Ronald W. Summerour
Attorney At Law
When change is neccessary, we will be here to help
If you find yourself in need of a “good” family-law representation in the Bay Area, turning to Summerour Family Law for legal help is the first step in the right direction. For over 30 years, Ronald W. Summerour helped countless families work through difficult times and emotionally charged disputes, facilitating amicable solutions.
At Summerour Family Law, your family’s best interest always comes first.

Ronald W. Summerour
Every case is unique and requires an approach which best meets the needs of the client.
Ronald Summerour is an experienced divorce and family attorney who has practiced law in San Mateo County since 1977. His practice is devoted entirely to the area of family law and divorce. Since 1995, he has been certified as a Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. He understands and appreciates the stress associated with gathering information regarding one’s rights and responsibilities in order to make informed decisions relating to his or her divorce.
Areas Of Practice
- Child Custody And Visitation
- Division Of Assets And Debts
- Premarital And Marital Agreements
- Child And Spousal Support


I
ndividuals entering into a marriage frequently wish to modify their marital rights and obligations which would otherwise arise under California law. A premarital agreement is a contract between prospective spouses that deals with their marital rights and obligations after their marriage. It is frequently utilized to preserve the separate property character of assets acquired by one spouse prior to marriage, change the character of assets acquired during the marriage,and, under some circumstances, limit or obviate any obligation to pay spousal support in the event of a divorce. Premarital agreements can be structured with very defined terms to meet the needs and goals of each individual, such as the wish to maintain the separate property characterization of certain assets, such as a residence or business acquired prior to marriage.It is important that the technical requirements under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act be strictly complied with in order to establish their validity and enforceability. Our office has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting premarital agreements which meets the varying needs of our clients.


Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Marital Dissolution And Legal Separation?
Dissolution of marriage and legal separation proceedings are similar in that they both involve a determination and settlement of issues relating to property division, child custody, and support rights and responsibilities. The only significant difference is that an action for legal separation does not terminate marital status. In order to file an action for marital dissolution, a party must be a resident of the state of California for at least six months and the county where the action is being filed for at least three months prior to the filing of the petition. The petition for dissolution generally only sets forth statistical information, such as the date of marriage and the data separation in the names and ages of any children. In California, once the responding party has been served or filed a response in the divorce action, there is a waiting period of a minimum of six months before marital status can be terminated.
How is child custody determined?
If parties to a divorce have been able to maintain an amicable relationship, they may be able to reach interim agreements regarding such issues as child custody and visitation, support, and the use of community assets without subjecting themselves to the stress and expenses of formal court proceedings. In those cases where the tension and conflict between the parties frustrated their ability to arrive at fair agreements which consider the needs of both parties and the children, it may be necessary to seek interim orders from the court that will remain in effect while the parties work toward a final resolution of all issues.
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