Santa Barbara Family Law

Do You Have a Family Law Question on topics including Santa Barbara Divorce, Separation, Alimony, Child Custody, or Grandparents Rights?

       Attorney Mary Quin
       The Law Offices of Mary Quin
       (805) 388-4667

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Although the Law Offices of Mary Quin specializes in family law issues such as child custody, divorce, alimony, separation and child custody, Mary Quin's own resume' is much deeper and more extensive, with experience and credentials in many aspects of law.

Quin graduated in the top 25 percent of her class at Southwestern University School of Law (Los Angeles) in 2001, with a Juris Doctorate under her arm. Along with the J.D., Quin also holds an MPA from California State University (Northridge), with a focus on constitutional law and a Bachelor of Arts, WIth Honors, in Political Science/History (University of Southern California, Santa Barbara). Her academic credentials from Southwestern also included duties as a research assistant to Professor Robert E. Lutz, and performing legal research for a paper on professional ethics for the California Bar.

After graduation, she soon proved herself at the Ventura County District Attorney's Office as a law clerk, delving into research for preliminary hearings for the office's Felony Unit. Her duties at the District Attorney's Office also included research for the Major Crimes Unit, working with the Deputy District Attorney on a capital murder case at one point.

Quin's specific interest in family law was piqued during a stint as Judicial Clerk for the Superior Court of California back in 1999. Working under the Honorable Judge Bert Glennon, Quin analyzed pleadings and papers submitted by parties, wrote memoranda with recommended rulings, attended court hearings and observed negotiation and settlement conferences in the Judge's chambers.

Her professional experience before pursuing law also included seven years (1984-1991) as a sales representative for Mercedes-Benz of North America. This involved all aspects of auto sales, including all documentation, contracts and agreements. Along the way, Quin also earned an aircraft pilot's license and Master's 100 Ton Captain's License.

She has distinguished herself with the CALI Excellence For The Future Award: Constitutional Law I and the Exceptional Achievement Award for the 2001 Criminal Law Theory Seminar. Quin is also a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity International.

Her published work on the case of Estate of Shellenbarger, 2d Civil No. B202854 (Cal. App. 12/29/2008) involved probate and family law issues that pertained to a parent's right to inherit the estate of a child with whom the parent had no contact.

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Santa Barbara Family Law Questions

Recent Sample Questions to Legal Line

My husband and his ex-wife agreed when they got divorced that they would take turns claiming their son on income tax when he turned 6 years old. The son is now 14 years old and my husband has only claimed his son twice. It’s my husband’s year to claim his son on income taxes and now the ex-wife is saying that he can't claim the son because she has him 90% of the time. My question is if she claims the son and we also claim him who is in trouble with the IRS? Also my husband and I carry my stepson on insurance and I've heard that whoever carries the insurance can claim him every year. Is that true? We need these answers fast because we are at the point of taking her to court to fight for our rights as well. My husband is not a deadbeat dad. We get my stepson every weekend instead of every other weekend because we want to see him and spend time with him. While we have him, his mother goes gambling and isn't able to pick up my stepson until 11pm on a Sunday night from her boyfriend’s sisters house. What rights do we have?
My ex-husband has our daughter three days a week but he is only off two days a week and my question is - am I entitled to have that third day that he doesn't work?
My attorney has withdrawn from my case. I have a divorce trial set for 6 weeks away and have been involved in a case for over 18 months. What are my legal rights? Do I have to hire a new attorney? If I can’t afford representation, what are my rights?
I got a call from a debt collector about a vehicle that my exhusband had when we were married 15 years ago. He let the vehicle go back because he couldn't make the payments. They cannot locate him to get the balance paid I guess. So they have found my phone number. I don't remember if my name was on the loan or not. Probably was. But he was awarded his vehicle in the divorce as I was mine. Isn't there a statute of limitations or something on how long they can try to come after a person to pay a debt? And can they legally try to get it out of me? Why now - after 15 years I just don't know for sure where to go with all this from here.
I've been divorced for over 3 yrs. I've been in a new relationship for a little over 2. The relationship is moving forward but my ex thinks he can take the kids away because I'm dating and moving forward. We've talked about marriage and I was wondering what can I do? I've even been nice and let the ex have the kids every other week and in the papers its every other weekend for him. Should I worry?
I own a modular home with a friend. The home has a clear title in both of our names stating and/or should one of us die the home would go to the other or should we want to sell it we both need to sign. If one of us dies can it be put in a will that that their half of the house goes to their designee? The house is free and clear and only our two names are listed.
My parents were granted temporary custody and guardianship four years ago. For the past two years, I have lived with them here and my parents still have the guardianship. The two children that the guardianship applies to are on Medicaid and it is through me. DFS said that the Medicaid would have to be in my name since I am the natural parent and living in the same home. DFS also claims the children’s child support etc. as part of my income. I plan on moving out and my children want to be with me, so I need to dissolve the guardianship from my parents. What do I need to do also, my son was held at the detention center a few months back, and when he appeared in front of the judge, the judge said to release him to his mother. My mom stood up and informed the judge that she was my son's legal guardian. The judge again repeated to my mom that my son was to be released to his mother. Does that have any effect on the guardianship they have?
My daughter is getting ready to turn 17 and she is moving out of our Santa Barbara house. She is staying in school, has no job or transportation and is moving in with her boyfriend. My question is - her dad pays child support and I was going to give the money to her. Does he still legally have to pay child support if she stays in school since she will no longer live with me?

*Always consult a legal professional in person before taking any legal action related to your case or situation.

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