- Divorce
- Child SupportAssisted staff with marital dissolutions, paternity actions, OSC’s and TRO’s for domestic violence, child support, etc. Staff member of San Fernando and Van Nuys Superior Courts’ Domestic Violence Clinics.
- Child Custody and VisitationExclusively practicing in the area of complex family law matters, including premarital agreements, child custody, child and spousal support, property valuation and division, breach of fiduciary duty, tracing, domestic violence, co-habitation agreements, etc.
- PaternityRepresented clients in all phases of family law proceedings, including marital dissolutions, paternity actions, custody, child and spousal support orders, modifications and enforcement proceedings, etc.
- Premarital Agreement
- GuardianshipI practice in all areas of Family Law including dissolution of marriage actions, legal separations, parentage actions and guardianships. I represent litigants but also am retained as a mediator, consultant or collaborative law divorce lawyer. I also negotiate and draft prenuptial, cohabitation and postnuptial agreements.
- Spousal SupportBoth full service and limited scope representation of clients in family law proceedings, including parentage actions, custody, child and spousal support, complex property valuation and division, with a particular emphasis in the representation of both domestic violence victims and families of children with special needs.
- Legal SeparationPrimary responsibility for client representation in extremely busy family law practice (minimum of between 8 and 10 court appearances on OSC=s, motions, trials per month). Proceedings included marital dissolutions, legal separations, paternity; numerous hearings on custody, support, contempt, etc. in both Los Angeles and Ventura County Superior Courts.
- Restraining OrderLead and sole counsel in numerous complicated family law proceedings, including marital dissolutions, paternity actions, post-Judgment matters, enforcement proceedings, domestic violence restraining orders, support for adult disabled children, etc. Issues addressed include child custody and visitation (with and without child custody evaluations -full psychological, focused, fast track, etc., alcohol/substance abuse, domestic violence, children/parents with disabilities/special needs, etc.), child & spousal support, add ons, property issues (including expert opinion valuation of businesses and other assets, cash flow analysis), QDRO=s, etc.
- Corporate Law
- Business DisputesPrior to joining Nelson Comis Kettle & Kinney LLP as a partner, Stuart gained valuable experience practicing in the Environment, Land & Resources Department in the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins, in the Real Estate and Public Law Practice Groups at Hatch & Parent in Santa Barbara, and in the Real Estate and Business Law Practice Groups at A to Z Law in Oxnard.
- Business Transactions
- Trade Secrets
- Unfair CompetitionPrimarily responsible for comprehensive trial preparation, including theme development, exhibits, demonstrative evidence, liaison with jury consultants, witness preparation, direct and cross examination check-lists, etc.; sat second seat in a 10-day “unfair competition” jury trial. Other civil litigation responsibilities including law & motion research and writing, etc. in construction-related, family law and employment law fields.
- Real Estate Litigation
- Land Use and ZoningAs a Ventura County native, Stuart has a profound appreciation for the distinct character and history of the county, and embraces the unique challenges, opportunities and rewards that come with living and working in the region. With his practice focused on complex real estate and land use issues, business transactions, and public agency representation, he helps ensure the county’s continued high quality of life. He has assisted numerous clients in navigating their way through complicated sales, acquisitions, business formations, leasing, entitlement, construction, financing, and a wide variety of other real estate and business matters.
- Personal InjuryCivil Litigation (State, Federal, and Appellate Courts) involving disputes relating to business, real estate, insurance, serious personal injury, employment, partnerships, corporations, probate, and professional negligence cases against attorneys, accountants, insurance professionals, engineers, and real estate professionals.
- Medical MalpracticeCivil litigation, both plaintiff and defense. Duties included drafting complaints, discovery, depositions, extensive research & writing and law & motion, evidence gathering, witness and trial preparation and hearings/arbitrations. Cases included civil rights, mass torts, toxic torts, medical malpractice, business litigation, contracts, and some probate and family law.
- Estate PlanningA properly drafted estate plan is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your family. At Nelson Comis Kettle & Kinney, LLP, our highly skilled estate planning attorneys with more than 20 years of experience are uniquely qualified to help you develop an estate plan tailored to your needs. Our representation includes the following areas...
- Wills
- TrustsTrust Administration – We provide advice and guidance to Trustees to assist with administration of a Trust. We work closely with the Trustee and other professional advisors including accountants, financial advisors, realtors, and other professionals to organize, sell and distribute Trust assets to the beneficiaries. We provide advice to the Trustee regarding issues that may arise during the administration of a Trust including: Trustee fiduciary duties, Trustee powers, beneficiary rights, investment of trust assets, debts of the trust estate, appraisals and business valuations, funding subtrusts, Trustee compensation, and preparation of estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns. If necessary, our highly skilled attorneys and paralegals will prepare accountings for the Trust. We also provide advice to trust beneficiaries concerning their rights.
- Power of AttorneyEstate Planning – We assist our clients to create a comprehensive estate plan including Trusts, Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Health Care Directives. We also assist our clients with the transfer of assets into your Trust. In addition, we prepare Special Needs Trusts and we do Medi-Cal planning.
- ProbateMaria, a partner in our firm, is an experienced and well-respected attorney who has earned and is recognized as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. In addition to her Certified Specialty, Maria also combines her years of knowledge and experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Masters in Taxation for the benefit her clientele in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate, Conservatorships, Trust Administration, Medi-Cal Planning and Special Needs Trusts. Additionally, Maria serves as a seminar instructor for attorneys who wish to practice law in the areas pertaining to her specialty areas. What makes Maria unique, in addition to her elite qualifications, is her ability to understand, care and connect on a personal level with each individual she represents. Contact Maria for your consultation.
- BankruptcyAn Oxnard native, William Winfield is a recognized community leader and superior attorney practicing in commercial litigation, bankruptcy and creditor’s rights. He was designated a California Super Lawyer in the field of bankruptcy. He is an author and frequent speaker on creditor-debtor issues. He is a mediator for the United States Bankruptcy Court. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem and Arbitrator for the Ventura County Superior Court and an Arbitrator for FINRA. He is board certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification and has successfully represented hundreds of creditors, debtors, trustees, and committees in bankruptcy and litigation cases.
- Tax Law