Accomplished Attorney Counsels Californians in Family Law Matters

Proven San Diego firm backs clients in high-conflict matrimonial cases

Family legal concerns require the guidance of an experienced attorney who is not only skilled in seeking the results you want but also sensitive to the long-term consequences of taking action.  How you handle a divorce, custody proceeding or child support matter now will have an impact on you and your family for years to come. At Leigh K. Galyon, APC in San Diego, we have represented Southern Californians in these types of cases for decades, with a focus on highly contested domestic litigation. In every case, we give clients the information and advocacy they need to make smart choices and establish a strong foundation for the future.

Skillful lawyer delivers strong counsel for divorcing spouses

Throughout your divorce, our firm stands by you in whatever forum works best. Whether your marital dissolution is resolved in court, during mediation or through skillful negotiation, the first step is making sure that you understand key legal issues such as:

• Filing — California is a no-fault divorce state, so marriages are ended based on the fact that irreconcilable differences exist between the parties. Two types of filings are available. For a dissolution of marriage petition, one of the parties must have lived in the state for at least six months and for three months in the county of filing. No residency requirement exists for a legal separation filing, which can be adjusted to a dissolution once the necessary amount of time passes.
• Community property — The property accumulated during a marriage is to be divided equally in a California divorce. Any assets acquired during the course of the union are assumed to be community property. However, gifts or inheritances received by one spouse might be removed from the equation as separate property, along with assets that were developed prior to the marriage. If you and your spouse differ on the value of certain assets or whether a particular item should be classified as marital property, our firm will help you determine the best way to proceed.
• Spousal support — Several factors are used when a court is presented with a request for spousal support, also referred to as alimony. The marital standard of living is a significant factor. If spousal support is a concern in your divorce, we can go over the key facts and advocate for an appropriate result.

Don’t go into the divorce process without comprehensive support from a qualified family lawyer. Even under the most trying circumstances, our firm fights to safeguard your rights.

Experienced adviser guides clients on the characterization and division of marital assets

California’s community property rule might seem simple, but even when couples aren’t enormously wealthy, serious conflicts can arise. Pinpointing a value for assets such as stock options, business shares and retirement accounts can be tricky during the asset allocation process. By working with many clients who have these issues, our firm has become very proficient in handling issues and disputes pertaining to the characterization and division of marital assets. When necessary, we bring in knowledgeable professionals to help ensure accuracy.

Caring advocate works to establish appropriate child custody terms

Even when bitter disagreements exist over other aspects of your marital dissolution, our firm works diligently to reach consensus on custody terms. Our personalized approach to each case allows us to develop a detailed plan that promotes a child’s physical and emotional well-being. If conflicts exist over legal authority, physical custody or a visitation schedule, attorney Leigh Galyon can find creative solutions. We also advise on relocation matters, grandparent visitation and modification of current orders.

Thorough family litigator handles all types of child support actions

Regardless of where a child lives, both parents are legally required to help meet the young person’s financial needs. Our firm will outline the factors that go into child support rate calculations under California law and find out if assets are being improperly concealed. Whether you’re a paying or recipient parent, we’ll press for appropriate treatment and handle any modification or enforcement actions that might arise.

Knowledgeable counselor creates fair prenuptial agreements

When you marry the person you love, it’s not likely that you’re thinking about potential problems that might lead to divorce. We expect the unexpected and use that knowledge to draft fair prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. These documents are created through open, positive communication and are designed to protect both spouses’ interests. Should your marriage end, each spouse will benefit because they took steps to minimize stress, uncertainty and expense.

Contact a dedicated Southern California family law attorney to make an appointment

Leigh K. Galyon, APC advises Southern Californians on a full range of family law issues, including divorces, custody disputes and prenuptial agreements. Call us at 619-684-9209 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our office is located on Broadway in downtown San Diego.