Family Law Attorney in Redding, CA

Walking with you through hard times

Family law is an emotionally charged part of our legal system; often resulting from the break down of a domestic relationship.

Whether due to divorce or legal separation, child custody issues, paternity challenges, property settlements, attaining grandparents’ rights, or legal guardianship, understanding your unique situation is what makes Rupert Corkill the right choice.

When the time is right we also joyfully guide our clients through third-party and step-parent adoptions. Family Law Attorney Rupert Corkill's office is based in the heart of Redding, CA. With more than 16 years of experience, Rupert will represent you with compassion and experience; backed by our successful track record. When the health, future, and safety of your family is at stake, call the Law Office of Rupert Corkill.

A strong relationship with your lawyer makes a formidable team and may be the most important part of your case. If your legal matters require special attention and finesse contact us for a low cost consultation.

No excuses, just action that brings successful resolutions.

As a result, you will leave our offices knowing we have reached the best possible outcome for your case.

We are ready to answer your concerns so contact us today at (530) 209-9593 to schedule a low cost initial 15 minute consultation or visit us at 1725 Oregon St, Redding, CA.

DIVORCE

Standing up for your rights

Divorce, especially a contentious divorce, is an intensely challenging period. The legal dissolution of a marriage brings up emotions that means sound financial and life decisions are difficult to consider alone.

If you are considering a divorce in Redding, California you need the Law Office of Rupert Corkill on your side.

There are many reasons a couple may choose to dissolve their marriage, such as:

• Irreconcilable differences (this is often the best route)
• Lack of support
• Separate living arrangements
• Confinement to a mental hospital
• Cruelty or Abuse
• Abandonment
• Adultery
• Felony conviction

A divorce may bring many questions about your future financial security but when it comes to negotiating your divorce financial settlement, we will always fight for the best possible outcome so you can establish a secure foundation for your future.

Our Family Law Services:

Regardless of the reasons you are choosing to divorce, we will give you the representation you need. If you need help in the following areas listed below give us a call to set up a time to meet.

• Family Law Divorce Attorney
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Child Support
• Legal Separation
• Domestic Violence
• Parentage
• Annulment
• Property Settlement
• Grandparents Rights
• Guardianship
• Step Parent Adoption
• Restraining Order

We are at your side and ready to answer your concerns so contact us today at (530) 209-9593 to schedule a low cost initial 15 minute consultation. Our office is located in the heart of downtown Redding, 1725 Oregon St, Redding, CA.

We offer affordable, reasonable legal fees and tailor make our services to meet our clients’ needs. Contact us today to speak to a professional family lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce:

How is property divided at divorce in California?

California is a community property state. This means that any income earned by either spouse during the marriage, and all property bought with those earnings, are considered marital property that is owned equally by each spouse or partner. At divorce, the property is divided equally between the spouses or partners.

What is the residency requirement for divorce in California?

At least one spouse must be a resident of California for 6 months or 180 days before filing for divorce, though there are exceptions that would allow us to help you earlier; even the first day you move to California.

Child Custody and Visitation

Parenting Plan Law

Child custody is one of the most difficult and intricate area areas of California family law and Rupert Corkill will guide you through every step of the process.

Under California law, custody arrangements and parenting plans must serve the best interests of the child.

But it’s also important that your rights are remembered in the process.

Rupert Corkill is an experienced child custody lawyer in Redding who has developed many parenting plans and sought necessary modifications of child custody orders as circumstances change.

Our law offices provide comprehensive custody services to clients across Northern California.

Child support issues are usually the result of other family law issues, such as:

• Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
• Legal Separation
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Domestic Violence
• Spousal Support/Alimony

We understand what is at stake in these cases, and work diligently to ensure that you continue to have a meaningful presence in your children's lives after the divorce has been finalized.

Seeking an Agreement That Works for Everyone

There are many complex issues that need to be addressed in any parenting plan, including:

• The children’s primary residence
• Which school they will attend
• Who will have decision-making authority for the children
• Visitation schedules

As your attorney, Rupert Corkill will work to map out the best strategy based on your unique situation.

It is important for parents to reach an agreement on a parenting plan whenever possible. If they can't, the court will determine one for them.

Once the court has entered an order, a formal request for modification must be made to get it changed. Mr. Corkill has been successful at helping clients resolve their disputes and to develop a mutually agreeable parenting plan.

Schedule a Low Cost 15-Minute Initial Consultation

Contact our office today to discuss your child custody questions. We offer a low cost 15-minute consultation to all new clients.

We are available during regular business hours (often as late as 10 pm, as clients are given Rupert's direct cell phone number). You can reach us by phone at 530-209-9593 or via e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Custody:

What are the rules about child custody in California?

Like all states, California courts begin with a presumption that it's best for a child to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a divorce. If possible, judges want to support joint custody arrangements. However, the exact nature of the time-share will be determined by the children’s’ best interests.

Child Support

Helping make sure the child has all he/she needs.

California imposes a duty on both parents to be equally responsible for the support and care of their child. California child support law does not discriminate as to whether the child was born in or out of a marriage or domestic partnership. In California, child support can be sought in a paternity action or part of a dissolution or legal separation of marriage.

When it comes to the amount of child support payment either parent may be responsible for, California has created a Guideline formula that calculates the child support amount based on several factors, but of most importance are the incomes of the parents, the time the child spends with each parent, and the number of children of the relationship.

Family law attorney Rupert Corkill has extensive experience handling child support issues throughout Redding and the Shasta County area. Rupert is well-equipped to answer any questions you may have about California Guideline child support orders, enforcement of child support orders, or child support modification.

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Support:

What are the rules about child support in California?

Like all states, California requires both parents to support their children, even after a divorce. The amount of child support depends primarily on each parent's income and other resources, and how much time each parent spends with the children. In addition, sometimes the courts will "impute" income to a parent who has the capacity to earn more than he or she actually is earning.

Legal Separation

Dealing with the end of a relationship is not easy; there are many emotions, thoughts, and decisions to make.

California family law offers two options in ending a marriage: dissolution of marriage or legal separation.

Divorce vs Legal Separation

The difference between a divorce and legal separation is that a divorce terminates the marital relationship; once a judgment is entered you are no longer married and are free to remarry.

A legal separation in Redding, CA offers a practical alternative to divorce; allowing spouses to physically separate and divide both their community and separate property. However the marital relationship remains legally intact.

The decision to divorce or legally separate comes with different concerns and outcomes. Rupert Corkill can guide you and advise you on the pros and cons of selecting either of these two options.

To determine which of these two options best suits you, contact our office (530) 209-9593, to schedule an initial 15-minute consultation.

Keep in mind that with a divorce or legal separation other issues may surface, such as:

• Spousal support
• Child support
• Child custody & visitation
• Property division
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence

Being a Redding Divorce and Family Law attorney, Rupert Corkill is expereinced and knowledgeable in guiding and representing all of your legal separation and family law needs in Shasta County and surrounding areas.

Schedule a 15-Minute Initial Consultation

Contact our office today to discuss your questions about legal separation. We offer a low cost 15-minute consultation to all new clients. Reach us by phone at (530) 209-9593 or via e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Domestic Violence

You don't have to take this anymore. Get the freedom you deserve.

Domestic violence is a serious issue, but sometimes spousal abuse charges are overblown or motivated by some other factors, such as the desire to gain leverage in a divorce or child custody battle.

Our Redding, California law firm has years of experience representing victims of domestic violence, as well as the accused, in California state courts.

If you have suffered domestic violence or spousal abuse please contact Rupert Corkill, Redding Domestic Violence Lawyer, as soon as safely possible.

We can handle both the civil law and family law aspects of these matters. We also represent clients regarding the violation of restraining orders and contempt of court.

If you have been accused of domestic abuse, contact Mr. Corkill, as soon as possible.

Many of our clients who are accused of domestic violence have never been through the legal system; they are unsure about what could happen and worry how a restraining order may impact their lives, as well as the devestating effect it may have on gaining custody of their children.

Rupert Corkill is here to help

Our law office will take the worry of the unknown of the legal road you are facing and we will walk with you step by step through the process; our goal is to keep our clients off the Domestic Abuse Registry.

Then we take aggressive action to help you get the best possible results.

Contact Rupert Corkill Today

Contact the Law Office of Rupert Corkill by calling (530) 209-9593 to schedule a low cost initial 15 minute consultation with a professional domestic violence attorney.

PARENTAGE

Helping establish legal paternity

Pregnancy should be one of the happiest times but if the paternity of your child is at question, it may be one of the most difficult. This may become an issue because the father is denying parentage, or for other reasons.

Take the first step and hire an experienced paternity lawyer in Redding, CA.

Paternity law is about legally recognizing the biological father of the child. Our firm has been working with parents in Shasta County for more than 40 years; are dedicated to helping you through the maze of legal issues to establish paternity of the child.

Typically, if there is a question as to paternity, the mother will file a paternity suit against the alleged father. This may be done for a variety of reasons, but it is typically to obtain child support.

When a husband and wife have a child, it is legally presumed that the husband is the father. The same is not true with unmarried couples. When a child is born, it is important to establish paternity in case one parent decides to seek child support or custody.

If a marriage takes place after the child is born, a legitimation form can be signed. This gives both parents the same legal rights as if they had the child while they were married. Even if they don't marry, they can establish paternity voluntarily.

Testing to Prove Paternity

The paternity suit may involve a number of different factors, including DNA testing.

DNA testing checks the genetic material of both the child and the possible father to see if it is a match. This type of testing can even take place before the child is born.

Typically, establishing paternity involves looking at any genetic markers that are similar between the mother and the child. Any characteristics that are not also found in the mother are likely to come from the father. If the man who took the test does not have those characteristics, then they will still calculate the probability that he is the father.

DNA testing has a 99% rate of accuracy.

After paternity has been established, a legal order for child support can be given to the father. As long as the mother is providing reasonable care, it is unlikely that the father will be awarded custody of the child. He may, however, receive preferential custody over prospective adoptive parents or grandparents.

When you are faced with paternity issues, regardless of which side of the issue you happen to be on, it is important to have legal counsel by your side. Our lawyers can walk you through the process and ensure that your case is looked after properly.

Contact us for more information and to set up a low initial consultation. Your case is always confidential and we will discuss an aggressive strategy that will work for your needs.

Annulment

When choices were made too soon

An annulment (also called "nullity of domestic partnership" or "nullity of marriage") is when a court decides that your marriage is null and “void” (can never be legally recognized as a marriage in the state of California).

There are several specific conditions for which grounds for an annulment may be granted:

• Bigamy
• Marriage to a relative (incest)
• Underage Spouse
• Coercion
• Fraud
• Mental/Physical Incapacity

Annulments have to be granted by a judge. Once a marriage is annulled, it means that the marriage never existed.

Annulments Resulting From Fraud

Entering into a marriage deceitfully is grounds for an annulment.

Fraud can be committed in a number of ways, for example, when sterility or pregnancy that was known to one partner prior to the marriage but not shared with the spouse until after the ceremony. Denying sexual relationships or an unwillingness to have children when that was previously promised is also a form of fraud.

In addition, a marriage that is entered into so that a person from another country can secure a green card is fraudulent and can be annulled.

Discovering a past criminal record or fugitive status could also lead to an annulment of the marriage.

Although not an easy decree to obtain, family law attorney Rupert Corkill has successfully counseled and litigated annulments and can carefully decipher whether an annulment is the appropriate legal action for you.

Our firm focuses on family law issues, and that focus has given us the knowledge about the grounds to annul a marriage and the experience to represent our clients.

If you are unsure whether or not seeking an annulment is right for you, contact the Redding family law attorney Rupert Corkill today about your particular situation. Call us today at (530) 209-9593 to schedule a low cost initial 15 minute consultation.

Property Settlement

We make sure you get what you deserve

Rupert Corkill is a highly experienced divorce attorney who regularly handles divorce cases involving ownership of businesses, investment properties, and other complex property issues.

Fairly and equally dividing the joint assets of a divorcing couple is a difficult and painful process, especially after a long-term marriage or with complicated assets.

But Mr. Corkill understands how to sort the tangled web of community property (obtained during marriage) from non-community property. His first priority in reaching a divorce property settlement is to achieve fair, practical, and workable results.

In addition, if your spouse has undisclosed and hidden assets, Rupert Corkill’s experience will help to uncover them.

Fairly Valuing a Business

Mr. Corkill partners with leading forensic accountants and financial analysts in Northern California who have vast experience in valuing all types of businesses.

We also consider the approach the opposing counsel will take and work with the valuation specialist to anticipate questions and challenges from the other side.

Even when the assessment of a community asset, such as a house or tract of unimproved real estate, can be determined easily the value may not stay constant. In contested property matters, it is important to reach a settlement and execute it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The extensive experience of The Law Office of Rupert Corkill in Redding enables us to work promptly while protecting the rights and interests of our clients.

Handling Military Retirement Benefits

Previous cases we have handled involving military divorce gives us valuable insight into the specifics and often complex process of dividing the military retirement benefits of a spouse serving their country at home or abroad.

We provide valuable insight in understanding the factors, including timing concerns, of how and when military benefits may be divided.

The Divorce and Family Lawyers People Trust

Contact us for a low cost 15 minute consultation to speak with Rupert Corkill, a California property division attorney, call us at (530) 209-9593, e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Grandparents Rights

Keeping family connected

Grandparents’ visitation rights in California is an evolving area of law. The California family code has dedicated specific sections to grandparents’ rights while our appellate courts have expanded or narrowed those rights by interpreting the statutes.

What are grandparents’ rights to visitation in California? Read on for more information. If you have additional questions, please call us to discuss your case personally with Family Law Attorney Rupert Corkill.

Grandparent's Visitation Rights in California – Law and Procedure

Grandparents may petition for visitation with their grandchildren in any of the following situations:

1. When a parent has died.
2. When a divorce or other family law case is still pending in family court and child custody is an issue in the case (the family law case has to be pre-judgment for this section to apply).
3. The parents are not married to each other (this includes paternity cases and divorce cases where the court has ended the status of the marriage).
4. The parents are still married but they no longer live together. For this section to apply, the separation must be permanent or indefinite.

In the situation where the parents are not married, the court performs a balancing test. If the court determines that a bond exists between the grandparent and the child, the court balances that with the parents’ rights to raise their own children.

In light of these factors the court has the discretion whether to order visitation.

If the parents are still married, it gets more complicated. In such situations, one of the following must be true:

1. The parents live separately and this must once again be permanent or indefinite.
2. One parent has been absent for over a month without the other parent knowing the whereabouts of the absent parent.
3. One parent supports the grandparents’ petition for visitation.
4. The child does not live with either parent.
5. The child has been adopted by a step-parent.

If any of the above five scenarios apply, then the grandparent can request visitation and petition the court for it. If this changes in the future, and none of the five above scenarios apply, the court, upon request by either parent, must terminate the grandparent visitation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grandparents Rights:

What happens to grandparents visitation rights in California if both parents oppose the visitation request?

In such a situation, California courts have ruled that there is a presumption the visitation will not be in the child’s best interest. That is because the Court does not want to trump parental rights absent extreme and unusual circumstances.

What happens to grandparents’ visitation rights in California if one parent opposes the request and the one supports it?

The above presumption does not apply.

What are the grandparents’ visitation rights in California when both parents are present but only one of them as sole legal and sole physical custody and it is that parent that opposes the grandparents’ visitation request?

Since a parent with sole legal and sole physical custody has complete control over custody, courts have held that the presumption against grandparent visitation applies.

Grandparents should not assume that this presumption is the death-bell to their request; it simply means the grandparents have to strongly persuade the court with facts and evidence that the visitation is in the child’s best interest.

Are you a grandmother or grandfather and you want to seek your grandparent's visitations rights in California court?

Are you a parent who opposes grandparents’ visitation rights in your case?

Then you owe it to yourself to contact our experienced Redding family law attorney Rupert Corkill. We are at your side and ready to answer your concerns. Contact us today at (530) 209-9593 to schedule a low cost initial 15 minute consultation.

Guardianship

Keeping children safe

When a parent becomes terminally ill, are unavailable or unfit to parent, or upon death of both parents, a family member may seek to become a legal guardian of a minor child.

A legal guardian in California will take over the responsibilities of the child which includes providing food, clothing, shelter, protection, management of finances, as well as medical and dental care.

For guardianship to be established while the parents are still alive, the biological parents' will need to approve. However, in some cases guardianship may be established because a mother and father are not deemed fit to parent (as in the case of drug addiction).

The Law Office of Rupert Corkill can provide your family support while considering whether a guardianship is in the best interest of your children and we will advise you of the proper procedure to obtain a guardianship. Our practice handles guardianship proceedings and the termination of guardianship.

Types of Guardianship in California

Dependents differ in the amount of assistance they require; Therefore, there are three different types of guardianship:

• Guardian of a person;
• Guardian of an estate;
• Guardian of a person and an estate.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Rupert Corkill can help guide you through the type of guardianship that will best suit the child in your case.

Adoption v. Guardianship in California

Adoption in California differs from a legal guardianship in that a court may terminate the guardianship if it is in the best interest of the child. An adoption, on the other hand, cannot be terminated by the court.

Guardianship may be a good alternative for step-parents who want to adopt but who are unable to terminate the biological parent's legal rights.

If the court obtains protection over an adult it is considered a conservatorship. We do not seek conservatorships for adults.

Schedule a Low Cost 15-Minute Initial Consultation

For any family law matter related to guardianship, contact California family law attorney Rupert Corkill. We offer a low cost 15-minute consultation to all new clients. You can reach us by phone at 530-209-9593 or via e-mail to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in the heart of downtown Redding, 1725 Oregon St, Redding, CA 96001.

Step Parent Adoption

Creating strong blended families

Adoption is a beautiful act of charity that creates strong family bonds for the children of our community.

Adoption is a legal process by which a legal adult, other than one of the biological parents, becomes legally responsible for the minor child.

These cases are often the happiest and most rewarding occasions our law office has the opportunity to work with.

The Law Offices of Rupert Corkill offers services for two types of adoptions:

• Step-parent adoptions
• Third-party adoptions (when grandparents adopt their grandchildren)

Both types of adoptions can be either "contested" or "uncontested."

Contested adoption

Contested adoptions occur when an adoption is challenged (usually by the biological parent or relatives).

Uncontested adoption

An uncontested adoption occurs when no one opposes the adoption.

If you have questions about the adoption process, we encourage you to contact us online, or call our office in Redding, California to schedule a 15-minute consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Redding.

Step-Parent Adoptions

When a custodial parent remarries, the step-parent may wish to adopt their spouse’s child. This gives the child two loving, legally responsible parents in the home. This may happen after a divorce or one parent passes away.

Even when both biological parents are alive, step-parent adoptions are often uncontested because once it is finalized the non-custodial parent will no longer be financially responsible for the child.

Adoption Procedures

We will help you through the entire adoption process as you blend your family; including additional challenges that may arise, such as considering the rights of grandparents.

We look forward to guiding you on your adoption journey!

Contact Our Law Firm

We offer a low cost initial 15 minute consultations and with just a single phone call. Contact us at (530) 209-9593.

Restraining Orders

Keeping you safe

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Making the decision to file a domestic violence restraining order or a civil restraining order can be difficult and can have far reaching consequences. We can help you seriously reflect on whether a restraining order is necessary.

We can also represent you if you are falsely accused of domestic violence and a restraining order was filed against you.

Contact us to speak confidentially with a Redding domestic violence attorney. Our law firm helps clients in cases involving domestic violence, spousal abuse and restraining orders throughout Northern California.

Redding Restraining Orders Attorney, Helping Domestic Violence Victims

If you are a domestic violence victim, you might be scared and unsure of what to do. You probably do not want to upset your spouse or disrupt your family, but the reality is that a restraining order can protect you and your children from further harm.

Don't wait to get help. Contact the Law Office of Rupert Corkill for sound and compassionate legal guidance.

False Accusations and Restraining Orders

If you were falsely accused of domestic violence and an unfair restraining order has been filed against you, you need highly experienced legal counsel.

A restraining order can prevent you from having contact with your children and entering your home. Attorney Rupert Corkill has significant experience representing alleged perpetrators in cases where domestic violence allegations were fabricated.

Contact Our Redding Spousal Abuse Law Firm

We offer low cost initial 15 minute consultations and with just a single phone call to our location, your concerns and questions can be answered. We can be reached at: Office: (530) 209-9593 and our offices are located at 1725 Oregon St, Redding, CA 96001.