San Diego, California Family Law and Divorce Lawyer
Anthony C. Starks, Attorney at Law
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1901 First Avenue San Diego, California 92101 USA |
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(619) 573-6162
or (866) 606-5094
(619) 234-1307
www.anthonystarkslaw.com
Contact the Firm
Law Firm Overview
At the law firm of Anthony C. Starks, our family law and divorce attorneys have been helping working families resolve sensitive legal issues for more than 25 years. Our lawyers can minimize the feelings of intimidation and complication, allowing you to work through your divorce as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. We are also certified specialists in family law as designated by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is held by an extremely small percentage of California attorneys. It requires an additional bar exam as well as a peer review and ethics review by the State Bar of California.
Attorney Anthony C. Starks began serving clients in 1981 when he opened his first law office in Chula Vista. He was in Chula Vista for 15 years before moving downtown to his San Diego divorce law firm, a few blocks from the family law courthouse. Over the years, he has represented thousands of people in all the courts of San Diego County, including Chula Vista, Vista in North County and El Cajon. He has also traveled to El Centro, Orange County and Los Angeles.
When you are considering hiring a family law attorney, you want someone who is not only compassionate, but also experienced — someone who will put your best interests front and center throughout your case. That is exactly what you will find at the San Diego divorce law firm of Anthony C. Starks. He understands the pain, anger, fear and anxiety that come with any family law issue, and he will take the time to understand what you want to happen during your divorce. Then, Attorney Starks will use your goals to craft a strategy unique to your case.
Practice Areas
Additional Practice Areas: High Net Worth Divorce; Post Marital Agreements; Division of Property; Property Settlement Agreements; Guardianship; Post-decree Modifications; Grandparents' Rights; Military Divorce
Practice Areas Description
At the San Diego, California, law firm of Anthony C. Starks, Attorney at Law, we have been helping clients with many different family law issues:- Divorce
Divorce can quickly become an adversarial process. Once you learn that a divorce is in your future, you should take immediate action to protect your finances, your children and your future interests. The sooner you begin preparing, the better protected you are likely to be. At the divorce law firm of Anthony C. Starks, Attorney at Law, we have skilled divorce attorneys that can help prevent your minor conflicts in the dissolution process from growing into money-wasting litigation. We can anticipate many of the problems that are likely to arise during the course of your dissolution. We provide outstanding legal representation at any stage of the process, from negotiation and mediation to the modification of a final decree.
- High Net Worth Divorce
In high net worth divorces, there are many factors that need to be considered. High net worth divorces are typically some of the more vigorously contested divorce cases in California. With more assets and money involved, issues like property division, spousal support and child support tend to take more time to settle. In cases like these, an experienced family law attorney is critical to protecting your interests and seeing that you receive a fair settlement. My experience in high net worth divorces gives me the ability to build an effective strategy for obtaining a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Pre-post Marital Agreements
The state of California encourages the use of premarital and postmarital agreements, and so do I. Premarital agreements and postmarital agreements, also referred to as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, can be extremely useful to have in place in the event a marriage should come to an end. They help to cut out a lot of the possible tension and conflict inherent in many divorce proceedings. In some cases, you or your spouse may feel that the agreement you signed is no longer valid. I have helped a number of clients to either uphold or annul an agreement that is being contested.
- Alimony
Alimony or spousal support can be the most strongly contested issue in a divorce. In general terms, it comes down to one spouse's need versus the other spouse's ability to pay, but there are many other factors that come into play. The criteria considered in spousal support decisions include: Length of marriage; Earning capacity of spouses; Child custody or support provisions; Age of spouses; Health of spouses. I have extensive experience with these cases and know what it takes to make a powerful argument to support your position, whether you are seeking alimony or trying to avoid paying it.
- Division of Property
Determining what should be considered marital assets can sometimes be a complex process, and the help of a skilled family law attorney can be extremely beneficial. As your divorce lawyer, I can answer any questions you have about the differences between marital and non-marital property. I consistently work toward a property settlement agreement that protects your rights, best interests and future. As a solo practitioner, I can move through many divorce matters seamlessly and expeditiously, minimizing stress for you whenever possible.
- Property Settlement Agreements
Also known as a marital settlement agreement, the property settlement agreement is a document that completely spells out the terms of your divorce, including division of marital assets, custody and support. Of particular importance in a property settlement agreement are considerations for family-owned businesses, real estate, stock options, pensions and retirement plans. I utilize an extensive network of professionals who are highly skilled in asset valuation. Working with them, I will determine as closely as possible an accurate value for all your marital assets and work to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Mediation
Mediation allows divorcing couples to sit down with an impartial third party who helps them work through every decision that needs to be made concerning the dissolution of their marriage. It is gaining in popularity as an alternative way to settle divorce disputes. At the law firm of Anthony C. Starks, Attorney at Law, our San Diego mediation attorneys offer mediation services to couples throughout San Diego County. We do not represent either person in the mediation, but we are able to provide general information as to your legal rights in a divorce. Our lawyers will be happy to explain what is involved in the mediation process and discuss next steps.
- Guardianship
If there is evidence that a person is being neglected, abused or mistreated in any way, a family member may petition the court to become that person's legal guardian. These cases tend to be complex and emotional matters. I know that the courts do not take separating a child from his or her parents lightly and that the child's parents will be fighting strenuously to keep their children at home. I will make the strongest argument possible for you to take guardianship of the child and do everything I can to see that the best interests of the child are served.
- Child Support
The burden of financially supporting your children will be divided by the court. One parent will be responsible for paying the other for child support on a monthly basis, as determined by a guideline formula. The child support guidelines will factor in amounts such as each parent's gross income, child custody arrangements, health insurance costs and any special needs of the children. These payments are generally made until the child is 18 or 19 but may be extended by agreement or court order in unusual situations. As your attorney, I can protect your rights as support is determined.
- Child Custody
In a divorce, the custody of your children may be divided into several parts. In California, parents are most frequently awarded joint legal custody. Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where the child most often resides. The custodial parent is usually granted primary custody, receiving a majority of the child’s time. The other parent receives either secondary physical custody or visitation rights, which usually consist of specific time periods. I provide effective and understanding legal help as we seek fair parenting plans. I understand you want to spend as much quality time with your children as possible.
- Visitation
California law allows for the noncustodial parent to have a regular visitation schedule with the children after a divorce or in the case of a child born to unwed parents who do not live together. To the fullest extent possible, California wants a child to have a relationship with both parents, and there are many factors that are considered when determining a visitation arrangement. An experienced family law attorney can represent you and work to protect your rights as a parent.
- Post-decree Modifications
Often, post-decree modifications involve child custody and child support. You can modify a court order for child custody and support, provided the modification is in the best interests of your children. As an attorney, I offer assistance to parents who are requesting modifications and those who are contesting modifications. Examples of changes that may merit a modification include a parent desiring to relocate to another state with the children, a military parent's deployment or even a teenager expressing an interest to live with the other parent. I provide the help you and your kids need to move forward into the next stage of your life.
- Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse victims can obtain immediate protection from their abusers through restraining orders. A temporary restraining order (TRO) and domestic violence restraining order (DVTRO) are two names for the same thing: a court order that will protect you and your children from your abuser. As experienced spousal abuse attorneys, we understand you may be scared or feel hesitant about reporting spousal abuse. However, please remember that we sympathize with you, and our lawyers know ways to help you feel more comfortable with obtaining the restraining order.
- Grandparents' Rights
As a grandparent, you recognize that the relationship between a grandparent and their grandchild can be one of life's sweetest, most rewarding relationships. As a parent, you may not believe that a grandparent's involvement is in the best interest of your child. If there is an existing divorce case, each set of grandparents has a right to be enjoined in the case. As a grandparent, you do have the right to represent yourself. However, it can be challenging to succeed on your own, and I do advise you to seek help from an experienced attorney.
- Military Divorce
At the law firm of Anthony C. Starks, our San Diego military divorce attorneys has been practicing military divorce law, or navy, marine or air force armed services divorces, for over 25 years in San Diego, California. Our lawyers represent both military and non-military spouses. We are experienced in interpreting military pay grades, Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) including Basic Allowance for Housing and other military pay differentials. Our office also provides information in Family Law pertaining to the unique problems of military families, including divorce, custody and visitation disputes when there is a military deployment in Iraq or other areas of the world.
Attorneys
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Mr. Anthony C. Starks
Attorney Child Support and Custody, Divorce, Family Law |
More Information on Anthony C. Starks, Attorney at Law
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