Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney

What Happens to My Business in a Divorce?

Episode Summary:In this episode, family law attorney Ellie Sweeney breaks down how California law treats business interests during divorce. She explains the difference between separate and community property, how business value is determined, and what happens when a business increases in value during marriage. Ellie also covers common mistakes business owners make, how goodwill and reputation affect valuations, and strategies to protect your business while navigating divorce.
Key Timestamps:
00:00: Understanding business division in divorce01:20: How ownership before and during marriage affects rights03:30: The role of forensic accountants and expert witnesses05:00: Calculating community interest06:30: Why expert valuations are critical08:10: Balancing fair division with keeping operations running10:00: How intangible assets affect valuations11:00: Forthcoming documentation and expert guidance
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney offers practical guidance to families and professionals navigating divorce, custody, and property division in California. Attorney Ellie Sweeney provides clear strategies to protect assets, reduce stress, and ensure fair legal outcomes.

How to Resolve Family Disputes Without Destroying Relationships

Episode Summary:In this episode, family law attorney Ellie Sweeney shares strategies for resolving family disputes through mediation, negotiation, and settlement—without going to court. She discusses how families can protect relationships, reduce emotional stress, and save on legal costs. Ellie also explains the differences between mediation and settlement negotiation, common mistakes clients make, and tips for approaching divorce and custody matters with clarity and dignity.
Key Timestamps:
00:00: Why settlement is often preferable to court02:10: Mediation, private judges, and attorney-assisted negotiations05:00: How to prioritize and trade off key issues07:50: Differences from mediation and when it’s effective09:50: Benefits of resolving disputes outside court10:50: What clients need to know before negotiations12:00: Being inflexible or hung up on minor points12:50: Protecting relationships while achieving fair outcomes
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney offers practical guidance to families navigating divorce, custody, support, and settlement matters in California. Attorney Ellie Sweeney helps clients resolve disputes with clarity and dignity, focusing on solutions that protect relationships and reduce stress.

What to Expect in a Family Court Trial

Episode Summary
In this episode of Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity, Ellie Sweeney, a California family law attorney, explains what to expect when a family law case goes to trial. She breaks down how trials differ from hearings or settlement conferences, what the courtroom process looks like, and how clients can prepare emotionally and legally for the experience.
Ellie also discusses how judges handle family law trials, the importance of client testimony, and why preparation and honesty are key to achieving fair outcomes in court.
 
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What a family court trial is and how it differs from hearings or settlements02:00 – When family law cases go to trial and which issues lead to it04:00 – Who can attend a family court trial and courtroom rules06:00 – The role of the judge and how trials are managed08:00 – Why most clients must testify in family court10:00 – How long family court trials last and what affects the timeline12:00 – Common surprises clients face during trial14:00 – How to handle stress and emotions in court15:00 – Ellie’s advice for first-time clients preparing for trial
 
About the Show
Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity features Ellie Sweeney, a California family law attorney helping clients across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Each episode offers practical insight into divorce, custody, child support, and trial preparation, empowering individuals to navigate family court with clarity and confidence.

When to Get a Restraining Order in California Family Court

Episode Summary
In this episode of Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity, Ellie Sweeney, a California family law attorney serving Los Angeles and Ventura counties, breaks down everything you need to know about restraining orders in family court.
She explains the difference between civil and criminal restraining orders, when they’re appropriate, and what evidence the courts look for. Ellie also discusses how restraining orders impact custody arrangements and what to do if you feel unsafe at home.
Whether you’re dealing with domestic violence, harassment, or emotional abuse, this episode provides clarity on how to seek protection and understand your legal options.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What a restraining order is and who it protects02:00 – The difference between civil and criminal restraining orders04:30 – When a restraining order is appropriate and what counts as abuse06:00 – Understanding emotional, mental, and financial abuse08:00 – The process for filing and obtaining a restraining order10:00 – How quickly a judge can issue a protective order12:00 – Evidence judges consider in restraining order cases13:30 – How restraining orders affect custody and visitation rights15:00 – What happens if a restraining order is misused16:00 – Immediate steps to take if you feel unsafe at home
About the Show
Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity is hosted by Ellie Sweeney, a California family law attorney who helps clients navigate divorce, custody, child support, and protective order cases. Each episode offers practical guidance to help individuals protect their families, understand their rights, and move forward with confidence.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Family Lawyer

Episode Summary:In this episode, Ellie Sweeney explains how to get the most out of your first consultation with a family lawyer. From what documents to bring, to which questions matter most, Ellie shares how preparation and honesty set the stage for a smoother legal process. Whether you’re considering divorce, custody, or support, knowing what to expect can ease your stress and help you move forward with clarity.
Key Timestamps: 00:50 – What to expect from the first consultation 02:10 – Important documents to bring to your meeting 03:45 – Key questions clients should be ready to answer 05:20 – When it’s too early—or the right time—to see a lawyer 06:40 – Why honesty and full disclosure matter 08:15 – Helping clients set priorities without overwhelm 09:50 – What not to stress over in the first meeting 11:10 – The problem with relying too much on online research 12:00 – How to feel more confident before your first appointment
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney is a podcast dedicated to helping Californians navigate divorce, custody, and family court with confidence. Hosted by attorney Ellie Sweeney, each episode breaks down complex family law issues with clarity, compassion, and practical advice, empowering clients to protect their rights and their families.

How Is Child Support Calculated in California?

Episode Summary:Child support can feel confusing and overwhelming for parents—both for those expecting to pay and those seeking support. In this episode, Ellie Sweeney explains how child support is calculated in California, what it covers, what it doesn’t, and the tools courts use to determine fair amounts. From income considerations to custody timeshares, Ellie breaks down the process in a clear and practical way while addressing common questions about enforcement, modifications, and unpaid support.
Key Timestamps:
01:05 – What child support covers and what it doesn’t03:10 – Private school, vacations, and extracurriculars explained04:40 – How California calculates support: income + custodial timeshare06:25 – Can parents agree outside the guideline formula?07:50 – How courts handle unemployed parents and imputed income10:05 – Proving hidden income and lifestyle discrepancies in court12:20 – Extracurriculars, uninsured medical expenses, and who pays14:35 – When and how child support orders can be modified15:30 – Enforcement tools: wage garnishment, liens, frozen accounts16:45 – Consequences of unpaid support, including interest and federal penalties
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney is a podcast dedicated to helping Californians navigate divorce, custody, and family court with confidence. Hosted by attorney Ellie Sweeney, each episode breaks down complex family law issues with clarity, compassion, and practical advice, empowering clients to protect their rights and their families.

Child Custody Battles: What Judges Are Really Looking For

Episode Summary:When parents face custody disputes, one of the most pressing questions is: what do judges actually look for when making decisions? In this episode, Ellie Sweeney explains how California courts approach custody, what “the best interest of the child” really means, and which factors matter most. She also clears up common misconceptions, highlights mistakes parents should avoid, and shares practical strategies to help parents protect their rights while keeping their children’s well-being at the center.
Key Timestamps:
01:15 – The guiding principle in all custody decisions: best interest of the child03:00 – Legal vs. physical custody explained05:10 – Key factors judges actually weigh in custody cases07:40 – Misconceptions: what courts don’t prioritize09:20 – Why co-parenting behavior is critical to custody outcomes12:15 – How text messages and social media posts end up in court14:10 – The role of a child’s preference and the age threshold in California16:20 – Substance abuse vs. emotional instability: how courts handle each18:30 – The biggest mistakes parents make during custody disputes20:15 – Modifying custody as children grow and circumstances evolve
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney is a podcast dedicated to helping Californians navigate divorce, custody, and family court with confidence. Hosted by attorney Ellie Sweeney, each episode breaks down complex family law issues with clarity, compassion, and practical advice, empowering clients to protect their rights and their families.

Meet Ellie Sweeney: What You Need to Know Before Entering Family Court

Episode Summary:In this premiere episode of Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity, California family law attorney Ellie Sweeney discusses what clients can expect when stepping into family court for the first time. Ellie shares her journey into family law, why empathy and strategy are at the heart of her practice, and the importance of tailoring legal strategies to each client’s unique priorities. From custody disputes to asset division, Ellie explains how California courts approach these matters, how parents can prepare emotionally and practically, and why seeking professional guidance early can make all the difference.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show introduction02:00 – Ellie’s journey into family law and why it became her passion05:15 – Her client-centered approach: prioritizing what matters most09:30 – Types of family law cases Ellie typically handles13:40 – Balancing empathy with advocacy in emotionally heavy cases17:25 – What to expect in a first consultation with a family law attorney21:15 – How California courts approach custody and visitation disputes25:40 – Dispelling the myth that mothers automatically get primary custody29:30 – Helping clients prepare emotionally and practically for family court34:10 – The importance of keeping clients informed and involved during their case38:20 – Why family law attorneys sometimes play a “therapist role”42:00 – Why Ellie recommends professional therapy alongside legal guidance45:15 – Common misconceptions about handling cases without an attorney49:30 – Why it’s never too late to consult an attorney, even after judgment
 
About the Show:Your Rights, Your Voice: Family Law Clarity with Ellie Sweeney is a podcast dedicated to helping Californians navigate divorce, custody, and family court with confidence. Hosted by attorney Ellie Sweeney, each episode breaks down complex family law issues with clarity, compassion, and practical advice, empowering clients to protect their rights and their families.