- DivorceMs. Van Voorhis acquired her formidable divorce and family law litigation experience at well-known and respected Bay Area family law firms. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers magazine after a confidential balloting process by members of the Bar every year since 2009. Most recently, from 2015 to 2018 Super Lawyers named her to their list of Top 100 Attorneys in Northern California. For the past seven years (2013-2019), Super Lawyers recognized her by including her on their list of Top 50 Women: Northern California Super Lawyers. Additionally, for the past nine years (2011-2022), Ms. Van Voorhis was named to their Super Lawyers list. Finally, her recognition from Super Lawyers magazine began in 2009 and 2010 when she was named a family law Rising Star. In 2014, Ms. Van Voorhis was appointed by the State Bar of California to the Family Law Advisory Commission. Her experience gained her inclusion on the San Francisco Superior Court's Settlement Master panel, where she serves as family law settlement master (settlement judge). She was chairperson of the family law section of the San Francisco Bar Association's Barristers Club in 2008 and served as vice-chair of the family law section in 2007. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Stanford Club of San Francisco.
- Child SupportIn the case of unmarried parents, the situation becomes more complex. Single mothers who give birth to a child automatically have custody rights to the child. However, they will not automatically have child support rights from the biological father without having his parenthood proven through the courts. On the other hand, unmarried biological fathers who wish to be part of their child’s life will also have to prove paternity as the first step in pursuing custody rights.
- Child Custody and VisitationLitigation of child custody rights and visitation rights (parenting time) is difficult and emotionally trying. Child custody litigation can arise in dissolution of a marriage ( divorce ) or domestic partnerships in San Francisco, CA.
- PaternityPaternity is generally established through DNA testing. Once established, the unmarried mother can seek a child support order through the courts. The establishment of paternity also allows the father to seek custody rights via a court order. If a petition for child custody has been filed, the court will schedule a hearing to decide the matter. Their overriding guideline is to serve the child’s best interests.
- Premarital AgreementSome couples ask, “Why sign a prenup?†A prenuptial agreement is designed to save litigation time and costs in the event of a divorce, LBGTQ dissolution, or registered domestic partnership dissolution. These agreements offer peace of mind, clarity, and security. They allow two people who are contemplating marriage or a registered domestic partnership to enter into a clear written agreement that controls how certain financial matters will be dealt with during marriage/partnership, upon death, and in the event of a divorce or dissolution. Knowing what to expect can strengthen the bonds and trust between parties in these legal relationships.
- Spousal SupportIn California, spousal support (or alimony) may be provided to either spouse as part of a divorce or dissolution of marriage. The law governing spousal support is very complex and the amount paid depends on the facts of each case. If two people can reach an agreement on alimony, the Court will enforce this agreement regardless of the amount of spousal support the Court would have ordered. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, then parties seeking a divorce will have to litigate spousal support. Given that the law regarding spousal support is subjective, whether you are seeking alimony or your spouse has requested that you pay spousal support, people are best served by having experienced counsel. We provide the experience, knowledge, and guidance to ensure that support obligations are fair and appropriate.
- AnnulmentWe provide legal services to clients confronting divorce/dissolution, separation, annulment, custody issues, and domestic partnership or same-sex marriage issues(including dissolution, separation or cohabitation agreements) in the San Francisco Bay Area. We also provide legal advice regarding all types of Marital Property Agreements and Domestic Partnership Agreements: Pre-Marital Agreements, Pre-Registration Agreements, and Post-Nuptial/Post-Marital Agreements. We are experienced and dedicated to representing both traditional and non-traditional families and individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Restraining OrderAriel represented me in a hearing to obtain a restraining order against my former husband. This was possibly the most stressful day of my life. I felt so grateful to have Ariel by my side. Her courtroom demeanor was excellent and professional, she was sensitive to my worries, and she explained everything to me fully, every step of the way. It is not surprising that I obtained the restraining order that I so desperately needed.