Dispute Resolution Options

We are pleased with our high level of client satisfaction in using effective negotiation skills and techniques in family law disputes either through private or court-ordered settlement process or through the collaborative divorce model. When irreconcilable differences will have an impact on the family, we provide a clear direction for resolution by using effective legal remedies to resolve disputes. Thus, when litigation is the only viable alternative we focus on providing advice and representation in the following areas of the law:

• Child Custody Disputes (both national and international)
  One of the hallmarks of the Ruben Law Firm is our significant experience in child custody matters, including interstate child custody disputes and contested child custody trials. We also have had significant experience and success resolving international child custody disputes. We are licensed to practice law in both California and Illinois and act as special counsel in other jurisdictions.
• Cohabitation
  We pride ourselves in our ability to create cohabitation agreements that take into the account the interests of both parties (and their families), and that are enforceable.
• High Asset Property Issues-Property Characterization and Distribution
  We also pride ourselves in our track record of successfully resolving high asset property issues, focusing on both property characterization and distribution matters. The property division issues we help resolve includes residential real property, bank accounts, stocks, vehicles, business interests, and pension benefits, with an additional focus on tracing community and separate property. We are able to untangle the most complex issues and create a clear roadmap and creative solutions for resolution.
• Spousal and Child Support Agreements or Litigation
  We have also had significant success in securing significant spousal support awards for marriages of significant duration. We also have a significant experience in negotiating and/or litigating child support agreements that are in the best interest of the children and result in high client satisfaction.
• Collaborative Law
  We are experienced and known for our ability to create collaborative agreements that respects the relationships of both parties. We are proud of our association with the San Francisco Collaborative Divorce group and an ongoing commitment to resolving legal disputes with respect and dignity in the best interests of preserving family harmony.
• Domestic Violence
  We have had significant experience creating legal agreements that protect parties against domestic violence.
• Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements
  We are known for our ability to draft enforceable agreements that are thorough and take into account the interests of all parties.
• Family Arbitration and Mediation
  We have a strong track record in resolving family law cases through a non-adversarial means.
• Family Business Law
  We are proud of our strong reputation for capably solving complex business issues that arise in the context of family law disputes.
• Marital Settlement Agreements
  A marital settlement agreement is the document that terminates marital property interests. The Family Code of California views the marriage as a partnership and contains a “partnership law” pertaining to married couples. A marital settlement agreement represents an integration of the Family Code into the personal and business affairs of the divorcing parties. The document represents the conclusion of the financial affairs of the marital partners.

At the Ruben Law Firm we understand that the agreement must be thorough and tailored to meet the personal goals and needs of each client. Certain formalities must be observed and the language of the agreement must reflect not only the decisions made by the parties, but also the circumstances surrounding those decisions. The agreement must facilitate closure between the parties and is prepared with care to withstand “attack” after it is executed.

Of course, when the parties have children, those important and ongoing interactions must be defined and clarified by the terms of the agreement so that any disputes about the children are minimized. Our goal has always been to draft an effective agreement that is understandable to the parties and that leaves them both feeling protected and that the dissolution of their marriage is complete.