Jacqueline Blade | Westlake Village Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

This past year I was referred a case by a former client to represent a mother in a child custody and child support modification post-judgment. The young child was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Manic Bipolar Disorder. During visits with the father, who was disabled, the child would not be properly medicated, and was upset because she was called offensive names by the paternal aunt during the father's custodial time. The child was extremely agitated and upset and was petrified to go to visits with her father. The father was attempting to increase his custodial time and lower his child support obligation. After submitting to the court declarations from the mother, and the child's physician, and attending mediation, the visits became supervised and there was no change in the support obligation. My client was thrilled, and more importantly, the results I obtained were in the child's best interests.

I built a successful practice by my responsiveness to my clients - actively listening to their concerns and needs, and promptly returning phone calls. I am diligent about logging conversations, keeping notes, and calendaring events for a follow-up call or review. I treat my clients the way that I would want to be treated if I were in a similar situation.

Client's should look for a lawyer that is attentive and listens. A good attorney is one who approaches the situation objectively and realistically. She will advise the client his/her legal rights and responsibilities and give the client alternative solutions to litigating such as working together informally to resolve a matter, mediation, or collaborative resolution. Potential clients should beware of attorneys who consistently bill yet never seem to achieve anything.

Local knowledge is very important to the success of your case. Sometimes it can make all the difference. Courts, departments, and judges have reputations just like any professional. Knowing those idiosyncrasies can help avoid problems down the road. An attorney can avoid filing in a certain courtroom or with a certain judge if she knows doing so will not advance the client's case.

During a free phone consultation I can give a potential basic advise about his/her legal rights related to the home, custody and support. I can help the client to start creating a plan toward their goal, and give the client some ballpark figures or estimates with regard to support.

The information I would like to have during an initial telephone consultation is the date of marriage, date of separation, names and ages of children, and employment and earnings for both parties. Also important is whether there is any history of violence, abuse, or drug or alcohol addiction, what major assets the parties own, such as a home or retirement plan. It's also good to know whether there is family or friends that can assist with housing, or child care if necessary.

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to think outside the box and find creative solutions for my clients that take them outside the litigation process.

My other interests are walking my dog and taking her to the dog park, traveling, learning to ski, and getting together with friends and family.

In the past, I have volunteered for the Pro Bono Section of the Ventura County Bar. I also volunteered at Los Robles Hospital for approximately 2 years.

• Member, California State Bar Association
  Member, Ventura County Bar Association
  Member, Ventura County Family Law Bar Association
  Member, U.S. District Court, Central Division
  Member, Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association

• Trial Advocacy Skills, Farmers Insurance Exchange
  Dean's Award, Ventura College of Law

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