Family Law
Santa Rosa, CA Family Lawyer with Decades of Experience in Mediation and Litigation
Serving Families in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sonoma, and all of Sonoma County
Whether you are preparing for a divorce or facing any other family-related legal issue, it is important to understand that you have options. It is also important to understand that what you say and do now could affect your rights in the future. Planning ahead can also be critical to securing a favorable outcome in informal dispute resolution, in mediation, or at trial.
At Henderson Law, we bring a compassionate and straightforward approach to representing clients in family-related legal matters. Santa Rosa family law lawyer Michael Henderson offers insights and advice derived from decades of experience helping spouses and other family members protect their rights and financial interests both in and out of court. While, in some cases, litigation will be the only option, Michael often helps his clients achieve amicable resolutions through mediation and out-of-court settlements – limiting the stress, costs, and post-dispute hostility to the benefit of everyone involved.
Are You Ready to Speak with a Santa Rosa Family Law Attorney?
When facing a difficult situation at home, it can often be difficult to know when it is time to seek professional help. At Henderson Law, we are happy to help you understand your situation – your legal rights, the steps you should be taking, and mistakes you need to avoid – in a free and confidential consultation. Going through a divorce or dealing with a legal issue in your personal life is stressful enough already. Seeking help should not add stress to the equation. Let us help you make informed decisions and develop a plan of action that can help you restore your normal life. Contact us today!
“Michael Henderson is a wonderful honest attorney, he keeps you informed and up to date on your case. I was very pleased with the outcome of my [case]. I highly recommend him.”
Our Divorce and Family Law Services
Having devoted his entire legal career to representing individuals and families in their times of need, Santa Rosa family law lawyer Michael Henderson is intimately familiar with both the legal issues and practical considerations involved in complicated family law matters. He brings a thorough approach to family law cases that focuses on exploring all possible avenues for resolution while protecting his clients’ interests as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Simply put, Michael does what is best for his clients, and he has a proven record of success in matters involving:
- Divorce
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Property Division
- Spousal Support (Alimony)
- Restraining Orders
We understand that you have questions about your situation, and we understand that what you want in a Santa Rosa family law lawyer is an advocate and advisor – not just someone who will file paperwork on your behalf. Michael gets to know his clients personally, and he provides straightforward advice and honest representation tailored to each client’s unique personal needs and circumstances.
California Family Law FAQs
Q: How will our family’s property be divided if my spouse and I get divorced?
California follows the rule of “community property,” which means there is a presumption that any assets acquired during the marriage are equally owned by both spouses and should be divided accordingly. However, spouses’ separate property (including most assets owned prior to the marriage) are not subject to division, and there are numerous complexities that make property division one of the most involved aspects of many divorces.
Q: How can I make sure I get custody of my children?
In California, all custody determinations are made based upon the best interests of the child. There is a list of factors that play into custody matters (both within and outside of the context of divorce). While there is no way to guarantee that you will get custody, there are steps you may be able to take in order to improve your chances of securing the custody rights you desire.
Q: How can I make sure my children and I get to stay in our family home?
If keeping the family home is one of your top priorities in your divorce, you will need to plan accordingly. Assuming your home qualifies as community property, you will likely need to give up your right to other joint assets in order to stay in the home after your marriage is over. Your spouse’s goals in your divorce, tax implications, and any outstanding mortgage obligations will all need to be considered as well.
Q: Do all California divorces result in payment of alimony?
No. While spousal support is appropriate in many cases, not all divorces warrant an award of alimony. There is a list of factors that you will need to review with your Santa Rosa family law attorney to determine whether you can expect to pay or receive alimony following your divorce.
Henderson Law | Divorce and Family Law Representation in Santa Rosa, CA
If you would like to speak with a Santa Rosa family law attorney Michael Henderson about your divorce or other family law matter, contact our Santa Rosa, CA law offices to schedule your free initial consultation. You can reach us by phone, or send us a message online and we will be in touch with you shortly.