Attorney Susan Hall-Martinez has been providing legal services, in the area of Family Law, to residents of Merced County for over 11 years.  She graduated San Joaquin College of Law in June 1992, and began her Family Law practice in December 1992.  She has professional and personal  experience in divorce, custody, and support issues, in addition to a step parent adoption of her daughter and a guardianship of her granddaughters while her daughter in the US Air Force was deployed to the Middle East.   She understands what you are going through emotionally and financially, as you face your legal proceedings and she is right there to support you all the way.

Our office is small and our staff is friendly.  Our motto is,"We Care".  We take time to listen to you as you explain your situation and your concerns.  We share our experience, strength and hope for a better future, for you and your children.  We encourage,  enlighten and educate you, whenever possible.   No concern of yours is ever considered insignificant to us.

We will work together to resolve the issues in your divorce proceeding.  These will include, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, alimony, community property division, deferred sale of family home, assignment of debts, valuation of assets, including businesses, stocks, stock options, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders to divide retirement, pension and 401(k) plans, temporary orders that include exclusive use of residence and vehicles, restraining orders, custody and visitation and support.  Mediation is required in California before the court may determine a custody and visitation plan for your minor children.

In modification of support proceedings, we will work with the Department of Child Support Services of Merced, to accurately determine the proper amount of support to be paid.

In guardianship proceedings we will work together with the Superior Court Investigator.  They are assigned the task of researching and investigating the proposed guardian (usually a grandparent or close relative) and the custodial parents.  They provides the court with recommendations on whether the guardianship is necessary and in the best interest of the child.

In adoption proceedings we will work together with the Department of Social Services through their investigation and recommendation to the court in favor of the adoption.   A termination of parental rights may be required for one or both biological parents.  If this becomes necessary, we will file the appropriate petition and as soon as the parental rights are terminated, we will proceed quickly with the final adoption.

Call for an appointment and come in and see for yourself.  We know you'll feel better about everything when you do.