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Stacy M. Rocheleau
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Stacy M. Rocheleau
Rocheleau Law Group
375 North Stephanie
Las Vegas, NV 89014
Phone: (702) 914-0400 | Fax: (702) 914-0256
http://www.rocheleaulaw.com
Experienced, Aggressive and Trusted Representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
We do not condition representation on the type of case or client. We believe that everyone should have competent representation.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Student Rights
- Trade & Technical Schools
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
We do not condition representation on the type of case or client. We believe that everyone should have competent representation.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
NV, Oct 2001
Bar Number: 7886
Other Court Admissions
All courts in the state of Nevada and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Association Memberships
Nevada State Bar, Clark County Bar Association, Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys and Southern Nevada Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
Although our annual family law conference provides 100% of our yearly continuing legal education requirements, I continue to attend various seminars throughout the year to keep updated on new laws in other areas that impact family law issues, such as business valuations, forensic accounting, pensions, etc.
Example Cases
1. We had one spouse awarded more than one-half of the marital assets due to the other spouse wasting money on gambling.
2. We prevented visitation because one parent is a habitual drug user.
3. We fought for and received permission for a parent to move from the state of Nevada with the children.
4. We worked to terminate parental rights of a father so that the mother and her new husband (who was the only "father" the child had known) could adopt.
5. We helped set aside a prenuptial agreement with the court awarding one-half of the marital residence to the wife.
6. We had child support awarded above the statutory percentage.
7. We removed one person from the home during the proceedings (exclusive possession).
8. We obtained guardianship over minor children as well as parents.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of San Diego School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1996
Honors:
Moot Court Oral Advocate Award, 1992
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Whittier College
City:
Whittier
State:
CA
Year:
1991
Focus and Accomplishments:
Business administration with an emphasis in accounting
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Nevada
Firm Focus and History
Founded in 2003, with our litigation team's vast experience, our firm enjoys a reputation of integrity and superior results.
We employ a client based approach, which means that we are selective in the cases we take so that we can be available to our clients. We spend time with you to thoroughly understand the facts of your case, so that we can provide you with a comprehensive and realistic legal evaluation.
We offer a comprehensive range of services including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, visitation, division of property/assets/debts, child support (enforcement and modification), alimony, paternity and complex financial issues. Our primary focus is on domestic relations/family law.
Previous Employment Summary
I have experience in general civil litigation, commercial litigation and domestic representation.
Activities and Awards
I am part of the Nevada Ask-a-Lawyer program, which is a pro-bono project.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Educating on a single issue to better understand what is legally happening in a case is valuable for the client's understanding of his/her case. Self-representation, however is another issue. Client are certainly entitled to represent themselves, but there is a reason for the saying "the lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client" especially in a domestic matter. First, these cases tend to be extremely emotional for the parties. A client who represents him/herself is at a disadvantage due to the emotions that often cloud reasoning. The ability to have a third party who is not emotionally involved guiding the case is priceless. Second, if clients are going to represent themselves, they must commit to it 110%. Even so much as one single word included or excluded in a divorce decree could alter the meaning. The law is so broad and ever-changing, it would be a fulltime job to research and learn every law, nuance, rule and any exceptions. There are hundreds of statutes to read and know, as well as case law from our Supreme Court that has interpreted those statutes, and if one is unfamiliar with those, an error could be made that cannot be undone. There are also local rules and procedural rules to comply with, and our judges in the Eighth Judicial District treat a person representing themselves to have the knowledge of an attorney, so there is no leniency given in cases of self-representation. It is always in a client's best interest to have competent representation, especially in matters that mean so much.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We are often approached to review documents drafted by paralegals for a flat fee. I have never seen a paralegal-drafted document that was without serious legal errors, and using a document preparer usually ends up costing the client more time and money because an attorney has to go in and fix and either undo or do what was supposed to be done in the first place. The same goes with documents a client prepares. Rarely, if ever, do they address all the legal issues. The more unfortunate situation is that the document becomes a court order, and sometimes it's too late to fix. Our past experience has shown that when we are hired for document review only, it usually results in an entire re-draft, since we understand the seriousness and consequences of documents filed in our courts. We are thorough, and pride ourselves in complete excellence. Self-prepared documents and those drafted by paralegals typically fall short of our high standards, often do not fully accomplish the intended result and may contain legal errors. For those reasons, we do not review client or paralegal prepared documents, but can be retained on an "unbundled basis" that is - hired for just one specific task - which could be the drafting of the document.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
It is difficult if not impossible to impart years and years of schooling, study of the law, case strategy, knowledge of trial techniques and rules of civil procedure without an enormous time and expense. The cost of that would be much greater than retaining an attorney outright. We would recommend hiring an attorney for representation for a single hearing on an "unbundled basis" that is - hired for just one specific task. This would keep the costs low for the client as well as give them the expertise of the attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have a driving need to help people. I am fascinated by the rationale behind the legal decisions made by our judges. I have seen people "taken" by an unscrupulous lawyer or spouse, and wanted to offer better representation than what existed.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have been involved in real estate, taxes, business analysis since a very young age, all of which can impact many areas of a domestic case. I had amazing mentors through law school who trained me in oral advocacy to be the best that I can be.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My love for people, families and especially children.
What do you like best about your career?
I love a challenge, and each and every case is different in one aspect or another. I like to fight and win, and I enjoy bringing satisfaction, closure, peace and relief to my clients. I lay my head on my pillow at night believing that, although I cannot change the entire world, in some small way I have helped make at least one person or family's life better.
Tell us about your law firm:
We were a larger firm at one time, and also handled matters in other areas of the law. We found that our clients were dissatisfied with junior associates working on their cases, and the extensive time it took to continually educate ourselves in many practice areas left little time to give our full attention to our clients. Our new direction will focus primarily on domestic issues and family law. Narrowing the scope of the firm's services will allow us to give our clients the attention they deserve, which is extremely important for those going through a contested domestic case. Also, now our clients meet and deal personally with a senior partner or attorney at every stage of the case. The care and commitment we give to each client has increased, and in turn lessens the emotional turmoil. Our wonderful staff has been with us for many years and understands that going through a domestic case is emotionally draining, and are trained to be sensitive to each clients needs.
What are your strengths and style?
Aside from my legal experience, my care and consideration for my clients and their cases places me above other attorneys in this area. While I am sensitive to my clients' needs, I do not give the same sensitivity to the opposing party. I fight hard and have been called a "bulldog" in court. Although I will argue a case strongly to the judge, I also have an inner sense and perception when the judge has heard enough. I do not jeopardize cases by continuing to argue with the judge, or arguing irrelevant points that waste the judge's time.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid reader and love the outdoors. I enjoy exercising in the morning before work, and raising my three daughters.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kim Hastings.
Fax
(702) 914-0256
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Obviously the flat fee is dependent of the work that is being performed, but gives the client the comfort in knowing up front what the entire charge will be.
Hourly Rates
Our hourly rate ranges from $145 to $295 depending on the services needed.
Free Initial Consultation?
We employ a client based approach, which means that we are selective in the cases we take so that we can be available to our clients. We spend time with you to thoroughly understand the facts of your case, so that we can provide you with a comprehensive and realistic legal evaluation.
Our process begins with a half-hour consultation which is $125, all of which is credited back to your account if we accept your case.
Typical Retainer
A retainer may range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending upon the complexity of your case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
