A divorce is one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. In addition to the devastating financial and emotional upheaval, there are complex legal issues that must be navigated. “The importance of the issues presented make it essential to have an experienced, full-service family law firm on your side,” says Beatrice Snider, who founded the Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, A.P.C. in 1974.

As the second largest family law firm in California, the Snider firm handles all aspects of family law. The firm is experienced in high-conflict custody cases, pre-marital agreements, non-marital relationships, disputes over income in setting support, the valuation and characterization of assets and post-judgment matters.

“Clients need a law firm that can field a team capable of handling the extensive range of knowledge required in family law, including cross-over into other aspects of the law. The size of our firm allows for this large breadth of knowledge,” says Snider.

The firm has 10 lawyers, five of whom are certified specialists in family law, certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, and three of whom have more than 30 years of experience. Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of the firm’s cases settle without the need for trial, the firm prides itself in preparing cases thoroughly. “We have the ability to assign additional team members as the complexity of the case requires,” says Snider. “Our level of preparation is well known in the legal community and allows us to achieve the best possible settlement for our clients.”

Societal changes have significant impacts on family law. The property aspects of family law are a hybrid of business dissolution and community property rights. One spouse can claim a community property interest in businesses owned by the other spouse prior to marriage.

Snider chaired the San Diego County Certified Family Law Specialist’s subcommittee of businesses, which drafted local rules for valuation of businesses. These rules have been used as a model for courts statewide.

The firm routinely litigates cases that involve community or separate property interests in business assets, real estate assets and other items of personal property. The attorneys are well versed in issues of tracing separate property claims. The firm has the knowledge and ability to obtain qualifi ed outside experts, including business appraisers, forensic accountants, real estate appraisers and psychological evaluators.

Another area of evolving law concerns child custody, particularly in the area of “move-away” cases. Since 1996, the California Supreme Court has made monumental decisions relating to the custodial parent’s move from the jurisdiction. “Clients need attorneys knowledgeable in this area of the law to avoid the loss of parental rights,” says Snider.

She adds, “A client has a right to expect an attorney who is passionate about his belief in the client’s case and who possesses the skill level necessary to obtain a fair result.”