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FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Call today to schedule your free consultation

(949) 791-4300

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PRACTICE
AREAS

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

LEGAL SEPARATION

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
PATERNITY ACTIONS
CHILD CUSTODY
CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS
CHILD SUPPORT
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
SUPPORT MODIFICATIONS
GUARDIANSHIPS
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
COHABITATION AGREEMENTS
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ABOUT THE ATTORNEY

Lisa K. Risner is a Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  She is also a licensed real estate broker in the State of California with extensive experience managing commercial property investments.  Having earned her undergraduate degree in Paralegal Studies, Lisa worked as a paralegal while attending law school at night and on weekends. She received the American Jurisprudence Award in Contracts. Lisa graduated from Western State University College of Law in December of 1997 and was admitted to practice before all courts in the State of California in May 1998. She was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in April of 2009. Lisa is an adjunct professor at Western State University College of Law, as well as Trinity Law School.  She has also taught legal courses at South Coast College.  She been a guest speaker at both Western State University and Chapman Law School, as well as other local churches and organizations.  Lisa is a published author on the topics of Collaborative Law and Mediation. She was an MCLE presenter at the 2014 Lex Romana seminar held in Tuscany, Italy, speaking on the issues of substance abuse and the law.  Lisa has volunteered as a speaker at various divorce recovery groups and frequently donates her time providing legal assistance through organizations such as the PEACE Center at Saddleback Church, Rock Harbor Church and Laura’s House, a local women’s shelter. Lisa is involved with various other charitable organizations, impacting veterans, victims of domestic violence, elderly and the unhoused. In 2015, she was the recipient of the Angelo Palmieri Award for Ethics and Civility, presented by the Robert A. Banyard Inn of Court. Having litigated hundreds of trials over the past 25+ years, Lisa has a heart for assisting clients reach peaceful resolution outside of court.  She is the founder and owner of Divorce Mediation of California, LLC.  In her spare time, she enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, paddle boarding, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling with her friends and family.
About Us
FAQ's

FAQs

How long does it take to get a divorce in California?

A divorce may be completed quickly, If both parties cooperate and settle.  The termination of marital status (the reverting of your status from that of a married person back to single) occurs at the earliest 6 months and a day after the Petition for Dissolution is served.  A litigated divorce usually takes an average of 18 months to go through the court system to get orders at a trial.  This could be even longer now in light of COVID-19.

Does it matters who files? 

There is no benefit and likewise no detriment, to being either the Petitioner (the one who files the Petition for Dissolution) or the Respondent.

How do we determine the value of our family business? 

Sometimes it is necessary to seek the assistance of a family law forensic accountant to assist with valuation of business, cash flow available for support, or perhaps other issues like tracing of separate property. 

What are the "ATROS" people refer to in a divorce?

The Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders are listed on the back of the Summons.  These are the actions parties are prohibited from doing during the pendency of the case, including but not limited to:  taking minor children out of state, canceling insurance coverage, or disposing of assets without the other party’s written permission or a court order.

At what age does a child get to choose which parent they want to live with?

There is no set age when a child is allowed to pick which parent will have custody.  However, Family Code §3042 provides that a child age 14 or older must be permitted to address the court if they wish to do so unless if the court determines doing so is not in the child’s best interest.  It does not necessarily mean the court will grant the child’s preference.

How long do I have to live here before I can file for a divorce?

You must have been a resident of the State of California for at least six months and a County resident for at least three months to file for a dissolution of marriage in any county.  There is no six month residency requirement if you wish to file for a legal separation instead of divorce. 

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CONTACT US:
 

For general inquiries, please fill out the following contact form:

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OFFICE ADDRESS

230 Newport Center Drive, Suite 210

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Email: lisa@risnerlaw.com
Tel:  949-791-4300

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© 2024 by Lisa K. Risner, Esq.

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