Advice on Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges From San Diego Lawyers

Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi are two experienced attorneys specializing in family law, consumer protection, and employment law, whose expertise allows them to provide helpful, caring, and professional legal advice. Learn from their insights on how family law and consumer law intersect, gaining a detailed look at the potential overlaps in these fields.

Who Are Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi?

Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi have been practicing law for many years, with a focus on different yet interconnected legal fields. Sara has been in practice for about 10 years, initially concentrating on consumer protection, including debt collection harassment, credit reporting issues, and identity theft. In 2019, Sara teamed up with Amanda, expanding her expertise to include family law over the last five years. Amanda, on the other hand, has focused primarily on family law but has learned a great deal about consumer law through their collaboration. Together, they are also exploring employment law cases.

Why Family Law?

Amanda’s journey into family law began long before law school. During her undergraduate years, she worked as an intern at the Los Angeles Superior Court, assisting with self-represented litigants in family law cases. This early experience sparked her interest in family law, and after law school, she received job offers from family law firms, which further solidified her path. Over the years, she has worked in various capacities, including domestic violence clinics, and has continuously expanded her expertise in family law.

Why Consumer Protection?

Sara’s interest in consumer protection began during her time working at a firm in college that specializes in this area. She was drawn to the attorneys’ passion for advocating on behalf of consumers against large corporations. This interest led Sara to law school, where she worked as a law clerk at the same firm. Once licensed, she joined the firm, where she found her true calling in consumer protection law, especially in areas such as debt collection and identity theft.

Intersecting Legal Fields: Family Law and Consumer Protection

At first glance, family law and consumer law may seem unrelated, but in reality, they often intersect. For instance, in divorce proceedings, the division of marital debt and assets is a common issue. This can include everything from credit card debt and vehicles to real estate. Many individuals are unsure how to handle these financial challenges during a divorce. Lawyers like Amanda and Sara play an essential role in educating clients about their options, whether that involves negotiating with creditors or figuring out creative solutions to manage debt.

Challenges in Divorce: Debt and Financial Strain

Family law cases often reveal unexpected financial concerns, especially when clients face overwhelming debt. During divorce proceedings, spouses may uncover debts in collections, sometimes with no prior knowledge. This creates a need for creative solutions. Attorneys help by negotiating debts, determining who is responsible for what, and exploring ways to help clients manage their financial future. Often, financial issues like debt and infidelity play a significant role in marital separations, adding an additional layer of stress.

Debt Issues in Divorce: Who is Responsible?

Debt is a critical issue in many family law cases, especially in California, a community property state. In these cases, both spouses are often held liable for debts, even if the debt is in one spouse’s name. For example, credit cards in one spouse’s name may still involve the other spouse, especially if they used the card or the debt was incurred during the marriage. This can lead to debt collection companies contacting both spouses, further complicating the situation. It’s crucial to educate clients about their responsibilities and help them regain control of their financial futures.

Financial Strain and Custody Arrangements

Divorce often leads to significant financial strain, particularly when families must divide resources to support two households instead of one. Childcare costs, shared expenses, and changes in income all play a role in this strain. Recent changes to California’s child support rules have made the allocation of these costs even more crucial. Financial hardships can sometimes even influence custody arrangements, as one parent may be better equipped to provide for the children financially or take time off work for their care. Understanding these financial challenges is key to navigating divorce and custody issues effectively.

Housing Trends in Divorce Proceedings

The current housing market presents additional complexities. In many cases, divorcing couples are opting to stay in the same home until all debts and assets are divided. This arrangement helps ensure that both parties know exactly what they will be responsible for once the divorce is finalized. This trend is becoming more common due to high housing prices, but it also makes the divorce process more challenging and sometimes leads to difficult living situations.

The Role of Debt in Family Law Cases

Debt issues, particularly credit card debt or student loans, frequently arise in family law cases. Clients often face aggressive debt collection tactics from creditors, who may contact family members or even colleagues. In family law, determining responsibility for debt is a crucial part of the divorce process. For example, credit card debts are generally considered joint debts, but in some cases, one spouse may try to argue that they should not be responsible for debt incurred by the other. On the consumer law side, attorneys help clients deal with harassing calls and negative credit reporting, working to protect their financial future.

Student Loans and Divorce

Student loans, often considered separate property in California, can cause significant disputes during divorce proceedings. Though student loans are generally treated as the individual responsibility of the spouse who incurred them, there are exceptions. For instance, if a couple has been married for 10 years or more, there may be an argument that the community benefited from one spouse’s education. However, this argument is rarely successful in court. More often, the division of debts involves credit cards and personal loans, with creative solutions developed to ensure an equitable distribution.

Protecting Financial Well-Being During Divorce

For anyone navigating a divorce, it’s vital to understand and organize all assets and debts. This can feel overwhelming, but creating a comprehensive list of finances—including tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, and any relevant documentation—is an essential first step. Knowing what needs to be divided and having a clear idea of your goals for the future can help you make more informed decisions during the divorce process.

The Importance of Legal Expertise in Both Family and Consumer Law

Having an attorney who understands both family law and consumer law can provide significant advantages during a divorce or separation. Attorneys with expertise in both areas can offer guidance throughout the entire process, from the initial stages of the divorce to post-divorce financial planning. They can help clients navigate credit reporting issues, debt collection concerns, and even custody matters. This dual expertise enables attorneys to help clients secure their financial future, especially when dealing with complex financial situations such as debts, property division, and post-divorce financial stability.

Navigating the complexities of family law and consumer protection law can be daunting, but with the right legal guidance, individuals can protect their financial interests and move forward with confidence. Whether dealing with debt, assets, or custody arrangements, it’s crucial to have knowledgeable attorneys by your side who can help you through these challenging times.