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Specializing in Commercial Law & Litigation, Insolvency & Fraud
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS
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(949) 791-4300
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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OUR TEAM
Suzanne M. Gregoire, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Suzanne M. Gregoire is a family law attorney currently practicing in Newport Beach, California. Suzanne attended Loyola Marymount University as a Presidential Scholar, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1993. She graduated from UCLA School of Law in May of 1996 and was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December 1996. While at UCLA, Suzanne worked on the UCLA Journal of Environmental Law and Policy and volunteered at El Centro Legal Clinic in Los Angeles and UCLA Student Legal Services.
Suzanne has focused on family law since she moved to Orange County in 1997. She joined the team of Newport Beach law lawyers at Risner & Associates, Inc., in 2005, focusing primarily on settlement. She is also a full-time mom and continues to spend much of her time volunteering. She was on the committee that established Rancho Santa Margartia's first Walk to Defeat ALS in November 2014. She also spends time volunteering with children and coaching Academic Decathlon students. Suzanne enjoys traveling, sports, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Lisa K. Risner, CFLS
Founder
Lisa K. Risner is a Certified Family Law Specialist and the owner of Risner & Associates, Inc., which she started in January 2001. Her firm is currently located in the Fashion Island area of Newport Beach, CA. Having earned her undergraduate degree in Paralegal Studies, she 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 court 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 currently an adjunct law professor at Western State University College of Law. She has taught legal courses at South Coast College and has been a guest speaker both at Western State University and Chapman Law School. 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 Mariner Church divorce recovery groups and frequently provides legal assistance through the PEACE Center at Saddleback Church and Laura's House, a local women's shelter. Lisa is involved in various other organizations, donating her time and services to those in need with family law matters. Lisa is a respected litigator and has represented clients with various family law issues. In addition to practicing litigation, she has completed the mandatory training to handle collaborative divorce matters; she handles all types of collaborative as well as mediated cases for couples who wish to resolve their matter outside of court. Lisa was published in the OCBA's Orange County Lawyer Magazine in October 2004. In 2015, she was the recipient of the Angelo Palmieri Award for Ethics and Civility, presented by the Robert A. Banyard Inn of Court. In her spare time, she enjoys riding Harleys, paddle boarding, and traveling with her family.
Angie Chevalier
Paralegal
Angie works as a paralegal at Risner & Associates, Inc. Angie assists attorneys Lisa K. Risner, CFLS and Suzanne M. Gregoire, Esq. with their clients. She attended Vanguard University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a degree in paralegal studies with a specialization in family law from Mount San Antonio College. She has been a family law paralegal for over 14 years. Angie is a single mother and is able to relate to clients and understand from a personal level of the process and emotions they are going through. Angie regularly attends courses to keep up to date with developments in family law litigation.
Angie had the unique experience of growing up overseas in the Philippines and attended an international school. She loves to travel, going to the movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
ABOUT US
Our team of family lawyers are recognized as some of the top family law attorneys in Orange County. Clients hire us because of our knowledge, experience, respect, integrity, compassion, and overall professional conduct.
We aim to obtain desirable results in court, as well as, utilizing creative and cost-effective settlement solutions when possible while maintaining superior legal services.
Relying on several decades of legal experience, we focus our practice on all areas of divorce and family law for clients throughout Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties. Our team of Orange County family law attorneys is committed to providing excellent and zealous representation for clients going through difficult family law matters. Obtaining desirable results in court, as well as utilizing creative and cost-effective settlement solutions when possible, are always our goal. Whether your matter must be litigation in court or you and the opposing party are candidates for settlement through other means, we are able to provide superior legal services. We offer a FREE initial consultation.
FAQs
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.
How long does it take to get a divorce in California?
There is no benefit and likewise no detriment, to being either the Petitioner (the one who files the Petition for Dissolution) or the Respondent.
Does it matters who files?
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.
How do we determine the value of our family business?
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.
What are the "ATROS" people refer to in a divorce?
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.
At what age does a child get to choose which parent they want to live with?
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.
How long do I have to live here before I can file for a divorce?
CONTACT
Risner & Associates, Inc.
For general inquiries, please fill out the following contact form:
OUR OFFICE ADDRESS
369 San Miguel Drive, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Email: angie@risnerlaw.com
Tel: 949-791-4300
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