Divorce and Family Law Blog

February 1, 2021 / Divorce

Marital Settlement Agreement

During a divorce process or afterward, spouses may enter a contract to resolve all of their divorce-related issues. This contract, called a marital settlement agreement, can be brought about after mediation or through negotiations between the spouses’ attorneys. What Issues are Resolved in a Marital Settlement Agreement? Spouses can resolve all marriage-related issues in a […]

January 10, 2021 / Child Custody

Do Grandparents Have Rights in California?

Family situations get complicated. Sometimes, parents may choose to withhold grandchildren from their grandparents. Painful emotions like resentment and disappointment strain interfamily relationships. Maybe you used to see your grandchildren every day or once a week. Now, you don’t see them at all. It makes sense for grandparents to feel confused and wondering “Do grandparents […]

December 14, 2020 / Legal Separation

How to File for Legal Separation in California

In California, marriage or registered domestic partnership terminates by: Couples who do not wish to divorce might choose legal separation instead. There are similarities between legal separation and divorce, but there are also differences. In a legal separation, the court decides the same issues it would in a divorce case. The court can resolve child […]

December 13, 2020 / Child Support

What Happens to Child Support if I Remarry?

Parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children regardless of custody and visitation rights. When parents remarry, they may wonder how the remarriage will affect an existing child support order. In order to understand the impact, it is important to understand both how child support is calculated and how California law generally views […]

December 12, 2020 / Divorce

Everything You Need to Know About Filing Bankruptcy After Divorce

Divorce is a common reason for filing a bankruptcy case. Many people who have gone through a divorce experience financial problems. They may have difficulty paying bills with a single income or have trouble paying bills because of their domestic support obligations. Regardless of the reason for filing bankruptcy after divorce, it is essential to […]

December 6, 2020 / Child Custody

How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody in California

A common reason for someone seeking a divorce in California is domestic violence. The California court system handles thousands of cases involving domestic violence each year. If you are being abused or your child is being abused, call the police and get help immediately to stop the abuse. After p safety for yourself and your […]

December 2, 2020 / Spousal Support

Cohabitation and Spousal Support

The California Family Code § 4323 allows a “rebuttable presumption” that spousal support can be decreased if the supported party is cohabitating with someone else. What is Cohabitation? Cohabitation refers to living with a non-marital partner with which there is an intimate, personal relationship. California law does not provide a standard definition of cohabitation, but […]

November 30, 2020 / Mediation

Mediation with Family Court Services Versus a Private Mediator

If you file a family law case that includes child custody matters, it is essential to understand the difference between Family Court Services and private mediation. There are significant differences that can impact the outcome of your custody case. Mediation through Family Court Services might be required. Also, the mediation could have substantial input in […]

November 29, 2020 / Child Custody

What is a De Facto Parent?

One of the most contentious and challenging aspects of any family law case is determining custody of the children. California family law judges operate under the principle that joint custody is in the best interest of minor children. Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule. If one or both of the parents of the child […]

November 28, 2020 / Divorce

How to Find Cheap Divorce Lawyers

Divorce can be expensive. In fact, in California, the cost of a divorce can climb well past $10,000 per spouse. The price can get even higher if matters such as child custody and determining how best to divide joint property are contested. With the prospect of a huge bill looming large, many individuals will try […]