Cage & Miles Blog | Family Law

The Pause Button: Why Slowing Down Can Actually Move Your Divorce Forward

June 12, 2025

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Don’t Be Like Denise – Why It Is So Important to Disclose ALL Your Assets in CA Divorce

February 13, 2025

We get it – divorces are overwhelming. Emotions are at an all-time high, and the other party may not be cooper...

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Enter Your Divorce One Step Ahead – Prepare Early for your PDOD!

February 13, 2025

I’m assuming that if you clicked on this article, you are either contemplating divorce or are about to start g...

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PDODs and RFOs and MSAs, oh my! – Acronyms You Need to Know in Divorce Proceedings

February 13, 2025

Are you going through a divorce? If so, have you noticed that everything is an acronym? Divorces are stressful...

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Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Couples: Does Biology Matter?

December 09, 2024

The journey to having children looks different for every queer couple. If you and your co-parent have decided ...

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Navigating the California Cost: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Future

May 15, 2024

Divorce. It's a word that evokes a range of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, and uncertainty. If you're facing ...

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The Basics of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples in California

January 11, 2024

Estate planning is the process by which a person decides who will receive their property after death and who m...

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How Deployment Affects Military Divorce in California

December 29, 2023

A military divorce is a divorce in which one or both parties are current or former military service members. D...

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Post Child Support Agreement: Tips for Coparenting after Divorce

December 12, 2023

Shared parenting agreements can put a strain on parents. However, using these five easy tips for co-parenting ...

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Tips and Strategies for Mediation in High-Conflict Divorce Cases

December 12, 2023

A high-conflict divorce occurs when a couple is unable to see eye-to-eye at any given point in their divorce m...

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Married to an Addict & Considering Divorce? Here’s How Substance Abuse Affects Divorce

December 08, 2023

Substance use disorder refers to the use of illegal substances — such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine —...

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How Domestic Violence & Divorce Affect California Gun Rights

November 13, 2023

While the United States Constitution guarantees its citizens “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,” ...

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Financial Abuse, Domestic Violence, & Divorce in California

October 16, 2023

Domestic violence is defined broadly in California to include far more than mere physical abuse. While intenti...

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Divorce and the Holidays: Tips If You Are Waiting to Divorce Until After the New Year

October 13, 2023

The holidays are a hectic time! In the past, the holidays were your favorite time of the year, and you cherish...

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Child Custody and Support During Military Parent’s Temporary Absence

October 12, 2023

Child custody proceedings, whether incident to a divorce or if the parents were never married, can be complica...

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Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner: Infidelity, Technology, and Divorce

September 12, 2023

Since 2006, Joe Jonas has been a household name as the lead singer of the pop-rock boy band, The Jonas Brother...

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Navigating Child Support for High-Income Divorce in California

September 05, 2023

A relationship breakup or divorce can be stressful enough, but when it involves a high-income earner and child...

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“Gray Divorce” – Special Considerations if You’re Divorcing Over 50

August 30, 2023

The United States has one of the highest divorce rates in the world. However, there has been a sustained and m...

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What to Expect from Military Divorce BAH & Base Housing

August 02, 2023

Members of the United States military may be eligible for a basic housing allowance (BAH) or Overseas Housing ...

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Which Type of Parenting Plan Works Best for my Family?

July 31, 2023

Divorce is hard. Going through a divorce with children is even harder, which is why it is important to have a ...

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I Was Just Served with a Temporary Restraining Order—What Do I Do Now?

July 26, 2023

You were approached by someone—a process server or a sheriff—and are handed a stack of paperwork saying that y...

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Get to Know Conservatorship vs. Guardianship in California

July 21, 2023

In California, conservatorships and guardianships are two similar but different legal constructs. In both case...

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Can Child Support Arrears Be Dismissed? Here’s the Deal...

July 17, 2023

Under the laws of the State of California, a parent has the rights and responsibilities to provide for their m...

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Top Asset Protection Strategies for Your California Divorce

July 14, 2023

When couples divorce, their marital assets need to be divided. However, dividing those assets can prove to be ...

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How Do I Extend a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

July 12, 2023

You applied for and were granted a Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order against your spouse or signif...

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How Much Child Support is Too Much? Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Requests $248K per Month

June 29, 2023

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What Messy Litigation Can Mean for Your Los Angeles Divorce

June 28, 2023

A high-conflict and/or complex divorce matter can be, as they say, “messy.” This can apply to the conflict bet...

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Your Guide to Equity Compensation Rights During Divorce

June 28, 2023

Given the rise of technology industries and the employment changes fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, many compa...

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All Alone? Consequences of Marriage Abandonment in California

June 13, 2023

During an initial divorce consultation many prospective litigants ask, “Can I claim marital abandonment in my ...

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What Not to Do in a High Net Worth Divorce in Los Angeles

June 13, 2023

Divorce can be an emotionally difficult and financially overwhelming process. This is especially true for a hi...

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6 Tips for Beginning a Military Divorce

May 26, 2023

Civilian divorces are generally governed by state law. However, federal law comes into play where one or both ...

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How Cage & Miles Can Improve Your Tax Season

May 23, 2023

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What To Do: Civil Harassment Restraining Order & Domestic Violence Restraining Order

May 23, 2023

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Military Divorce: Child Support

May 23, 2023

How does the San Diego Court Make Child Support Orders? California has a statewide uniform guideline for child...

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Need a Military Divorce Lawyer? Here’s What to Look for

May 12, 2023

Divorce in the military, whether one or both spouses are servicemembers (hereinafter referred to as a “militar...

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Get the 411 on Domestic Violence and Divorce in California

May 09, 2023

Domestic violence, particularly among marital partners, can manifest itself in ways that many people might not...

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How Does the Military Service of a Parent Affect Child Custody in San Diego?

April 20, 2023

In California, the courts make child custody decisions based on the best interest of the child. In evaluating ...

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Transmutation in San Diego

April 20, 2023

What is a “transmutation?” While the word may sound like it came from an episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtl...

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How a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Impacts Divorce Cases in San Diego

April 20, 2023

Divorce cases involving domestic violence can be tricky in San Diego. When facing allegations of domestic viol...

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How Is Custody In San Diego County Unique?

March 30, 2023

Whether you are in the middle of a child custody proceeding or thinking of filing a motion for custody in San ...

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When Would I Need To Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

December 13, 2022

When should you hire an estate planning lawyer? The answer is actually “yesterday.” Some of the most important...

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When Does an Inheritance Become Marital Property?

December 01, 2022

A common issue that arises when spouses divorce is whether a spouse’s inheritance can be considered community ...

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How to Avoid Child Support Arrears

November 17, 2022

Every parent in the state of California has a duty to support their minor children. Income, tax filing status,...

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What is the Downside of Filing for Bankruptcy?

November 15, 2022

Like any complicated financial decision, filing a petition for bankruptcy comes with pros and cons.

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What is a QDRO and When Do You Need One?

November 10, 2022

One of the biggest assets in a marital estate is a party’s retirement plan or pension.

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Top 3 Reasons Why Mediation Helps Reduce the Cost of Divorce

November 10, 2022

In mediation, a neutral professional, or a team of neutral professionals (“Co-Mediation”), assists individuals...

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Estate Planning vs. Will: What is the Difference in California?

October 13, 2022

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” That famous quote has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and st...

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California Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Need to Know

September 30, 2022

If you are struggling with debt, filing a petition for bankruptcy may be the answer. However, not all chapters...

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What Happens When Divorced Parents Disagree on the COVID-19 Vaccine

September 30, 2022

For parents sharing legal custody of their children, whether to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 has ...

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Executor of a Will: What are Their Responsibilities?

September 26, 2022

Congratulations! You have been named the executor of a will. But what is an executor? What do you need to know...

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Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: How to Choose What’s Right for You

September 22, 2022

Individuals and families planning their estates have many vehicles from which to choose. Most people will choo...

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Know Your Rights: Guardianship in California FAQs Answered

August 25, 2022

Guardianship in California is the process by which the court appoints someone other than a child’s parent to t...

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Ask a Lawyer: How Far Can a Parent Move with Joint Custody?

March 09, 2022

If you share a child or children with a former spouse or have current custody orders, moving is not as easy as...

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How to Select a Riverside Family Law Attorney

February 09, 2022

When it comes to family law, finding the best attorney to handle your unique situation is a must. That is beca...

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What to Look for in a Temecula Divorce Attorney

January 19, 2022

Once you have made the difficult decision to seek a divorce, you are likely to find the divorce process to be ...

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Military Divorce Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

December 21, 2021

Military divorce has different legal requirements than civilian divorce. Use this step-by-step guide to make t...

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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in California

December 20, 2021

If you have decided to file for divorce, Cage & Miles, LLP’s experienced attorneys can assist you in navig...

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Thinking About Divorcing an Alcoholic? Here's What You Need to Know

December 15, 2021

Cage & Miles emphasizes that your safety is the highest priority. If you or your family is experiencing do...

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Marital Settlement Agreement: What You Need to Know

December 06, 2021

A marital settlement agreement is a written agreement between the two parties in a divorce that divides proper...

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What Is Parental Alienation? Here’s What You Need to Know

November 18, 2021

Parental alienation is an act of psychological manipulation in which one parent—often the custodial parent—sab...

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Kelly Clarkson Wins Her Prenup Battle & The Fight You Could Also Face

September 28, 2021

Kelly Clarkson has been a household name since 2002, when she won the very first season of American Idol. Clar...

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Bill and Melinda Gates' Divorce: Long-Term Marriage and Business Interests

June 01, 2021

As shocking as the news may have been, it is no secret that Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates have announced...

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Can I Request an Increase in Spousal Support Post-Judgement?

May 27, 2021

At long last, your divorce is OVER. You received a large amount of funds through trial or settlement. You were...

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FAQs for Military Servicemembers Going Through Divorce

May 25, 2021

Divorce and all its related issues—child and spousal support, child custody and visitation, division of assets...

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I Want a Restraining Order, But What Constitutes “Abuse”?

May 24, 2021

“He screams at me and throws things around our house. He once punched a hole in the wall. But--he’s never actu...

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How are Stocks Split in a Divorce? And Other FAQs About Equity Compensation

May 19, 2021

It is an exciting moment for any skilled future employee of a startup or tech company: the signing of an emplo...

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Kim & Kanye Divorce: Impact of Mental Health Conditions on Child Custody in California

April 09, 2021

While some believed Kanye West's 2020 presidential bid was legitimate or part of a larger publicity stunt in a...

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Options for Understanding the Finances When Getting Divorced

March 17, 2021

In the last twelve months, with the pandemic impacting many families’ financial bottom line, I have had more p...

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Why Get a Prenup?

March 17, 2021

Prenuptial or Premarital agreements often carry with them negative connotations because people who are about t...

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Can Medical Bills Be Discharged Through a Bankruptcy Filing?

January 19, 2021

Medical bills can be financially devastating. An unexpected accident or illness can leave you with thousands o...

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Tips for Co-Parenting While School Is Still Online

January 14, 2021

How do you create stability during a time of uncertainty? After nearly a year, we had all hoped that things wo...

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How Does Marital Abandonment Affect Divorce Issues?

December 22, 2020

Your marriage has been breaking down for months and your spouse packs a bag and leaves. Later, he or she conta...

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Can I Discharge My Child Support Debt Through Bankruptcy?

December 03, 2020

Child support is an obligation that cannot be excused or dismissed in California. Under the law, parents are e...

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Benefits of Prenuptial Agreements

November 04, 2020

You have likely heard about prenuptial agreements and how they have become associated with celebrities and the...

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How to Find Money Your Spouse Has Hidden in a Divorce

November 03, 2020

California is a community property state when it comes to dividing marital assets, property, and debts in a di...

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Can Text Messages Be Used in Divorce Court?

October 15, 2020

In any divorce proceedings or other family law matter to be decided in a California court, evidence will need ...

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How the Military Divorce Process Differs from Civilian Divorce

October 02, 2020

The U.S. military has staggering rules and regulations their active duty service members must follow, and ther...

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Should I Be Offended by a Prenup?

October 02, 2020

Marriage is supposed to be the union of two people based on love and trust. So when your fiancé comes up with ...

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Shannon B. Miles Announced as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

August 10, 2020

Cage & Miles is pleased to announce that Founding Partner Shannon B. Miles just became a Fellow of the Ame...

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How Do I Protect My Credit During Divorce?

July 20, 2020

If you’re contemplating divorce, surely you have concerns about your financial health. If you decide to take t...

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What Do I Do If My Spouse Wants to Date During Our Divorce?

July 06, 2020

Going through a divorce looks different for everyone. Whether you are happy about getting a divorce or wishing...

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U.S. Passport Denials for Past-Due Child Support

June 22, 2020

Many parents enjoy traveling, especially when doing so involves exploring a new country or traveling overseas....

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Custodial Rights of Unwed Mothers in California

June 08, 2020

If you’re an unwed mother and you gave birth to a child, you’re probably wanting to know what your legal right...

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Social Media War Between Litigants

May 21, 2020

Emotions run high during a divorce, no doubt. Sometimes those same emotions get parties so worked up, they fin...

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Are the San Diego Courts Open Yet?

May 18, 2020

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the middle of March, courts across California...

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Make Sure Your Health Care Wishes Are Protected During COVID-19

May 12, 2020

Estate planning is like frequent hand-washing: something that was always important but something especially re...

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You’re Losing Your Job Due to COVID-19: What’s Next?

May 04, 2020

Since March, life has thrown a lot of people curveballs – so much that even big retailers and franchisors, suc...

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What’s Happening with the San Diego County Courts?

April 27, 2020

Officially, the San Diego County Courts have been closed to the public until April 30, 2020. During this closu...

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Help! I’ve lost my job due to COVID-19 and cannot pay support but the Courts are closed! What do I do?

April 22, 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to gloom over the globe, the economy has gravely suffered and is seeming...

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Employee Paid Leave Rights Under Families First Coronavirus Response Act

April 20, 2020

Have you been directed to quarantine because you tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? If so, ...

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Withdrawals and Loans from Retirement Plans During COVID-19

April 16, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law in an ...

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Trapped With Nowhere To Go

April 14, 2020

You and your child(ren) are ordered to remain in your home, trapped, but your home is not safe.

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Child Custody & Visitation During the Coronavirus

April 10, 2020

Many are wondering if and how custody and visitation orders are being affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, e...

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Will COVID-19 Lead to a Surge in Divorces?

April 06, 2020

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has couples self-isolating in lockdown, spending virtually 24 hours ...

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Being Behind on Child Support May Affect Your Eligibility to Receive Your Stimulus Check

April 03, 2020

Congress passed the economic relief package, which gives Americans an extra $1,200 in their pocket for use dur...

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San Diego Superior Court Suspension

March 27, 2020

On March 18, 2020, the presiding judge of the San Diego Superior Court issued an order suspending court servic...

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Beware: Child Support Arrears Can Impact Your New Marriage

March 18, 2020

In the United States, a significant number of first marriages end in divorce. Unfortunately, the chances of di...

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Can I Date During a California Divorce?

March 05, 2020

If you’re going through divorce proceedings and you’re thinking a little or a lot about taking a dip in the da...

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How the Courts View Joint Physical Custody

February 17, 2020

In the 1990s and before that, the mothers almost always got physical custody of their children in a divorce an...

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Can Mothers Seek Child Support Without Establishing Paternity?

January 20, 2020

Are you an unmarried mother who wants to know if you can get the court to issue a child support order without ...

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Can Grandparents Seek Custody in California?

January 06, 2020

Are you a grandparent who wants to know if you can go to court to ask for custody of your grandchild? Or, do y...

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Common Reasons for Child Custody Modifications

December 23, 2019

When parents first get divorced, they can be somewhat overwhelmed or daunted by the process. Sometimes getting...

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Does Child Support Come Out of Workers’ Compensation?

December 08, 2019

Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to workers who were injured in a work-related accident or who are suff...

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Does Adultery Impact Child Custody in California?

November 20, 2019

Adultery impacts countless relationships and, in many cases, can be a sign that divorce is looming. As spouses...

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How Do Parents Handle Custody During the Holidays?

November 06, 2019

For happily married parents, the holidays are usually a joyous time of year, but for recently separated parent...

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Child Custody Conflict? How the Courts Look at It

October 21, 2019

Child custody is a very important issue. It doesn’t matter if you’re legally separating, filing for divorce, o...

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Understanding Why the Courts Prioritize the Primary Caregiver

October 14, 2019

When a California family court judge makes child custody and visitation orders, they take many factors into ac...

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Divorce: Can My Spouse Get Some of My Inheritance?

October 07, 2019

Are you contemplating divorce, but at the same time you’re anticipating an inheritance in the near future? If ...

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Rights of an Unwed Father in San Diego, California

September 24, 2019

These days, it’s not uncommon for children to be born out of wedlock. It became so common that questions began...

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Are Gifts Separate Property?

September 10, 2019

You may have heard that because California is a Community Property state, marital property–or property earned ...

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Cheating Spouses Leaving Digital Trails

August 23, 2019

Spouses can get divorced for an infinite number of reasons. A common reason often cited by divorcing couples i...

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Child Custody in California: Best Interests of the Child Standard

August 09, 2019

Gone are the days when the family courts automatically assumed the mother should get the children in a divorce...

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License Suspensions for Past-Due Child Support in California

July 24, 2019

Child support is a common issue that arises between parents in paternity, legal separation, or dissolution of ...

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How to Have a 'Good Divorce'

July 10, 2019

We’re not going to candy-coat it: Divorce can be hard, extremely hard. Even when your marriage is unhealthy an...

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Does California Have Legal Separation?

June 26, 2019

Are you having marital problems with your spouse, but you’re not 100% sure that what you want is a divorce? Or...

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Do You Have to Pay Alimony if Your Spouse Cheats?

June 12, 2019

Two of the biggest causes of divorce are adultery and financial problems. Because adultery is so frowned upon ...

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Domestic Violence, Divorce & Child Custody in San Diego

May 21, 2019

Domestic violence, such as spousal abuse and child abuse, impacts all types of marriages and families. Contrar...

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If I Get Joint Custody, Do I Still Have to Pay Child Support?

May 06, 2019

Historically, when couples divorced, the mother would get primary custody of the children and fathers would ge...

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High Net Worth Divorce: Concerns for Couples

April 26, 2019

Special Considerations for High Net Worth Couples

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When Can My Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

March 15, 2019

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in California? If you are in the process of divorce o...

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5 Ways to Connect with Your Kids After Divorce

March 04, 2019

Don’t Let Divorce Drive You Apart Changes in living situations, having two separate homes, and feeling torn be...

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The Common Emotions of Divorce: You Are Not Alone

February 11, 2019

Understanding the Common Emotional Factors in Divorce As the divorce rate among Americans continues to increas...

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Domestic Violence & Divorce

February 01, 2019

When Family Law Meets Criminal Law Divorce cases are often complex and emotionally driven due to anger, sadnes...

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Substance Abuse & Your Divorce

January 14, 2019

Don’t Be Caught in the Storm Not only is drug and alcohol abuse bad for a person’s health, wellbeing and relat...

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Dating After Divorce: What Are Your Legal Rights

January 07, 2019

Do You Have the Right to Question Your Ex About Dating? At some point after divorce, it is likely that you and...

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New Spouse Interference: Effects of Remarriage on Spousal Support

December 18, 2018

When your ex-spouse remarries, their new spouse may have negative opinions about your spousal support agreemen...

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Full Custody for Dads: What to Expect

December 11, 2018

What the Court Considers When Determining Custody If you believe your children are better off with you than th...

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Child Custody & Relocation

November 30, 2018

After a divorce is finalized, parents may decide to move because of a new job opportunity, to be closer to ext...

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Your Post-Divorce Checklist

November 29, 2018

Congratulations, your divorce finally came to an end! No more deadlines to meet, papers to file, or no more ti...

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What Happens to My Personal Injury Award in a Divorce?

October 29, 2018

While divorce can be an extremely overwhelming process, it could be more difficult in the event of an injury c...

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6 Tips for Surviving the Holidays During Divorce

October 15, 2018

Although the holiday season is filled with love and joy, it can also be quite stressful and demanding. However...

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Tips for Celebrating Halloween as a Co-Parent

September 20, 2018

Halloween is often a special holiday for children who enjoy basking in the fun of crazy costumes and free cand...

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Will My 401k Plan be at Risk in a Divorce?

September 13, 2018

Everyone knows that assets and property end up on the chopping block in a divorce. However, you might be unsur...

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Restraining Orders in CA: Temporary vs. Permanent

August 31, 2018

A restraining order is used by domestic violence victims to protect themselves from further harm. If a restrai...

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Rights and Protections in Military Divorce

August 28, 2018

In the event of a military divorce, whether you are the service member or non-service member spouse, it is imp...

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Does My Child Need a Divorce Attorney?

July 20, 2018

Child custody battles can be quite complicated and emotionally draining. If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse ...

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What Happens to Alimony & Child Support If I Get Remarried?

July 06, 2018

After a marriage ends, former spouses may rediscover love with a new partner and get remarried. When applying ...

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What to Expect in a Divorce Hearing

June 27, 2018

A divorce proceeding that has led to trial is the culmination of months—or perhaps years—of a hotly-contested ...

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Divorce

June 13, 2018

For most parents going through a divorce, breaking the news to your children is probably one of the most diffi...

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Passports for Minor Children

June 01, 2018

In order to travel outside of the United States, a passport is required for all United States citizens. The pr...

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When and How to Seek a Child's Input in a Custody Dispute

May 24, 2018

A child custody battle can be a difficult time for the entire family. The last thing a parent wants to do is d...

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What to Do When Your Ex Withholds Child Visitation

May 22, 2018

A child visitation agreement imposes the amount of time that the custodial and noncustodial parents spend with...

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Is It a Good Idea to Stay Together for the Kids?

May 15, 2018

If you realize that you’re unhappy in your marriage, you may wonder if it’s better to stay together for the sa...

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Enforcing Discovery in a Divorce Case

May 12, 2018

Discovery is the term used to describe the various ways through which family law litigants seek out relevant a...

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Pets & Divorce

April 26, 2018

Many pet owners treat their beloved animal companions as if they are their children. But in the event of a div...

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Hiding Assets in a Divorce

April 12, 2018

If you’re in the midst of filing for divorce, you may be concerned about how your money and property will be d...

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What to Know About Adoption

March 23, 2018

Adoption is one of the noblest things one can do. Choosing to bring a child into your home, a child who would ...

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Should I Sell My Marital Home?

March 02, 2018

Selling your marital home is an entirely personal choice, and there is no single solution to making this decis...

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Premarital Agreements - Part III

February 28, 2018

How can a premarital agreement be overturned?

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What You Need to Know About Changing a Spousal Maintenance Agreement

February 27, 2018

There are few things in life that are permanent. The courts understand that life does not remain the same fore...

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Premarital Agreements - Part II

February 21, 2018

What subjects can be covered in a premarital agreement under the UPAA?

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Termination of Spousal Support

February 18, 2018

Spousal support orders are intended to support a non-earning or low-earning spouse for a certain amount of tim...

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Premarital Agreements - Part I

February 14, 2018

What is a premarital agreement?

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Motion for Protective Order to Limit Discovery

February 07, 2018

During the course of a divorce case, it is common to perform legal investigation, which is also known as the "...

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What to Expect During Divorce Mediation

February 06, 2018

If you and your spouse are headed for a divorce and are considering your options to accomplish the task, chanc...

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Step-Parent Visitation Rights

January 31, 2018

Step Parents Rights in California In California, courts may grant visitation rights to a stepparent if they de...

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Motion to Set Aside Judgment

January 24, 2018

In family law cases, it is common for spouses to come to an agreement about the issues in their divorce case, ...

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Should I Ask for Joint or Sole Legal Custody?

January 17, 2018

What is legal custody?

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Is it Time to Get a Divorce?

January 03, 2018

Sometimes, marriage can be one of the most difficult aspects of your life. When the difficulty of marriage out...

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When is an Annulment Possible in California?

January 01, 2018

When divorce is not enough, annulment is an option. While divorce acknowledges a marriage once took place thou...

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Mediation vs. Litigation – Which Is Right for Your Case?

December 26, 2017

When seeking a divorce, there are generally 2 options available to you: mediation and litigation. Mediation is...

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What You Need to Know About Modifying Child Support

December 14, 2017

Child support orders are official and final. This means both parties must abide by the terms in the order, or ...

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Are Military Divorces Handled Differently?

November 30, 2017

While a military divorce will ultimately dissolve a marriage just like any other divorce, there are additional...

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When Is My Divorce Final?

November 16, 2017

When spouses begin the process of divorce, generally one of the first things they might be wondering is when i...

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Substance Abuse Evaluations in Family Law

November 09, 2017

Drug or alcohol abuse is a very common contributing factor for couples seeking divorce, and when it's time for...

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Social Media & Divorce: Why They Don't Mix

October 24, 2017

Social media is a major part of our lives nowadays, encouraging us all to share every aspect of our lives in a...

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Can My Spouse Refuse to Move Out During the Divorce?

October 05, 2017

Your marriage is over, but now there is the question of who will be moving out of the marital home, or if you ...

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Telling Your Friends and Family About Your Divorce

September 14, 2017

Divorce is not just about negotiations and divorce settlements. It is also a very emotional experience, especi...

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How to Protect Your Retirement When You Divorce

September 07, 2017

Most of us are aware that divorce has the potential to ruin one’s personal finances, especially when individua...

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Divorce Tips for Older Couples

July 26, 2017

Divorce is an emotional time for anyone and takes some time to cope with and adjust to. For older couples, div...

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Post-Divorce Actions Every Divorcee Should Take

July 11, 2017

Once the divorce papers are signed and you are officially single, it can feel like a weight is lifted and you ...

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Ways That Divorce Can Affect Children

June 22, 2017

Divorce is a difficult and highly emotional experience for both spouses, but even more challenging for childre...

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Helpful Tips on Negotiating Alimony for a California Divorce

June 15, 2017

If you are in the midst of a divorce, you might be concerned about the possibility of having to make alimony p...

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Tips for Fathers Fighting for Custody

May 17, 2017

Custody is not usually an easy thing for fathers to win, despite the fact that courts do not discriminate agai...

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How to Tell Your Kids You Are Divorcing

May 10, 2017

Divorce is a difficult time for spouses, but it can be an especially troubling time if there are children invo...

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Does Cheating Affect a Divorce in California?

May 03, 2017

How Does Adultery Affect Divorce in California? If you are in the midst of a divorce that was sparked by infid...

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Common Myths About Divorce

April 25, 2017

Many of us have been exposed to divorce horror stories, or have watched the dissolution of a marriage unravel ...

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Should I Date Before My Divorce Is Over?

February 10, 2017

For some couples, the marriage was “over” long before divorce papers were filed. Even if this is true, does th...

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Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid

February 01, 2017

Child custody matters can often get emotional and heated, which can lead to parents making poor judgments and ...

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What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation

October 25, 2016

The first meeting you have with your divorce lawyer can also be the most informative. Typically, these initial...

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Protecting Your Children During Your Divorce

October 06, 2016

The most sensitive and vulnerable members of a family are often the children – as a parent, you do everything ...

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Health Insurance Coverage as Form of Child Support

September 29, 2016

As a form of additional child support, parents are often ordered to continue or begin providing health insuran...

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Do You Have to Give an Engagement Ring Back if the Wedding is Off?

September 26, 2016

Engagements are a beautiful moment that couples in love will remember and cherish forever. Many couples that g...

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The Effect of Marriage Reconciliation on Divorce Proceedings

September 22, 2016

At the conclusion of a California divorce case, a Judgment for Dissolution will be entered by the court. This ...

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What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?

September 19, 2016

Under California Family Code section 4053, child support orders are calculated to cover all the costs of raisi...

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When To Go To Court Over Child Custody

September 15, 2016

There are many moving parts to consider when deciding to contest a proposed or existing custody arrangement in...

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Dependent Adult Custody Orders

September 13, 2016

In a previous blog, we discussed the possibility of family court awarding child support for dependent adult ch...

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Seeking Exclusive Possession of the Marital Home

September 08, 2016

The entire process for a divorce can take anywhere from six months to several years. After filing for a divorc...

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What is a Mandatory Settlement Conference?

September 01, 2016

A Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) is a meeting set by the court between both parties and their attorneys...

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What is a Transmutation Agreement?

August 25, 2016

California is a community property state. This means that “all property, real or personal, wherever situated, ...

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Bifurcation of Marital Status

May 30, 2016

The timeline for an entire divorce, from the parties’ separation to the final dissolution, can take several mo...

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Independent Custody Evaluations

May 23, 2016

Under California Family Code section 3111, in preparation for a child custody hearing, either parent may reque...

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Filing Taxes Pending Final Divorce

May 17, 2016

The way in which couples files their taxes can have significant financial impact. Because the entire divorce p...

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Can you Appeal?

May 16, 2016

What happens if you go to Court and are unhappy with the outcome of the Superior Court? What are your options?...

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How Does Bankruptcy Affect Divorce?

May 11, 2016

Often times dissolution of marriage and bankruptcy go hand in hand because one or both spouses may not be able...

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Tracing: What is Community Property and what is Separate Property?

May 10, 2016

California is a community property state, which means that all property acquired during the marriage is presum...

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Formal Discovery in Divorce Cases

May 09, 2016

Below is a summary of “formal” discovery procedures that may be utilized throughout the divorce process. Any o...

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Pensions and Retirement Upon Divorce

May 04, 2016

Once a couple facing divorce identifies all the assets of the marriage, and because California is a community ...

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What If I Need to Move During my Divorce?

May 03, 2016

Often times, one parent stays in the marital residence while the other parent moves out, but what if you canno...

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When is Out-of-State Property Characterized as Community Property?

May 02, 2016

According to California community property law, California Family Code section 760, community property is, “al...

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Tips for Getting Divorced in 2016

April 28, 2016

Sadly, about 50% of marriages end in divorce now a days. There is a lot of anxiety and worry when one is think...

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The Benefits of having a Divorce Attorney

April 26, 2016

Going through a divorce is already stressful enough. You have to figure out who gets what, how your going to s...

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Marital Debts After Separation

April 25, 2016

Clients often ask how to handle marital debts after the parties have separated, but before the parties come to...

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What is Required for my Financial Disclosures?

April 21, 2016

Under California Law, if you are signing a pre-nuptial agreement or getting a divorce, you are required to fil...

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Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders

April 20, 2016

What are Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROS)? Four mutual restraining orders automatically take eff...

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Reimbursements for Paying Community and Marital Debts

April 18, 2016

What is a community property state? Under the California Family Code section 760, community property is “all p...

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What is Family Court Services?

April 11, 2016

Family Court Services (FCS) mediation is an informal process required by the court for any parties that are di...

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Navigating the Divorce Process

April 07, 2016

You have decided you want to file for legal separation or dissolution, now what? The first step is to file the...

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Guardian ad Litem and Conservatorships in Family Law Cases

April 06, 2016

In addition to the more common ground of irreconcilable differences, the California family code provides that ...

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Handling Objections to Family Law Subpoenas

April 06, 2016

A common issue for many parents or parties seeking either child or spousal support is figuring out exactly how...

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Proposed Family Law Legislation for 2016

April 04, 2016

AB 2098: Existing law requires the court to consider and give due weight to the wishes of a child in making an...

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Renewing Your Restraining Order Based on Past Violations

March 31, 2016

In 2013, the California court of appeal decided an important case regarding renewals of restraining orders. Th...

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Attorney Liens: What is a FLARPL?

March 25, 2016

Attorneys in California are not permitted by the rules of ethics to accept contingent fee arrangements or a pe...

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Duty to Pay Child Support for Adult Children

February 23, 2016

In most cases, court-ordered child support automatically terminates when the child turns 18 years old unless t...

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Rights for Cohabitating Unmarried Couples

February 22, 2016

The property and spousal support rights and obligations found in the California Family Code are applied when a...

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California Appellate Court Affirms Extensive Grandparent Visitation

February 19, 2016

In the case Stuard v. Stuard before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the two parties fighting over custody ...

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Setting Aside a Child Support Order from DCSS

February 17, 2016

Whenever a parent or child is receiving cash aid through a State of California government cash assistance (wel...

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California on its Way to Becoming a Majority-Single State

February 16, 2016

According to the latest U.S. Census statistics, only about 51% of Californians over the age of 18 are married,...

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Divorce Decree Enforcement - Collecting Property or Support

February 05, 2016

All divorces end with a final judgment from the family court, officially terminating the parties’ marital stat...

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An App to Reduce Child Support Conflicts

February 01, 2016

Conflicts over money are common after divorce, especially when it comes to child support. Often parents incur ...

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Gavron Warnings for Spousal Support

January 11, 2016

The term “Gavron warning” is named after a California appellate court decision from over 20 years ago titled, ...

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Divorce and Insurance Policies

January 08, 2016

Divorce can have a devastating financial toll on families, including figuring out the costs of insurance going...

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New Family Law Legislation in California

January 07, 2016

Here are some new laws taking effect in 2016 and 2017 that involve common family law issues, such as child abu...

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Update on Kelly Rutherford Custody Battle

December 14, 2015

Kelly Rutherford has reportedly lost custody of her kids — Hermes, 8, and Helena, 6. The ruling is the latest ...

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Commonly Used Acronyms and Terms in Family Court

November 26, 2015

Reading about legal matters, divorce proceedings and family court processes can mean coming across unfamiliar ...

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Update: California Court Orders Destruction of Frozen Embryos

November 16, 2015

In California’s first decision to address the fate of frozen embryos after a couple’s divorce, a state judge i...

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Can I Waive Child Support?

November 14, 2015

Parents often ask if it’s possible to waive child support from their ex-spouse.

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When One Spouse Sells the Family Home During a Divorce

November 10, 2015

Thinking about selling your home during a divorce in California? Whether you are filing for divorce or you jus...

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Creating a Parenting Plan

November 02, 2015

“What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality o...

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The Annulment Process

October 23, 2015

An annulment (or “nullity”) is when a court says a marriage or domestic partnership is NOT legally valid. Afte...

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Khloe Kardashian Makes Medical Decisions for Lamar Odem While in Coma

October 19, 2015

Lamar Odom, the former NBA star, was rushed to a hospital Tuesday October 13, 2015 after he was found unconsci...

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Chris Brown Wins Custody of his Daughter

October 09, 2015

Singer Chris Brown finished his case in Houston Superior Court in September, leaving with joint custody of his...

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Vocational Evaluations in Support Proceedings

October 05, 2015

In order to request that a court order one spouse to pay another support after a divorce, a judge will need to...

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Tips for Working with Your Divorce Lawyer

October 02, 2015

As your marital relationship comes to an end, your relationship with your divorce attorney is just beginning. ...

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Using Technology to Communicate in High Conflict Parenting

September 29, 2015

During a highly contested divorce or custody battle, the last person you may want to talk to is the other pare...

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Filing a Paternity Action

September 24, 2015

In a parentage case, the court determines who a child’s legal parents are. With the rise of same sex marriages...

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Domestic Violence and Spousal Support

September 21, 2015

California is a no-fault state when it comes to divorce. This means the spouse or domestic partner that is ask...

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Juvenile Dependency Court System

September 17, 2015

The juvenile dependency court system is an entirely separate court system from family court in that it’s gover...

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No Fault Divorce

September 11, 2015

Forty-six years ago, Governor Ronald Reagan passed the Family Law Act of 1969, eliminating the “fault divorce”...

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Divorce and the Marital Residence

September 07, 2015

One of the most troublesome issues for a couple facing divorce is what will happen to the marital home. This i...

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Custody of Frozen Embryos After Divorce

August 27, 2015

There are several cases pending in California courts that will soon decide a very modern problem for married c...

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Kelly Rutherford Custody Battle

August 20, 2015

International custody is a popular topic among the celebrity gossip magazines recently, focusing on the custod...

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Ex Parte Hearings

August 17, 2015

In an area of practice like family law, many of the issues are highly sensitive, making the experience very em...

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Responding to a Divorce Petition

August 11, 2015

Getting served with a Petition for Divorce is not a pleasant experience for anyone. Although you may have expe...

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Custody and Visitation Rights for Grandparents

July 30, 2015

There are many identified benefits for children who have an active relationship with a grandparent, and many f...

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Modification of Child Support Orders

April 24, 2015

The dissolution process can be exhausting, especially in highly contentious matters, where the parties are in ...

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How to Respond to a Restraining Order

April 18, 2015

Domestic violence restraining orders are not issued absent ugly accusations. When a party files for a restrain...

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Summary Dissolution

April 10, 2015

One of the main gripes I hear from clients, aside from complaints about their former spouse, is how lengthy th...

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Should I Pursue Legal Separation?

March 05, 2015

As a divorce attorney in San Diego I am often asked by my clients, “Am I legally separated?” The answer that I...

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Why You Should Get a Prenup Before Buying a House

February 28, 2015

Many couples purchase homes together prior to marriage without consideration for the potential consequences wh...

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How Will Divorce Impact My Tax Return This Year?

February 20, 2015

With April 15th fast approaching, many divorcing couples are wondering how a pending dissolution matter will i...

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California Divorce Petition for "Dummies"

February 12, 2015

When a spouse is surprised with service of a Petition for Dissolution, he or she likely feels upset and confus...

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Preparing for Divorce

February 05, 2015

If you have decided to pursue a divorce there are a number of things you can do to prepare that will make the ...

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Can my Divorce Judgment be Set Aside?

February 05, 2015

At the end of the divorce process, once the parties have settled into their new lives, it is not uncommon for ...

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