Tag family law attorney

Nightmares

Today marks the anniversary of one of the worst decisions I ever made – getting a divorce. No, not in the sense that I wish I had stayed with my partner; we had a lot of differences that ended up making staying in the relationship pretty much impossible.

What I’m talking about is going through the process of divorce litigation. When we decided to split up, we actually were in a very amicable and positive place despite knowing we wouldn’t be staying together in the long run. Divorce court changed all of that.

My partner’s lawyers were not there to play soft ball; I made significantly more than them, and their lawyers were dead set on grabbing up as much as my income and our shared assets as possible to increase their payout. Once I saw this start to unfold, I realized that I would need to step up my game or I’d be out of my shirt by the end of the proceedings.

So began a year-long, very nasty court battle over what had started off as a very calm and thoughtful separation. My ex and I’s relationship deteriorated as they let their lawyers run loose, with me blaming them for not having the guts to stand up to them and them taking offense to this and digging in their heels.

After the proceedings wrapped up, we were both worse off than when we began. I was out a significant sum and had lost most of our shared assets, but my ex had spent the majority of the savings and the eventual winnings on paying off their predatory legal team.

I wish we knew then that there was an alternative – family law mediations – that we could have used and saved both our relationship and our money. Unfortunately, I just happened to meet a client of the highest rated mediation firm in Orange County (McNamee Mediations) a few years after the divorce had been finalized.

When I say they are the highest rated, I mean it – both the client I met and the many who left testimonials on the firm’s various social media pages had nothing but positive things to say about McNamee. Special attention goes to the professionalism and level-headedness of the team there that has resulted in many happy divorces – as happy as they can get, anyway.

As a financial planner, I see my clients go through a number of changes in their lives and sometimes it includes a separation/divorce. Mediation is the far better option when dissolving a marriage as it puts a lot less strain not only on the finances but also the emotions of everyone involved. This is where Colleen McNamee stands out. As an attorney-mediator, she is extremely knowledgeable in her field, has two decades of experience, but also truly cares about her clients. Something that cannot be taught in law school is the gift of empathy and caring for others, which translates into achieving fair and equitable results for couples. Thanks to her very strong skill set and the services she’s able to offer, she remains a neutral counsel to both parties throughout the process, and the Agreements she drafts are far superior to any other divorce mediator I have seen! My clients have come out feeling like they were treated fairly, received their equitable shares, and can now move forward with their lives onto their next chapters. – Katerina Hencova, Google Review

Colleen McNamee is the absolute best[!!] When we started out on our journey of going through a divorce, I felt overwhelmed from every direction and had no idea where to begin or what to expect. I’ve heard all the horror stories of things turning ugly and costs rising as the process drags on and on. BUT, I am SO thankful we went with Colleen!! She made the whole process clear, concise, & cost effective. She helped us communicate peacefully and reach an agreement that worked for both parties. She is very professional and yet the kindest human being! [Thank you Colleen from the bottom of my heart for everything!!] – Jess B., Yelp Review

If you and your partner are like me and mine were – recognizing that we’re not meant for each other, but still on good terms and would like to remain that way – do yourself a favor: avoid divorce litigation at all costs. Call McNamee instead, you’ll come out with your relationship changed but (mostly) intact.

McNamee Mediations

+19492233836

4590 MacArthur Blvd Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Easing The Process

Divorce is never an easy prospect, but it’s fair to say that some separations are far more painful and destructive than others. Couples whose relationships have fallen apart in a particularly acrimonious fashion, or couples where one party or the other has become unhinged in their desire to punish the other, there are plenty of situations where one or both parties are determined to burn every possible bridge on their way out of the relationship.

In these situations, the best course of action is for you to find the best legal help available, then batten down the hatches and take cover until the whole thing blows over. This is especially true in states with complex and often highly unfair laws regarding separation, divorce, and family law.

One such state, California, is probably the worst offender on the list. Not only are the laws highly disadvantageous for the partner with a higher income, the custody laws are often incredibly lopsided and ruinous for your relationships with your family if the other party is especially vindictive and has a halfway decent lawyer.

So, if you live in California, which many of our readers do, it’s imperative that you have at least one great lawyer in your area on your address book. For our southern California readers, one of the best firms for divorce lawyers in Santa Ana and the greater Orange County area is Shuff Law Firm, a family law firm that’s been running since the 1970’s.

Tamara and Joeseph Shuff have accumulated over a half century of experience during their tenure as the owners and lead attorneys for Shuff, and they have the legal record to back up their efficacy as lawyers. Their clients, as seen in these testimonials from their Yelp page, attest to their professionalism and their abilities to give their clients the best legal results possible:

Shuff Law Firm was recommended to me by a dear friend and I highly recommend them to you!

Joe, Tamara and their entire team work with the utmost professionalism coupled with a genuine care for their clients needs. This Father- Daughter team brings many many years of experience to the table! They’ll represent you with integrity, honesty, and a great energy, yet will not be steamrollered by opposing counsel.

Most recently, Tamara held my hand during an incredibly tough situation while believing in me and the justice to prevail. Her kind heart keeps her honest and her experience keeps her strong!

I can’t recommend Shuff Law Firm enough!

Laura K, Yelp Review
Read Megan R.‘s review of Shuff Law Firm on Yelp

My entire experience with Shuff Law firm has exceeded my expectations and I was extremely satisfied. A close friend connected me with Joe Shuff. I was always impressed with how organized the staff was and how they always made me feel as if I had priority when calling the office. This was the first time I had ever been in a legal situation so I was confused and scared of all the “unknown”. Initially, I had only been working with Joe Shuff and then shortly after Tamara Shuff Mortensen was brought on. Tamara took the time to explain everything and answered all my questions with such patients. I was so happy to have them represent me and be my voice in such a complicated case. The circumstance was horrible but the outcome was amazing. Joe Shuff is experienced, respected, rational and incredibly helpful. Tamara gave me hope and inspiration. She is outstanding in court and her work ethic was very impressive.

L R., Yelp Review

If you’re about to enter the legal arena with a highly embittered and enraged former spouse, give the Shuffs a call. They’ve been in the business a long time, and they are specialized in making sure their clients emerge from such situations with as little damage as possible.

Shuff Law Firm

+17148340175

2634, 2107 N Broadway STE 301, Santa Ana, CA 92706