PRACTICE AREAS

Family Law
Divorce
Paternity
Child Support
Custody and Visitation (including high conflict, reunification, and move-away cases)
Retirement Division
Military Retirement Division
Restraining Orders
Guardianships
Property Division
Enforcement and Collection of Judgments
Prenuptial Agreements

Divorce and Separation

If you are considering dissolution of marriage or that decision has been made for you by your spouse, we can help you take the next step. This may be a first for you, but we do divorce, support litigation, custody battles, and retraining orders every day. Tessa Mayer is experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate, and thorough.

Domestic Violence

Tessa Mayer has represented countless clients on restraining orders and has achieved consistent success both in obtaining the original order and also in prevailing party (to the winner) attorneys fees at the conclusion of the restraining order. While many attorneys do not have the time, energy, or emotional endurance to handle restraining orders, Mayer Family Law prides itself on compassionately and aggressively representing clients involved in domestic violence situations.

PROPERTY DIVISION

California Family Law assumes all property is community property which should be equally divided during a divorce or legal separation. If you want an asset or debt to be confirmed as separate property of one spouse or the other, assume you must prove it is separate property. The division of property is determined by the characterization of the property. "Characterization" means a decision about whether property is community property which should be equally divided, separate property to be confirmed to one spouse or the other, or sometimes a combination of the two. Property characterization and division are not always straightforward, and you should always consult with an experienced family law attorney for specific assessment and advice.

PREMARITAL AGREEMENTS

A premarital or prenuptial agreement - also known as a prenup - is a legal document that spells out the property rights of each spouse in the event of divorce or death. Prenups may have originally been used by the wealthy but modernly prenups are sought by people from all walks of life. If you have been asked to sign a prenuptial agreement, it is important to work with an attorney looking out for your best interests. If you are looking for a knowledgeable premarital agreement lawyer in Sacramento, your best choice is Mayer Family Law.

MOVE AWAYS / RELOCATIONS

If your custody order prevents your ability to move out of your county of residence with the minor children, you must ask the court for an order that allows you to do so before your move. If you are considering a move away or want to prevent the other parent of your child(ren) from move away, consult with the team at Mayer Family Law. Understanding the legal rights, presumptions, and burdens of proof placed on the relocating and non-relocating parent is essential. Our firm is ready and experienced in advocating effectively for you.

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

Divorces by agreement are resolved by way of a Marital Settlement Agreement. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a binding written contract between spouses which covers all agreed-upon issues, including property division (including assets like houses, cars, and retirement accounts or debts such as student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and tax debt), spousal support, child support, child custody, parenting time, and any other relevant matters.