Samantha Schales
Associate Attorney - Fresno Office at Borton Petrini, LLPSamantha N. Schales is an associate in the Fresno office of Borton Petrini, LLP. Samantha received a Bachelor of Arts in History with an emphasis in Legal Studies from La Sierra University. She received her Juris Doctorate from San Joaquin College of Law. During law school, Samantha began her legal career at Borton Petrini as a Certified Law Clerk where she gained valuable experience in family law and probate. As a Fresno lawyer, Samantha represents clients in all aspects of family law including dissolution, legal separation, spousal support, property division, child custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, guardianships, and adoptions. Prior to her legal career, Samantha spent ten years teaching high school students in both Kings County and Fresno County. This experience has given her a unique perspective in matters involving children. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her large extended family, reading, watching Broadway musicals, and attending concerts.
- Family Law
- Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
- Divorce
- Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
- California
- State Bar of California
- ID Number: 357041
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- Associate Attorney
- Borton Petrini, LLP
- - Current
- Law Clerk
- Borton Petrini, LLP
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- San Joaquin College of Law
- J.D. (2024) | Law
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- Honors: Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Contracts, Juvenile Dependency, and Family Law
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- La Sierra University
- B.A. (2014) | History, with an emphasis in Legal Studies
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- Honors: Graduated Magna Cum Laude
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- State Bar of California # 357041
- Member
- Current
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- Q. Can I modify alimony payments due to retirement and health issues at age 72?
- A: In general, the change in your income would be considered a change in circumstances by the court. This should allow you to file a Request for Order to modify spousal support. You can inform the court of your new income and your former spouse's ability to collect Social Security derivative benefits.
However, this is all under the assumption that there is no language in your dissolution judgment that would prevent you from modifying spousal support. It would be helpful to consult with an attorney and provide them with your judgment documents to accurately determine your options going forward.
