, professional relationship with lawyer Torrence L. Howell and his staff. When you’re starting a business or working out divorce terms, you don’t just have to provide certain legal documents and that’s it. There are always legal issues that will need to be taken care of as businesses and families change over the years, and it will be so helpful to have a lawyer on your side who you know you can depend on. Some faceless website can’t give you that—the personalized service at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell can.

Respectful Pricing

At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, we know you work hard for your money. You don’t want a single dollar wasted, especially if you’re having legal trouble. We always indicate our fees up front so you can plan accordingly and know that you’re not being taken advantage of. In contrast, lots of legal websites will offer certain services for “free” upfront, then end up charging you through the nose later. Not cool at all. Come to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, where you will always be treated with the utmost respect and kindness.

Call (909) 920-0908, email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or click “Contact Us” above to set up a free initial consultation today.

When a divorce is finalized, its terms must be honored at all times, but there are special circumstances that allow for modifications. Contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell for a free consultation about the possibility of modifying your divorce terms. We’ll give you sound legal advice that you can count on to lead you in the right direction.

Alimony Changes

Alimony is a set amount of money one ex-spouse provides to the other after a divorce. When the circumstances of one ex-spouse or the other has changed dramatically because of job loss or significant income increases, for example, modifications are often necessary. Whether you’re the person providing or receiving alimony payments, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell can handle any alimony issues that arise and represent your interests to the utmost.

Child Support Changes

A child is a product of both parents, so even when divorce occurs, they need to be held responsible for the financial supporting him or her. As the child grows, their financial needs change, as well as the financial situations of each parent, so sometimes a modification of child support payments is in order. If the spouse paying child support has a significant decrease in income, he or she may appeal for a decrease in the amount required. If the spouse receiving child support notices that the one who is paying has increased his or her income, the receiver may request an increase in child support payment amounts. Whichever side you’re on, you can count on Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to do everything to achieve modify the child support terms set during the divorce.

Child Custody Changes

Before, during, and after a divorce, the safety and well-being of children is always a top priority. When there’s been a change in the living situation of your child or children that jeopardizes their ability to grow up in a stable, loving environment, a change in child custody may be in order. Call (909) 920-0908 right away to discuss how to modify the child custody arrangements put in place during your divorce. Don’t wait—call now.