Sandy Lynne Meade

Sandy L. Meade has over 20 years of experience practicing law in California. Through open communication and a commitment toward the empowerment of her clients, Sandy has earned an outstanding reputation among both colleagues and clients for her professional and compassionate approach to family law.

Divorce

Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Family Law

Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

California

Since 2000

Attorney

Law Offices of Sandy Meade

2014 - Current

Associate Attorney

Law Offices of Jon Rigney

2007 - 2013

Basie & Fritz

2002 - 2007

Western Sierra Law School

Law Degree

Top Ten Family Law Attorneys

San Diego Source Magazine

2012

Too 10 Family Law Attorneys

San Diego Source Magazine

2010

California State Bar  # 207726

Member

2000 - Current

Q. I can't file a motion for her to change her name back?

September 10, 2020

A: I'm sorry. This question comes up often, and it is never fun to explain that you have no power over whether or not she keeps her name as is or changes it. It is HER name so SHE gets to decide what name she wants to use. Often people keep their married name because it matches their children's last name or because all their documents like driver's license, passport, business license, business i.d, etc. are all in the married name and it's easier to keep it. If it helps, there are lots of people with my last name that I do not even know. If it is really a sore spot for you, you can always formally change your own name to something else (but I suspect this is a family name you wish to keep). Sorry I don't have a better answer for you, but remember you probably don't want someone else changing your name either so the rule protects everyone in a way. Hope this helps a little.

Q. In the process of divorce, been living as married since 1998, married in 2012,will that be considered in dividing assest

September 10, 2020

A: Yes, you do have an equitable claim and even a civil claim under a MARVIN action (which you may have to file separately or can often be incorporated into settlement of your divorce case). There is a statute of limitations for a MARVIN action, so you need to consult with a local family and civil law attorney(s) immediately. If you are dealing with an ethical family law attorney and they know you both purchased the house together using both your combined incomes, they should be willing to work with you to divide the net proceeds of sale of the house equally/fairly (the facts of your case may change the amount of co-ownership and the title being in his name only creates a presumption that you must overcome, but it is not the only factor in considering ownership). For instance, If you and your spouse co-mingled all your monies and lived as a married couple prior to marriage, saved together for assets, and then acquired assets including real property prior to marriage in anticipation of marriage, then you have a strong argument for an equal interest in all assets and debts acquired during your cohabitation as well as your marriage (including the house). Even if you cannot afford an attorney, you should contact a local family law attorney to advise you of your rights (many will provide a free or low-cost consultation to at least arm you with more information). Good luck however you proceed.

Q. I am recently separated and I need to file for divorce.

September 10, 2020

A: Whether or not you qualify for spousal or child support will depend on the facts of your case. Primarily, how much you earn versus how much he earns, whether or not you already waived your right to spousal support (in a pre-nuptial agreement which may or may not bar spousal support--you'll need a family law attorney to review it to see if you can set it aside if there is a waiver included). It also depends on the standard of living during the marriage. As for child support, if both parties are the parents of the children, you may be eligible for child support even with an equal timeshare if there is a large enough disparity in your incomes. You should contact a local Department of Child Support Services (they offer a lot of help for free and you can go on their website and use their support calculator to get an estimate of what kind of guideline support for which you may be eligible) or speak with a local Facilitator (also free to help run numbers but will not give out legal advice of any kind) at the courthouse to help you run support calculations and determine if factors support filing for spousal and/or child support. If you haven't already waived support, and the children are his and yours together, and there is a large disparity between your income and his, then you probably qualify for both. Hope this helps.