◈ Homepage — http://www.meakinslaw.com/ABOUT MEAKINS LAW TEAM PRACTICE AREAS TESTIMONIALS OUR OFFICE CONTACT View fullsize THIS IS TOUGH You are reading these words in private. The people you are close to do not even know that you are struggling, scared about the shifting sand you find yourself standing on. Sure, over the years you had fleeting thoughts about being single again - every once in a while you were envious of the single guy you saw in the movies, your friends without kids who stay out late and sleep until whenever they want on the weekends, your younger brother who dates, travels, and scores great seats to the best games. This is not what you thought it would feel like. You are not liberated, you are terrified, empty, and lonely. Your wife was critical, demanding, and a shell of the fun-loving person she was ten years ago. But you miss her. Or, you miss something. You feel alone.  You might not know if your kids wash their hair every day during bath time or when their last visit to the pediatrician was. But you know they need you, and you know that you need your own time with them. She knows this too, but there is a voice in the back of your head that reminds you that if things get ugly, they will be the ones that will suffer. She is a good mom, but she can be controlling and critical. They're good with her, but there is no way you are abandoning them. You also dread fighting the fight, and would avoid it at almost all costs. Your friends and family - the ones that know what is going on - only have horror stories about what to expect in this process." Lawyers are contentious and inflammatory." "You're going to spend $100,000." "She's going to take everything. "Why didn't you have a prenup?" Why don't you have a prenup, you wonder?  YOU ARE NOT ALONE Five years ago I almost died in the Pacific Ocean. I had walked into the water that overcast afternoon confident and carefree. But somewhere between playing in the surf and treading water, I lost my strength. All of a sudden I realized my arms and legs were exhausted, I was out of breath, and I knew I was in trouble. I fought a rip tide, stupidly, and yet with all of the force I could muster, battling wave after wave. I grew increasingly frustrated, then scared. What began as simple ocean play became a near-death encounter, which sobered me and ultimately redirected the entire course of my life and career. This was supposed to be my first relaxing week in a long time. Just a few months prior, I had quit my first job at a law firm, against the sound advice of loved ones. I was tired and disconnected from why I'd thought becoming a lawyer would be a good idea in the first place. But still, there was a small but dedicated voice inside that kept nagging at me, urging me to make my career into something I believed in. I didn't want to use my waking hours simply paying bills and passing the time. The week away in Costa Rica at a dear friend's wedding was supposed to be a welcome and relaxing break from the monotonous and demanding day-to-day routine that existed for me back at home in San Francisco. I really wanted the vacation to provide a sense of clarity and purpose. But instead, I experienced a complete breaking. Before I realized what had happened,  the powerful ocean had separated me from safety and security. I was like a tiny, insignificant pawn, bobbing up and down on the surface of this deep and commanding body of water. The rest is a painful blur, but I remember the moments after I was pulled from the water, sitting on the beach, just staring at the sea. I did not marvel at the ocean's power; I did not reflect on white light or experience warm feelings about coming close to death or earning a second chance. Instead, I experienced gloom, insecurity, and sadness. I felt a quiet desperation.  My thirty minutes negotiating for my life left me feeling betrayed. I'd grown up with an unusual comfort in and around oceans, lakes, and rivers. Now after arriving back home to San Francisco, I panicked near any body of water. It wasn't just the ocean, either, but bathtubs, driving over the Bay Bridge on my commute, or sitting near a swimming pool. I walked around in a haze, questioning everything, including why I had even lived through the experience. I was not myself. I was having a hard time concentrating on my work. I wasn't sleeping well. I felt like I was coming undone or somehow fading away. It was a dark time that moved in slow motion. But after a few months, just as quickly as it had come in, the fog parted. I felt a sense of clarity; I didn't feel cheerful or buoyant, but eventually I realized that I had a new perspective: I had experienced a profound vulnerability in Costa Rica. It made me uncomfortable, but it also reminded me that I was human.  WE KNOW YOU ARE HUMAN We work with clients all over the bay, but every client has a different set of important, unique needs - a seemingly silent struggle that feels isolated and foreign. Our attorneys - each of whom have personal experience with divorce and all the vulnerability and change that comes along with it - aim to guide you through your most difficult transitions. We believe that listening to you, focusing on what you want, rather than falling back on stock legal advice, is the only way to thoroughly understand a case and your desired outcome. Our firm operates more like a start-up than a traditional law office. We keep our space minimal and open, and work with a “less is more” mentality. Our divorce attorneys are energetic, compassionate, and creative. Commitment and collaboration form the bedrock of our approach. This experience is not what you thought it would be; we get that. We make this about you.  We are continually humbled by the glowing testimonials we receive from past clients. Case after case, we receive thanks not only for our expert legal representation, but also for the evident importance we place on connecting at the human level. We know we owe our success to our ability to truly listen to our clients and quickly respond. We are proud of the kind of firm we have created and the kind of law we are practicing. We understand that each family requires a unique approach. Our lawyers and amazing support staff are here for you. We understand that you feel confused and fearful. But we know that there is a path forward; a life preserver, if you will. Come in and talk with us about where you are at, and let's get you back on your feet. Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com ◈ Interior Pages — 7 pages crawledChild Custody and Support - Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda County - Meakins Law — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Child Custody and Support Child custody and child support are often emotional and contentious issues in a divorce proceeding. If such matters are mishandled, the children can be the ones to pay the highest the price – an outcome that we are committed to avoid. It is always our goal to provide a stable home for children of parents who are pursuing a divorce, by effecting an outcome where new home conditions resemble pre-divorce conditions and routines to the greatest degree possible. To this end, we diligently work on behalf of our clients to make sure that child support accurately reflects the income of both parties. Furthermore, in order to avoid any unnecessary financial hardship, we will relentlessly seek to uncover any hidden or undisclosed assets that could be of benefit to the client and children involved. Should a divorce proceeding end up in Court, the Judge will make every effort to create an environment of continuity and normalcy for the child, taking into account such issues such as the age and health of the child and the child’s emotional ties with the parents, whether or not there is a history of family violence or substance abuse. Whatever course a child support and child custody case takes, clients should rest assured that the comfort and well-being of the children will remain our team’s number one priority as we strive to ensure that each parent retains the means to provide a loving and prosperous home. Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Our Office — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Meakins Law is located in Berkeley in the Fourth St. shopping district. To schedule a consultation, send an email to [email protected] , or submit the form on our Contacts  page. Parking is easy and validated. Berkeley Address:  1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Postnuptial Agreements — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact 0 0 1 279 1596 Meakins Law 13 3 1872 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE Postnuptial Agreements While postnuptial agreements are still not commonplace, their growing popularity testifies to their invaluable role in setting a marriage on firm foundations – not necessarily an “unromantic” gesture at all, we believe. The postnuptial agreement is a contract that allows couples to solidify their relationship expectations; ultimately, it is there to protect the property rights of both partners. In the disappointing event of dissolution, couples that took this simple, prudent step can expect a more amicable and streamlined divorce. Meakins Law is executing a growing number of postnuptial agreements for practically-minded couples. Our attorneys are skilled at addressing complex financial issues, including business and corporate interests, pensions and retirement plans, stock portfolios and real property, in order to craft a perfect agreement. At Meakins Law, we completely understand the initial awkwardness that many clients feel about discussing money matters and the possibility of dissolution. We encourage our clients to think of a postnuptial agreement as just one of many significant practical decisions that they will make as they build a life together. We believe this is a heartening step, and our team is skilled at making couples feel comfortable with the idea and fostering a constructive dialog around it, guiding them toward an outcome in which the assets of both partners are protected.   You can rely on Meakins Law to assist in creating a contract that will strengthen your bond as well as protect your assets. Every couple can utilize family law contract representation in order to lay a strong foundation for a happy and stable life. Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Contact - Meakins Law | Berkeley and San Francisco Divorce Attorneys — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact To schedule a consultation, send an email to  [email protected] or fill out the form below.    Feel free to give us a call at 510-922-1031. I understand and agree that Meakins Law will have no duty to keep confidential the information I am now transmitting. By clicking “Submit,” I agree that Meakins Law’s review of the information I am providing will not preclude the firm from representing another client, including one who is directly adverse to me. Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Testimonials — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact “ Working with Brook - and her associates - made a very difficult and emotional process seem less intimidating because I knew I had a diligent and extremely professional advocate in my corner. She was poised yet assertive in the courtroom and really helped me feel at ease throughout the entire legal process. I appreciated her communication via email, she was always timely and thorough in our exchanges, and available when I needed to speak with her in person or by phone. I also appreciated her attention to detail when presenting me with invoices. She accounted for each minute and hour, as opposed to other attorneys who just send a bill with “3 hours” and a charge. I will consider Brook my attorney for life, and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a reliable, ethical, professional and friendly attorney. ” — Sondra M. “ Brook is everything you want in a lawyer. She is tough and incredibly bright. She’s a great listener. She knows the law inside and out. And, most importantly to me, she is kind. I know from experience Brook is passionate about family law and environmental law, but she seems passionate about the law period. She’s one of those rare people who knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up, worked really hard, made it happen, and continues to live it every day. Brook assisted me through a prenuptial agreement. It was tense for me at the beginning because I had never gone through the process before. Brook immediately made me feel at ease. I felt supported, not only for the drafting and initial singing of the agreement, but down the road. If anything comes up, I know she will be the right person to have as a legal advocate. I feel protected. You can’t put a dollar amount on that feeling. I fully recommend Brook. On a scale of one to five stars, she deserves six. ” — Tony L. “ Brook is a fantastic attorney. From day 1, she showed genuine care for us and our situation. Brook helped us focus on the most important outcome: the welfare of our children. She works efficiently, is approachable, responsive, and super sharp, while at the same time she took time to make sure we were ok throughout the whole process. She is amazing to watch in court! If only I had her help when I went through my divorce four years ago. Some background: my wife and I have been dealing with an extremely difficult custody timeshare and co-parenting situation with my ex for years. We’ve been patient through all the drama and kept a paper trail. My ex was not willing to go to mediation and flaunted the MSA with disregard for any consequence. Brook helped us understand what we should and shouldn’t tolerate and engaged calmly with the other side despite diatribes, lies, avoidance, and a general lack of cooperation. Brook kept us prepared for court and ultimately won us a better custody arrangement than what we’d hoped for. The children are extremely happy and we don’t have to waste all of our time dealing with the drama. ” — Frank Chang “ I’ve never worked with a lawyer before Brook...and now I never want to work with anyone but her! She made all of the scary stuff not so scary and was exceptionally responsive, articulate and understanding. She has become an invaluable resource for me and my company. I really can’t say enough about how fabulous my experience has been. ” — Megan Clark “ Professional, yet personable... intelligent, insightful and informative. These are the words I would use to describe Brook Meakins. As my attorney, she was always available to answer my questions - with confidence, knowledge and finesse. In the courtroom, I was proud to have her representing me as she was never frazzled, always collected - and very quick with a keen idea or response. Brook and her adept team will definitely be my first call in the future, should the need ever arise again. ” — Dave M. “ Words cannot express the pleasure I had working with Brook. I was thoroughly impressed with her work. She kept billable time low while doing all the necessary things to be effective. She also kept me informed during all phases of the work. First, I was a little bit skeptical because I knew attorneys bill for their time. However, I was very surprised that my total bill was less than what she originally quoted! Brook definitely exceeded my expectations! ” — Jerry Ho “ I married the man of my dreams after a committed seven year relationship in the most beautiful beach front South Lake Tahoe wedding. Even prior to our marriage, we enjoined or professional and family lives; partnered well to raise children; traveled, worked out, dined, slept, played, cried and rejoiced together. Four years later my world came crashing down around me and I found myself in the midst of a very contentious divorce with a man I still loved but felt like I barely knew based on his then current behavior. After six months of going it alone and getting nowhere, I accepted that an amicable out of court settlement was a figment of my imagination and reluctantly sought legal assistance. The attorneys I interviewed did not seem to get me and that I wanted to do no harm. I simply sought a fair settlement. I was sitting in court one day waiting for my name to be called for a hearing and Brook Meakins appeared before the court on another case. Her demeanor/appearance was professional, her words competent, her delivery firm but her disposition remained kind. I was immediately impressed—so much so I followed her out of the courtroom to inquire about having her represent me in my case. The rest is history. Everything that Meakins claims on its introductory page is true to the letter. The team listens. The approach is collaborative driven by your desired outcome. They understand what you are going through and offer a compassionate approach to what will most likely line up with one of life’s most undesirable events. I get that divorce is unpleasant. However, when managed by knowledgeable and capable legal professionals like Meakins Law, navigating the process is made significantly less stressful for you. Brook Meakins, David Worsham and the Meakins team picked up my case in mid-stream, aligned with my stated desired outcome and developed a strong case in my favor. Ultimately I was awarded a settlement greater than ten times what I originally requested from my spouse. Meakins is not your average law firm—they are family. ” — Lattice A Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Team — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Brook Meakins Brook is a passionate advocate for her clients and is committed to seeking creative resolutions that are uniquely tailored to match client goals.  She spends her days in court, and otherwise working with her team to ensure that all Meakins Law clients get the same attentive, specialized care that the firm quickly became known for. In addition to her family law practice, Brook is very involved in environmental climate-change advocacy work. In both realms she is a fierce champion of the rights of others, and it is this attribute that drives her success as an attorney and sets the tone for the entire firm. She devotes the same vibrant energy and attention to all of her clients, whether they are island nations affected by climate change or single fathers seeking greater involvement in their children’s lives.  Brook is fully committed to bringing the needs and desires of the client to the forefront of every discussion, never allowing the complexity of the law to hamper communication. Her gift for balancing an empathetic, resolution-focused mindset with an unflinching commitment to a just outcome is what differentiates her from her peers. Brook’s clients sense her dedication; her results speak for themselves. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law and hails from Eugene, Oregon. When she and her husband eventually found their way down to the Bay Area, they fell in love with the quality of life and decided to make it their home. David Worsham, Attorney Originally hailing from the Midwest, David graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He was a member of American Constitution Society Board, Federalist Society and Maritime Law Journal Tech Editor. David received his BA in American Studies with a minor in Philosophy from Fordham University in New York. David has long been fascinated by the role of Family Law in American society, and the impact of this relationship upon definitions of “family” and “marriage.” When he’s away from the office, David loves to follow baseball, experiment in the kitchen and explore all of the great restaurants, music and art venues that the Bay Area has to offer.   Vivianne Kelly, Attorney Wanting to help families and children in difficult situations, Vivianne's big heart led her to choose family practice straight out of Loyola Law School in 2011. Recognizing that a law school education did not address the emotional and psychological aspects of family law litigation, she returned to school to earn her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, which she completed in 2016. Vivianne trained intensively in counseling techniques and provided 500 hours of therapy under supervision, on top of many hours of psychology classes. With broad knowledge of child development, healthy relationships, mindfulness, and healthy coping tools, Vivianne takes seriously her role as a trauma-informed counselor at law. Her psychology background also gives her a strategic edge in emotional family law litigation and negotiations. Vivianne has a sharp legal mind and provides tough advocacy but gentle feedback. Most importantly, her dedication, responsiveness and availability to her clients during what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives provides a source of reliable support and reassurance when everything else might feel up in the air.      Bita Ashtari, Attorney Bita Ashtari is a distinguished attorney who earned her Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2006 and an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from California Western School of Law. With nearly two decades of experience, Bita has successfully handled complex cases, with her experience expanding to criminal defense, family law, and immigration. She founded Access Justice Project, a non-profit aimed at improving access to justice for low-income and self-represented litigants. Bita is deeply committed to pro bono work, providing legal services to detained migrants, and has been recognized with the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono legal services for three consecutive years. A strong advocate for mentorship, Bita serves on the Board of Advisors for the Iranian American Bar Association - San Diego Chapter, where she raises awareness for the Iranian American community and mentors future legal professionals. Jaya Reddy, Attorney Jaya Reddy is a Bay Area native and committed family law practitioner, focusing on complex financial disputes including spousal and child support and family businesses, high-net worth marital dissolutions, and child custody and visitation disputes. She is a skilled trial attorney, negotiator, client-centric advocate and strategist, and passionate problem solver.  Jaya earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in English from UCLA, and J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, graduating in the top 25% of her law school class. She enjoys oral advocacy and has competed in speech and debate, mock trial, and moot court competitions since the age of five. She volunteers regularly at local legal clinics to ensure access to justice, and is serving her second term as President of the Board of Directors of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley (APABA SV). Jaya is committed to serving families, solving problems with compassion, and achieving clients' goals. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, tennis player, pickleballer, San Francisco Giants fan, and crossword puzzler.   Angela Nelson, Paralegal and Office Manager An Oakland native, for better or for worse, Angela brings to her work a precise eye and a pleasant spirit. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University, she is passionate about the needs of children and families which greatly informs her work at Meakins Law. After a well rounded career in Early Childhood Education, ranging from infant care to youth development, Angela decided to pursue an American Bar Association approved certificate in Paralegal Studies from Cal State East Bay. She quickly realized how her enthusiastic attitude toward children would translate well into a family law environment. Working for the Alameda County DA's office for 5 years provided her with valuable understanding of civil litigation and a unique perspective on what it means to truly put people first.  Outside of work Angela is a proud soccer mom to her son, budding self-taught floral designer, boba connoisseur and would drop anything to go to the beach. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and reading books about spirituality.  Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com Berkeley Divorce Lawyer - Oakland Divorce Lawyer | Meakins Law — Divorce Attorney Berkeley | San Francisco | Meakins Law About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Navigation About Meakins Law Team Practice Areas Divorce Child Custody and Support Postnuptial Agreements Testimonials Our Office Contact Divorce We know that when couples marry, they expect to live happily together for the rest of their lives, raising a family, sharing their assets and accumulating a lifetime’s worth of wonderful memories. They do not expect divorce, although we know that 50% of marriages end this way. As a result, the divorce process can easily become bitter and acrimonious. We work with our clients to make the divorce process as painless and streamlined as possible because we know what a stressful time it can be.  It is our job to make sure the division of assets in a divorce is fair and equitable. We take special care with matters of child support, which we know can become contentious. We work on behalf of our clients to identify income and expenses and, if applicable, discover hidden or nontraditional sources of income in order to reach the fairest and most beneficial agreement possible. The best interest of the child is always a priority in a divorce. The best-case scenario for a client is an uncontested divorce proceeding, in which both parties agree on division of property and assets and a plan for child custody and support. Clients can expect our firm to settle such a case within a reasonable timeframe and at minimal cost, allowing them to move on with their lives, careers and relationships with their children, while retaining their rightful assets. In situations where an amicable agreement is not possible, the divorce will necessitate litigation and the Court will make the final decisions about the division of property. In such situations, clients can rely on our team of skilled, tenacious litigators to vigorously represent them in court. However, at Meakins Law, we do believe that lengthy legal battles often wind up benefitting lawyers more than their clients. For this reason, we will always strive to achieve a satisfactory settlement instead. Meakins Law | www.meakinslaw.com