Los Angeles Law Enforcement Divorce Attorney
The Los Angeles Police Department employs 12,894 officers and civilian employees.
There are additional local police departments, the California Highway Patrol, and many other law enforcement entities in the Los Angeles area, which brings thousands of other law enforcement professionals to the area.
When a law enforcement officer gets divorced, there are specific issues that can complicate the divorce process. The divorce lawyers at Furman & Zavatsky are experienced in the unique challenges law enforcement professionals face in the divorce process. Whether you or your spouse is the law enforcement professional, we will protect your interests during this difficult time.
What's Different in a Law Enforcement Divorce?
There are specific issues that must be addressed when a law enforcement officer gets divorced. Some of the most common include:
- The Brady Act: Most law enforcement officers are familiar with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which enacted stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of handguns. What you might not be aware of is the fact that any person convicted of a domestic violence offense is automatically a prohibited possessor for life. There is no appeal or expungement. Furthermore, “domestic violence” is defined by federal law – not by the state law which led to the conviction. It is therefore possible to be convicted of a state offense not designated as a domestic violence offense, but still lose your gun rights for life. Not surprisingly, this can have an adverse impact on your law enforcement career.Divorce leads to a surprising number of allegations of domestic violence. Some are substantiated and some are not. For law enforcement officers, it is particularly important to challenge allegations of domestic violence, because they can end your career. For law enforcement spouses, it is important to have an experienced attorney substantiate the domestic violence, because your spouse will fight the allegations as hard as possible.
- The Brady List: Every law enforcement officer is familiar with the Brady List. The Supreme Court held in 1963 that defendants have a due process right to unfavorable information held by the prosecution. This has led to the creation of a “law enforcement blacklist”, commonly called the Brady List, which provides information on law enforcement officers who have credibility issues. Most law enforcement officers are familiar with the list. You might, however, be surprised at the wide range of behavior that can earn you a spot on the list. It doesn't have to be lying under oath: deceptive answers during a disciplinary hearing can be sufficient to get your name on the list. Similarly, being misleading in a divorce deposition can also raise credibility issues. The fact that it is a personal matter has no bearing on the fact that it can negatively affect your law enforcement career.
Retain a Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer Immediately
When marital problems strike, many people feel like retaining an attorney is something they should only do when there are no options left. It is critical to understand that the things that you say and do in the months leading up to a divorce can have a significant impact on the way that your divorce is resolved and many even have affect your ability to continue on in your chosen profession.
When you retain an attorney, the first thing that he or she will do is review the facts of your case and advise you about your option. Importantly, retaining a lawyer does not mean that divorce is inevitable or that you are giving up on your marriage – it will simply make sure that your rights are protected and that your divorce, should you proceed with one, is resolved as favorably as possible. Here are some of the specific ways that a lawyer can help you:
- Advise you about your legal rights
- Advise you about how your conduct could affect the outcome of your case
- Communicate with your spouse or your spouse's attorney
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement
- Represent you in court
Contact a Los Angeles Law Enforcement Divorce Attorney
If you or your spouse works in the law enforcement field, your divorce can be complicated by the complex issues of confidentiality and accounting. The experienced family law and divorce attorneys at Furman & Zavatsky will ensure that your professional and financial interests are protected during the divorce process. We are committed to representing both law enforcement officers and their spouses throughout the divorce process. Call 818-528-3471 to schedule your free and confidential consultation today or send us an email through our online contact form.
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