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Your go-to resource for the latest news, tips and insights in family law, divorce, trusts & estate planning, child custody and support, and more.

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Family Law

Understanding Parenting Plans in California: What Should You Include?

A California parenting plan outlines custody, parenting time, decision-making, and communication between parents. Understanding what to include and working with an experienced family law attorney can make all the difference.
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Understanding Parenting Plans in California: What Should You Include?
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Family Law

What’s the Difference Between Spousal and Child Support?

Spousal support and child support serve different purposes in California divorce and custody cases. Child support focuses on meeting a child’s needs through a mandatory guideline formula, while spousal support helps a former spouse transition financially and is determined by multiple discretionary factors.
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What’s the Difference Between Spousal and Child Support?
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Family Law

How to Prepare Financially for a Divorce in California

Preparing financially for a divorce in California is a critical step toward protecting your assets, income, and long-term stability. Understanding community property laws, organizing financial information, and anticipating support obligations can help you avoid costly mistakes during the divorce process.
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How to Prepare Financially for a Divorce in California
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Family Law

Legal Steps to Protect Your Business During a Divorce in California

Business owners in California face unique risks during divorce due to community property laws. Taking proactive legal steps, such as proper valuation, financial separation, and strategic negotiation, can help protect business ownership, control, and long-term viability.
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Legal Steps to Protect Your Business During a Divorce in California
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Family Law

How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in a California Divorce

Dividing retirement accounts in a California divorce is not as simple as splitting a balance in half. Different plans follow different rules. This guide explains how California courts divide retirement accounts, what documents are required, and the critical steps you can take to protect your long-term financial future.
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How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in a California Divorce
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Family Law

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in California?

California divorces require a minimum six-month waiting period, but many cases take longer depending on conflict, finances, and custody issues. This guide explains what affects divorce timelines, common delays, and how early planning can help you move forward efficiently.
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How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in California?
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Family Law

California Divorce and Real Estate: Buying, Selling, and Tax Traps

Divorce forces spouses to reinvent their financial positions while navigating intense emotional strain. The challenge is making business-savvy decisions without litigating issues beyond their value. For many families, real estate is a disproportionately significant marital asset. Given its importance, how should you approach buying and selling real property during divorce?
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California Divorce and Real Estate: Buying, Selling, and Tax Traps
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Family Law

How Long Do DVROs Last in California?

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) in California can provide protection for days, years, or even permanently, depending on the circumstances. This guide explains the different types of DVROs, how long each lasts, when orders can be renewed, and the factors judges consider.
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How Long Do DVROs Last in California?
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Family Law

What Happens to the Family Home in a California Divorce?

Deciding what happens to the family home in a California divorce can be complex and emotionally charged. This guide explains how California community property laws apply to the marital residence, how courts distinguish between community and separate property
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What Happens to the Family Home in a California Divorce?
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Family Law

When Is Mediation Required by California Family Law Courts?

In California, mediation through Family Court Services is mandatory before a judge can decide child custody or visitation disputes. This guide explains when mediation is required, how FCS differs from private mediation, and how county rules can directly affect your custody outcome.
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When Is Mediation Required by California Family Law Courts?
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Family Law

Mediation in Domestic Violence Cases: What Are the Options?

Mediation is still required in California child custody cases involving domestic violence, but it follows strict safety protocols. This guide explains how DV-focused mediation works, what protections are available, and what parents can expect in court-ordered and private mediation.
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Mediation in Domestic Violence Cases: What Are the Options?
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Family Law

Child Custody Mediation: How It Works and How to Prepare in California

Child custody mediation is a required step in most California family law cases involving children. This guide explains how custody mediation works, what to expect in recommending and non-recommending counties, and how proper preparation can protect your child’s best interests and improve your outcome.
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Child Custody Mediation: How It Works and How to Prepare in California
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