Divorce and Family Law Blog

December 9, 2016 / Divorce

What Happens First In Divorce Cases?

When it comes to criminal investigations, police often say that the first 48 hours are critical. After that time, memories fade, evidence is lost, suspects go into hiding, and the chance for a successful resolution basically plummets. Things do not happen quite that quickly in California divorce cases and the early results are only preliminary, […]

November 8, 2016 / Divorce

Trailblazing Divorce Laws From California

Modern divorce and family laws in the Golden State and elsewhere in the Union largely came about from the personal experiences of two California men. 27-year-old Ronald Reagan met 21-year-old Jane Wyman on the set of “Brother Rat,” a nondescript B-movie, and the couple married in 1940. By all accounts, Mr. Reagan was quite happy, […]

October 10, 2016 / Marriage

Tony Award Winner Married to Two Women for 36 Years

For most of us, marriage is a very special occasion. Two people unite and promise love, trust, and respect for the rest of their lives. There are a few rotten apples, however, who abuse the sacred vows of a marriage. On rare occasions, these rotten apples go out and marry, or attempt to marry, another […]

October 2, 2016 / Marriage

Same Sex Marriages

As you may know, many people are opposed to same sex marriage. Their argument primarily rests on the traditional definition of a “marriage” as the union between one man and one woman; that is all. This narrow traditional definition, therefore, does not provide for gay and lesbian couples. However, times have changed. We now accept […]

October 1, 2016 / Divorce

Brangelina Split Highlights Divorce Complexity and Trends

Any couple faces the challenges of marriage, but Hollywood couples are in the spotlight with an enhanced focus on the details of their private life. With this comes added complexity, particularly if the marriage ends and children are involved. Fans of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie expressed their shock in the hours immediately after the […]

September 2, 2016 / Child Custody

Emancipation in Los Angeles

If you are below the age of majority (18 years of age), you are under the control and responsibility of your parents. Hence, your parents must provide you with the essentials: food, water, shelter, et cetera. In addition, your parents are able to pick where you live and where you go to school. All of […]

September 2, 2016 / Divorce

How Gambling Affects Your Los Angeles Family Court Case

With Las Vegas and Reno only a few hours away from Los Angeles, and with a number of popular casinos beckoning here in California, many Californians go to gambling establishments for an evening of fun and recreation. However, there are a small portion of adults who are adversely affected by gambling. Approximately 2-3% of adults […]

August 21, 2016 / Child Custody

Grandparents’ Rights for Custody and Visitation in California

Are you a grandparent? Do you wish to have visitation rights with your grandchild or grandchildren? This may be a possibility here in California. However, and as discussed in detail below, certain requirements must be met before you, the grandparent, can be granted such visitation rights. This process can be convoluted. For this reason, it […]

August 16, 2016 / Spousal Support

Alimony in California

While the facts of any separation or divorce can vary greatly, generally one thing that remains constant is the that one spouse will get some form of spousal support, whether it be long-term or temporary, to allow him or her to maintain the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage. Every state has unique laws for the […]

August 14, 2016 / Community Property / Divorce

California’s Community Property Law

California is a community property state and one of only nine community property states in the United States. The others include Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Most of the states follow an equitable distribution theory. In California, as well as in the other community property states, when two individuals marry, […]