Divorce and Family Law Blog

June 6, 2025 / Child Custody

How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Choose Which Parent to Live With in California?

One of the most emotional decisions when parents divorce is determining where a child will live. Many parents and children in California wonder whether a child can have a say in that decision. While California courts may consider a child’s preference, there are specific rules and limitations. A court must always make the decision that […]

June 4, 2025 / Child Custody

Can I Move Out of State with Joint Custody?

If you have a joint custody agreement with your child’s other parent, you must obtain permission before moving out of state with your child. While some may rely on verbal permission from the other parent, it is safest to seek a modification of the custody agreement from the courts to ensure you don’t encounter legal […]

May 15, 2025 / Family Law

What Are the Property Rights of an Unmarried Couple?

Unmarried couples often assume they share the same rights as married couples—especially when it comes to property acquired during the relationship. Even after years together, they may believe jointly used assets belong to both partners equally. However, in California, unmarried partners don’t automatically have a legal claim to each other’s property, which can lead to […]

May 14, 2025 / Social Security Benefits

Divorce and Social Security Benefits

Under California law, Social Security benefits are treated differently from other marital assets during a divorce. While California is a community property state—meaning that most assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned—federal law governs Social Security benefits. As a result, Social Security income is not subject to division as community property in a divorce. However, that doesn’t mean […]

May 10, 2025 / Child Custody

What is Parental Kidnapping?

Parental kidnapping is a serious and often confusing legal issue. It happens when one parent takes a child without the legal right to do so, often breaking a custody agreement or court order. This act can cause emotional harm to the child and create long-term problems for everyone involved. If you’re dealing with a situation […]

May 8, 2025 / Child Custody

How To Deal With A Narcissistic Parent

Someone who has a narcissistic personality can be challenging to live with, even on good days. If you’re involved in divorce proceedings or child custody issues with this person, however, it can feel impossible to get them to cooperate or even treat you fairly. Narcissism and child custody problems are particularly challenging because your child’s […]

May 2, 2025 / Divorce

5 Things to Know When Responding to Divorce Papers

If you have been handed divorce papers, you are likely experiencing a range of emotions. Even if you were expecting these documents, nothing can prepare you for the actual moment you receive them. How you respond can set the tone for your divorce proceedings in Los Angeles, CA, and ultimately determine the outcome you receive. […]

April 30, 2025 / Divorce

Does Moving Out Before a Divorce Is Finalized Cause Problems?

During the early stages of a divorce, it might make sense to move out of the marital home. However, many individuals going through divorce find that moving out can damage their divorce case, with impacts on child custody, property division, and support payments. Moving out too soon without waiting for the legal process to finish […]

April 29, 2025 / Child Support

Child Support Payment Options

Parents are expected to support their child regardless of their relationship status with the child’s other parent. California has standard child support guidelines that calculate child support amounts for parents. Judges can deviate from the base amount for several reasons. When you pay court-ordered child support, your payments are usually handled by a Child Support […]

April 28, 2025 / Divorce

Annulment or Divorce?

When a marriage ends, there are several legal paths to formally dissolve the union. The two most common options are annulment and divorce, but many people are unsure of the differences between the two. While both end a marriage, annulment and divorce have distinct legal implications and requirements. What is an Annulment? An annulment is […]