FAMILY LAW & PROBATE ATTORNEY SERVING LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA
The Elke Gordon Schardt Law Office has been helping individuals and families since 1991 through their legal matters. Elke proudly serves the needs of her clients with compassionate support and high-quality solutions.
ELKE GORDON SCHARDT
ATTORNEY AT LAW
PRACTICE AREAS
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN FILING FOR DIVORCE
Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the process can be extremely stressful, emotional, and difficult.
California is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means that the spouse filing for a legal separation or divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong to warrant the dissolution of the marriage.
This sets two grounds for divorce in the state, being irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity. Irreconcilable differences, which have caused the irredeemable breakdown of the marriage, are typically the default reasons behind filing a petition for divorce in California.
Family courts do not automatically award custody to the mother or father, for any reason. By law, judges overseeing a divorce case are required to give custody according to what is in the best interest of the child.
Some of the factors which the judge will consider include: the age and health of the child; the emotional relationships between the parents and children; the parents' ability to provide care for the child; any history of family violence or substance abuse; and the child’s ties to their school, home, and community.
When a couple legally separates or divorces, a judge may rule in favor of spousal support. This means one spouse is legally obligated to pay the other a set amount of alimony each month to help maintain their livelihood.
Spousal support is often a complicated matter that involves many factors for consideration that impact whether or not spousal support is necessary and what amount will be required to pay. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can better understand how spousal support can affect your income, taxes, and how long payment can last.
Under California law, community property laws, any assets, and debts that spouses acquire during marriage belong equally to both of them, and they must divide them equally in a divorce.
Spouses can go about dividing their assets by assigning specific items to each spouse, allowing one spouse to “buy out” the other’s share of any given asset, or by selling off their shared assets and dividing the proceeds. You shouldn’t attempt the division of property or assets without the help of an experienced divorce lawyer guide you through the process.
A WORD FROM MY CLIENTS
She was always available when I needed her, made recommendations which fit my needs, and was very professional when dealing with my former spouse.
Elke was referred to me as my current attorney was leaving. Elke has been the best thing to happen to me since my ex filed on me in 2008.
Elke has done so much in my divorce and custody battle. She’s been great in making sure I’ve stayed informed and had all paperwork completed.
She not only won but fought for us and ensured the truth came out so we were able to get justice. She works hard for her clients and will not let you down.
Elke provided top notch legal and courtroom support to my family in regards to numerous family law cases in the Mojave Superior Court.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
I AM PERSONALLY INVESTED IN YOUR SUCCESS & WELL-BEING.
EXPERIENCED
With 28 years of experience helping individuals and families through family law and probate matters, Elke knows what it takes to help you understand your options and design a strategy that fits your needs.
ACCESSIBLE
From her Lancaster-based office, Elke represents clients all over the area. From Kern County to Riverside County, to Ventura County and all the communities in between— when you need legal counsel, Elke can help.
AFFORDABLE
When you're dealing with a stressful legal situation, the cost of hiring a lawyer shouldn't weigh you down. Elke keeps her fees affordable and clear so that you can focus on the important matters at hand.
DON’T FACE THE FAMILY COURT ALONE
Trying to navigate the family court system alone is both distressing and difficult to manage when you're trying to fight for your desired outcome. So whether your divorce will involve disputes over child custody, distributing complex assets or you anticipate a fairly simple, uncontested divorce, it's important to have an experienced family law attorney on your side.
You don't want to be caught off guard by issues that could be overlooked or problems that can arise in the future. With Elke's experience on your side, she will make sure that your family’s needs are met with compassionate legal support and guidance.
Whether you need legal assistance with your family law or probate matter, when you choose to work with the Elke Gordon Schardt Law Office, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Elke strives to provide high-quality legal services, tailored strategies, and honest communication through every phase of the process.
No matter what you're facing, allow Elke to advocate for you. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from having a strong supporter on your side who will fight for your best interests, which she will undoubtedly do for your case. Contact Elke to schedule a consultation today and put her experience to work for you.