PRACTICE AREAS

Custody & Parenting Time (Visitation)

We know how important custody and visitation are to you. We have experience in both litigating these matters through trial and sculpting agreements between the parents. We will help you find the solution that works best for your family and situation.

Child Support

Child support can be just as nuanced as custody agreements. Situations and circumstances change, especially during these uncertain times. We can help you understand your obligations and reach an equitable solution that provides for your children.

Parentage/Paternity

We have a depth of experience in helping individuals navigate the difficulties of parentage. One of the most stressful situations that can arise in Family Law is establishing parentage, and in some cases defending it. Let us use our experience to help you in this difficult matters.

Child Abuse & Neglect

The attorneys as BERNIKER & PFAFF have decades of experience in litigating child abuse and neglect, both within the juvenile dependency system and in traditional family court. We can answer your questions and help you find the solution for your situation.

Guardianship

Guardianships can arise in a multitude of situations.  A guardianship is when someone who is not a parent of a child gets custody of that child, due to circumstances which can be both voluntary and involuntary. We can assist with explanations of your legal options, how to ask for a guardianship, and how to end a guardianship. We have a lot of experience in this area and will endeavor to help you whatever your goals.

Adoption

Adoptions can be complicated. We can provide you with details about the different types of adoptions, how to proceed and what the best options are for you and your situation. 

Dependency Law

One of the fastest moving and most complicated areas you can deal with in Family Law is the juvenile dependency court process. The purpose of dependency court is to protect minors from abuse and neglect. The Court keeps minors with their families whenever possible. However, the court will take a minor from the parents if it must for the child’s wellbeing and safety. If the court has taken your minor child from your home, we will work with you to navigate the court process, and work with the court, your family, and the minor child to improve the home conditions so that the child can return to your care.

Social Security Disability

We have experience guiding clients through the appeals process for social security disability benefits. We understand the difficulties in living day to day with a disability. We will help you get through the labyrinth that is dealing with the Social Security Administration and its appeals process. Let us help you with your claim so that you can receive the benefits to which you are entitled. 

Veterans’ Disability

One of our passions at our office is ensuring that the men and women who have served our country receive the help and benefits to which they are entitled. We will fight for you to receive the rating and benefits which you have earned through your service. Wherever you are in the process, let us help you as you have helped our country. 

Administrative Hearings

Our office has a lot of experience handling administrative hearings before a plethora of agencies. Whether your case involves the State Personnel Board, SCERS, a school district or other administrative agency, we can guide you through the process to the best result for you. Let us use our experience to help you through the process. 

Employment Law

Whether your matter involve wage hour issues, retaliation, a hostile work environment or other issues of employment, our attorneys have experience in resolving employment cases in our client’s favor. We can explain the process, the steps and how to get to the outcome you desire. If you or a loved one have an employment related issue, please contact our office for a consultation.