Family Law Information Center

Attorney Harvey A. Ruben has more than 32 years of experience representing residents of San Diego with the divorces, child custody, support, domestic violence, restraining orders, paternity, and other family law issues.  On his web sites Family Law page there is more information about his qualifications.  However, this page is devoted to providing valuable information about family law to the general public. 

For the highest standards of legal representation in family law issues, contact Harvey A. Ruben.  He is responsive and attentive to every client, never passing their concerns off to paralegals or secretaries.  His law office is located in San Diego, California, and he represents people throughout the San Diego, California area, including La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Carmel Valley, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, and the rest of San Diego county. 

Family Law – An Overview

Family law is the term that is applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships.  Family law rules define not only the relationship between members of a family but also between a family and the society as a whole.  More than any other area of the law, family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other. 

Typically, Family Law attorneys assist people with the making and breaking of family relationships.  Specific areas of representation usually include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, paternity, child custody and child support.  Some Family Law attorneys also provide assistance in the area of adoption.  When you’re faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of an experienced Family Law attorney often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved, and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome of the family related concern you face. 

Child support

There are more than 13 million divorced parents with sole custody of their minor children in America.  Federal legislation and uniform state laws exist to make enforcement and collection of child support each year for America’s single parents.  Every state uses its own guidelines for establishing child support and each has various methods to set support amounts and recover support when it is overdue.  It is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney if you need help with a child-support related issue.  An attorney with experience in the area of child support will help you understand the laws in your state and the rules for child support collection and enforcement that applies to your particular situation, whether you’re ending a marriage or are already divorced, have questions about paternity or are the parent paying the support. 

Divorce  

Deciding to pursue divorce is one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you’ll ever make, particularly if you have children.  Divorce also involves business and legal questions that must be resolved.  An experienced family law attorney will help you to understand the basic issues and use a rational perspective to approach the process. 

Grounds for divorce

Traditionally, every state requires a person filing for divorce to prove “grounds” or some type of spousal fault in order to obtain a divorce.  Today, the majority of states allow at least one form of “no fault” divorce, which does not require proof of fault.  If no-fault divorce is available in your state, either member of the couple may obtain a divorce, even if the other party does not consent to the divorce. 

Custody and Visitation

When parents divorce, they need to learn the child custody and visitation options that are available to them and the legal standards applied to the different options.  In most cases, divorcing couples are ultimately able to agree on custody and visitation issues without the need for a court order.  When agreement cannot be reached, knowledgeable advice and representation from an experienced family law attorney often makes the difference. 

Custody Basics

The set of parental responsibilities regarding day to day care of the child as well as the rights to direct the child’s daily activities is known legally as physical custody.  Legal custody means the right and responsibilities associated with decisions regarding the child’s upbringing

Marriage

Marriage is a voluntary, private contract between a man and a woman.  While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also a legal relationship that changes the legal status of both parties.  The legal rights and obligations associated with marriage have evolved with our society and today are equitable between both parties.  Each state has its own rules about marriage, but there are some uniform principles.