Annis & Vercollone

Coping with divorce anytime of year is challenging, but especially so during the holidays. With 2020 as unpredictable as it has been, this season may feel more lonely than it would have otherwise. Although it’s easier said than done, it is possible to overcome your grief and find moments of peace during the holidays. Here is our best advice for coping with divorce this time of year: -Allow yourself to feel sad, it’s okay! For many people, the holidays revolve around family t...raditions which can make this loss sting even more. Don’t smother your emotions as this will only exacerbate them. When the grief comes, take it in but do not dwell on it after the moment has gone. -Do your favorite things, no matter how you feel. Go look at Christmas lights, sing along to carols, and watching those silly holiday movies. Even if you feel down, they’re bound to help lift your spirits. -Do your best to avoid being alone. Spend the holidays with your parents, children or a friend of yours. Being alone will only worsen the way you’re feeling. -Remember why you divorced in the first place. Chances are, both of you are leading much more fulfilling lives now that your relationship difficulties have been left in the past. Focus on the silver linings of getting to make your own holiday traditions and new memories.

"James met all my expectations and then some in a timely fashion. We managed to come to a commencement with the other party, therefore preventing any further costly court appearances. I may have had to pay for his services, but he saved me far more in the long run. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone that needs assistance in his field of expertise.

Coping with divorce during the holidays is no easy feat, especially if this will the first one on your own. As you navigate the next few weeks, be gentle with yourself. There’s no doubt that you’ll be experiencing a wide array of emotions but here are some of our tips to make it all a little bit easier. -Figure out your custody schedule in advance as to not add to the stress -Allow yourself to feel the emotions as they come -Create new traditions on your own... -Lean on your support system - spending the holidays alone will only add to your grief -Do a few seasonal activities that make you happy -When in doubt, focus on what you’re grateful for See more

FAQ // What happens to pets in a divorce? In most households pets are considered family. Unfortunately when you divorce in the state of California, pets are not viewed the same as children and getting custody of your furry friend is not black and white. When it comes to divorce in the state of California, pets are considered property, and custody over your pet is typically determined during the division of property proceedings. ... If you are going through a divorce in San Diego, or anywhere in California, and are worried about who will keep the pet(s), it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney about your legal options.

"James was referred to me by a friend who had used his services during her divorce. I'd already called a few attorneys and was not happy with any of them, but as soon as I spoke with James, I felt comfortable. He took his time and answered all my questions thoroughly. When we finally met, I realized he would be the best attorney to take on my divorce proceedings. James was calm, honest, knowledgeable, and very professional. I always felt like he was doing everything he could to represent me. My case ended up getting more complicated and lasting much longer than anyone anticipated, but James faithfully did all he could, and all that I asked, to ensure the case was moving forward. He kept me informed, answered my questions, and dealt with the judge and opposing counsel in a very professional but firm manner."

FAQ / How will my divorce be impacted by COVID? Divorce is challenging enough to deal with on its own, but especially now, when the future is more uncertain than ever. In light of COVID, several procedures have been altered to protect everyone involved. Although courts were closed at the beginning of the pandemic, nearly all of them have reopened on a limited basis. If you have an active case in the courts, rest assured, it will still be heard. However, it will likely happen... on a delayed timeline. For those about to file, many courts have arranged a way to still accept your paperwork. With current conditions rapidly changing from week to week, things can change without much notice. When in doubt, contact us or get in touch directly with the court handling your case.

/ "James Vercollone has helped many of my clients with divorce, custody, and other family law issues. James is a true specialist and is very experienced in the area of family law. His versatile skill set as a mediator and family law litigator makes him an ideal attorney to handle both simple and complex family law issues."

Divorce can be a long and unruly process that can lead to feelings of loneliness, and that no one seems to quite understand what you are going through. While every marriage is unique, and every divorce case is individualized, there are some common proactive steps that can be taken to help strengthen your marriage and potentially avoid divorce. Here is some of our best advice for working together to overcome your challenges and improve your relationship.

If you are seriously considering divorce but are unsure where to start, we can help. The thought of ending your marriage, going to court, and parting ways for good can feel so daunting that it overwhelms you with uncertainty. Before you take that first step, consider this checklist to ensure you are as prepared as possible for the future ahead: 1 Arrange a place to stay immediately after you leave and make sure you are financially stable enough to start living on a single i...ncome again. 2 Make your feelings known to your spouse. Be calm and genuine, but firm in your decision. Your top priority is to convey your thoughts and intentions to them clearly. 3 Begin getting your documents in order. Make copies of bank statements, organize information on your assets, keep them in a secure place. 4 Take your time hiring an attorney that you feel confident and comfortable with. Do your research and be picky - it's critical to find an attorney that is properly equipped to handle your case. 5 Open up your own bank account and credit cards. More often than not, any joint accounts you shared with your former spouse will need to be closed. 6 If you have children, share the news with them in an age-appropriate way. Should your children be older, consider including their preferences in the custody discussions. 7 Begin filling out all the necessary forms to commence the divorce proceedings. Your attorney will be there to counsel you. 8 Seek emotional support before your divorce starts. The process of ending a marriage can be mentally exhausting and it will benefit you to have a shoulder to lean on every step of the way.

Making it through a painful divorce process is an accomplishment to be celebrated; you have a new life and renewed freedom. However, the thought of stepping back out into the dating field can be overwhelming for some. Don't let the fear hold you back, though. Here are some tips to help you start off on the right foot: -Make sure you have fully healed and moved on from the past. -Remind yourself that, even if your past relationship failed, you can find success in love. -If yo...u start to feel uneasy about dating again, take a step back for a little while. -Decide what your non-negotiables are and stick to them. -Avoid harping on your ex during dates; bringing up the past will only muddle your future with the new person you're seeing. -Keep an open mind and see this as a learning opportunity. -Have fun! Dating is exciting and an excellent way to meet new people! See more

/ "A few months back my son's mother filed for a modification of child support and child custody. I was referred to James by a friend who thought very highly of him; after hiring James I understand the high praise. James was accessible, friendly, professional, and made it a point to limit my legal fees. I am appreciative that James tried to settle the dispute with the opposing party prior to us leaving it in the hands of the judge. Unfortunately, the other party preferr...ed to have our case heard by the judge. "While James argued my case he gave facts and supported his argument by citing the law in support of those facts. I was very impressed by James knowledge of the law and his presence in the courtroom. I left the courtroom that day with a smile on my face, all thanks to James. I do and will continue to refer James to people dealing with child custody or divorce."

[Video] Many couples consider a marital separation when they are thinking about divorce but aren’t quite sure they are ready to make that big, final decision. Sometimes living apart from one another helps a couple figure out if they want to make the split permanent or not. Similar to a divorce, a legal separation is a type of case that legally changes the structure of your marriage. In this video, we are sharing the ins and outs of what you need to know about legal separation.

It has been referred to as a gray divorce, a silver splitter or even a diamond splitter. But no matter the color you see it as, they all refer to the same thing. A gray divorce is a divorce or separation between a married couple in older age, generally considered past the age of 50. Gray divorces have been on the rise the last few years, largely in part to reduced stigma around it. Divorce used to be considered taboo, with major social and religious implications around it. H...owever, the conversation and the actual process of divorce has become more normalized and destigmatized making even the thought of divorce more plausible. No matter the age, getting separated or divorced means there will be change, adjustments, discomfort and liberation. While it is scary and can be sad, it is also the start of a new chapter. We are here to help you through this process. Contact us with any of your questions and needs if you and your partner are looking into a potential separation or divorce.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to divorce, especially when you think about finances and dividing property. If you believe you are heading for divorce, it is important to prepare. Start investigating by finding out what is entirely owned by you and what is split with your spouse. There are two considerations for property in California: "community property," which includes shared properties, investments, and business, and "separate property" that covers any...thing owned individually by each spouse. Take the time to map out which of these buckets your assets fall into. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should open your own banking account that solely has your name on it before you actually get divorced. As the separation progresses, you and your spouse will need close your joint credit cards as well as your split bank accounts. Restructuring your finances is an intensive process, albeit, critical for moving forward. Getting organized early on will help keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

/ "I would highly recommend James Vercollone for divorce legal services. He is highly competent and makes himself available at all times. In my case, he always recommended solutions that were best for our children. He knows everything there is to know about this complex process and does his best to make the best of the situation."

[Video] One of the most common questions we get concerns how much divorce costs in California. The short answer is: every divorce is different so the financial cost associated with each divorce is also unique. Although the final number can be difficult to estimate, check out this video for a breakdown of some common financial considerations to keep in mind when deciding to end your marriage.

Divorce is a challenge to navigate, and it leads many to reach out to their friends and family for support. If someone close to you has taken the steps to end their marriage, you may find yourself struggling to find the right way to care for them. Here are a few ways to help your loved one as they process the complex emotions that come along with a divorce: [1] Continue to include them in your plans. Even if they decline or have previously attended outings with their spouse, ...knowing they are being thought of goes a long way. [2] Listen to them without offering advice (unless asked). Divorce proceedings are stressful enough on their own, especially following an emotional decision to end the marriage, and, sometimes, they just need to get their feelings out into the open. [3] Be present for them and offer to help with mundane tasks. Separating from a spouse is a major life adjustment and it will take them a bit before they settle into a new routine. Being around when they need you will help ease this transition. [4] Stick around after the smoke clears. Even after life begins to normalize again, there's a high likelihood they have internalized their struggles. Continue to check in with them, listen to their feelings, and provide distractions as necessary.

Divorce is an incredibly difficult process to work through, but it isn't all bad. Although it's scary to take the first steps towards ending your marriage, do not let the fear hold you back from living a happier life. There is life after divorce, we promise. Here are a just a handful of the silver linings that come with ending your marriage. -No more fights, tension, or feelings of resentment towards your partner. For some couples, separating from one another actually improv...es their relationship. -You can build your new life exactly how you want to. There is a freedom that comes along with being on your own again. Take it and run with it. -For those with a custody arrangement, the time spent with your kids will be even more meaningful. You will continue to create cherished memories with them. -Whenever you're ready, you get to experience all the excitement that comes along with dating and meeting new people again. -For some, divorce can actually boost their confidence and help them see their worth. After all, the process of ending a marriage is no easy feat and making it to the other side is an accomplishment in and of itself.