FAMILY LAW

Goal: My goal is to provide quality service for a reasonable fee to help resolve marital issues, with dignity and respect, so my client can move forward with his or her life.

Approach: At an early stage, I strive to understand the facts, identify what is important for my client, determine the points of disagreement and attempt to "problem solve." This leaves more money for the parties and is less stressful on the children. As I understand the "Art of War," the best result comes from being fully prepared for a confrontation, but to get what you want without engaging in a costly battle. I'm also guided by the piece of African wisdom, often used by President Teddy Roosevelt, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." If your ex-spouse is unreasonable, then I can unleash an aggressive litigation course of action and ask the court to reimburse you for your attorney fees.

My clients have ranged from those having a limited income to those who live with abundance. Regardless of where you are in life, if both sides are reasonable, I'll work with you to reach a final resolution as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. If there are contested issues, I will be thorough and methodical and work with you to establish a litigation plan and budget.

I'm not intimidated by power plays. I consider those attorneys with a reputation for fighting dirty, especially in cases where the children's future at stake, to be like schoolyard bullies. I don't like them and from what I see the judges don't like them either.

My ideal client: One who takes the high road and is the stabilizing force in the family. This is different from, as Rick Warren describes, "Always giving in, acting like a doormat, and allowing others to always run over you."

Anger is a normal reaction to betrayal. I want to help effectively channel your anger to get what you really want. I can act as your lightning rod to deflect the emotional blasts that that are not well thought out. When a pot of resentment and retaliation is stirred, the only winners are the lawyers. I'll encourage you to rise above the fray so you can respond from a position of dignity and strength when your case goes before a judge.

I also enjoy representing those who have taken detours and are not as close to their children as they could be. Sometimes a divorce is the low point in people's lives when it comes to assuming responsibility for shepherding children through this society. Some of my favorite cases involve establishing a gradual entry of a parent into a child's day-to-day life. I hope to be in and out of your life and knowing that long after I'm gone and forgotten, the individual members of the family will grow and thrive.

My background: I have a passion for the law and how it can work in people's lives. My anti-fraud background helps me to combine logical and intuitive thinking, which is helpful when one party is hiding or diverting family money. Again, if that happens, I'll ask the court to award you attorney fees and costs.

I can manage a large amount of information by using the following:

Real Time Depositions: I have written articles for a highly regarded court-reporting agency regarding real time depositions. The attorney has better command of the more complex case by managing numerous deposition transcripts saved on the computer.

Document management: Cases that have thousands of documents can be managed by having the documents numbered and stored electronically.

Communications: Email enables me to quickly and effectively communicate with clients and opposing counsel, including revisions of documents when time is of the essence.

Favorite book: "Return of the Prodigal Son," by Henri Nouwen. This book was an important part of getting me through difficult times.

Favorite quote: "When I was young, I belonged to a small church, which didn't believe in forgiveness, which is why it stayed small." Garrison Keillor

It is healthy for you to forgive in your heart, but still demand justice. You will sleep better and wont have to go to the doctor as often.

Person I'd like to meet: Rafe Esquith, author of "There Are No Shortcuts." He is a very interesting and dedicated educator who understands the importance of serving children.

Interesting observation: "Soon no man will go down the hill of life with a woman who has climbed it with him."
Will Durant, from "The Breakdown of Marriage" (1929).

Notable cases I have handled:

In re Marriage of Kruszewski (No. G031195): An unpublished opinion issued by the California Court of Appeal regarding a parent who moved out of state with the children without the consent of the other parent.

Balboa Island Village Inn v. Lemen (S1277904): This was previously a published Court of Appeal opinion, which is now a leading case in the State regarding prior restraints and free speech that is now pending before the California Supreme Court.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free. Please do not put details in your email, as that communication might not be covered by the attorney/client privilege. I look forward to speaking with you.

-D. Michael Bush