Voluntary Declaration of Parentage in San Diego A voluntary declaration of parentage (VDOP) is a legal form that creates parentage for a child in California outside of the court system. When both parents sign a VDOP, they both attest that they are the child’s legal parents, which gives the father/second…
Dividing Community Property in a California Divorce Dividing community property in a California divorce is a crucial step in the process of legally ending a marriage. As California is a community property state, most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and must be divided equally…
How Child Custody Decisions Are Made in San Diego Child custody decisions can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life, relationships, and long-term stability, so understanding how child custody decisions are made in San Diego is very important. When going through a custody battle, it is imperative to…
The Legal Rights of Modern Reproduction Nowadays, building a family can look different than it did years ago. With advances in modern medicine, there are options for those who either cannot conceive or prefer not to do so the traditional way. With IVF, donor sperm and eggs, frozen embryos, and…
Non-Traditional Families and the Law Families today don’t always follow the “Mom-Dad-Kids” template. Around San Diego, you’ll find LGBTQ+ co-parents, polyamorous families, platonic co-parents, cohabiting exes, stepparent blends, and chosen families of every kind. Yet, California’s legal framework, which is built largely for traditional two-parent, biological scenarios, can leave these…
The Reality of Divorce PTSD Divorce is often talked about as a legal process, referencing a set of documents, court dates, and custody schedules. However, for many adults, divorce can shake their sense of safety, identity, and trust, leaving emotional wounds that feel more like trauma than just heartache. Legally,…
The Rise of Birdnesting When a marriage ends, one of the hardest questions for separating parents is: where will the children call home? The traditional model usually means kids split their time between two households, which can create an upheaval in routines, friendships, and emotional stability. However, a growing trend…
Palimony in California A partner in a long-term unmarried relationship may question their eligibility for financial support like alimony upon the relationship’s termination. California refers to financial support for unmarried partners as palimony. Courts do not automatically award palimony like they do spousal support, and establishing entitlement to palimony in…
Legal Considerations for Divorcing Later in Life The process of divorce presents unique challenges for married couples of all ages, yet it can be more complex for older couples who pursue what is known as a “gray divorce.” During a gray divorce, older adults face distinct legal and financial situations…
What Are the Legal Grounds for Annulment in California? In some cases, individuals may seek an annulment due to fundamental issues that render the marriage legally invalid. Understanding the legal grounds for annulment in California is essential for those seeking to dissolve a legally invalid marriage. What Is an Annulment?…