What Exactly Is a ‘Legal Separation’ in California? In California, ‘legal separation’ means that a married couple can live independently without fully and formally dissolving their marriage. There are some benefits and disadvantages to obtaining a legal separation. A seasoned attorney who is familiar with legal separation cases can further…
Does a Criminal Case Conviction Affect My Child Custody Case in California? A child custody case in California can be an emotionally challenging, legally complex, and stressful process for everyone involved. Although a criminal conviction doesn’t always disqualify a parent from custody or visitation, it’s an important factor that California…
5 Steps to Take Before Formally Filing for a California Divorce When considering filing for a divorce in California, setting yourself up for success right from the start is crucial. You might want to take a few important steps before you file. A knowledgeable California family law attorney who is…
Am I Required to Pay Spousal Support in California? Spousal support, or alimony, isn’t mandatory following a California divorce. Yet, divorce is a complicated process, and if one partner makes more money than the other, a California court may require alimony payments. Post-divorce settlements may call for spousal support that…
Legal Considerations for Relocating With a Child After Divorce Moving with a child if you’re divorced is no easy task, especially in California. If the parenting plan is permanent, and you are planning to move to another state, you must get permission from the court. Judges take into account a…
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Custody Decisions Family violence is terrible, particularly in relation to child custody. Children’s safety and welfare are never weighed against custody claims in California courts. Evidence of abuse can strongly sway these decisions, and, in some cases, limited or monitored visitation is given…
The Role of Mediation in High-Conflict Divorce Cases Divorce can be a tense and painful affair, especially when it’s a high-stakes divorce with disputes over property, child custody, or child support. Mediation can be a solution to litigation, but in California, it’s about getting along and being open. Mediators help…
Legal Considerations for Co-Parenting Before Relocating Out of California Life and career changes can require one parent to move farther away after a divorce. Short or temporary moves may not require modifying the existing child custody or child support order, but a long-distance move could make the current parenting plan…
How Attorney-Client Privilege Applies in Family Court Attorney-client privilege is a foundational aspect of legal representation that allows clients to share information with their attorneys in confidence. In family law cases that often involve sensitive issues like child custody, allegations of abuse, and estate division, understanding this privilege can help…
The Role of Prenuptial Agreements in Protecting Family-Owned Businesses in California Divorces In California, divorce proceedings can have significant impacts on family-owned businesses. The state’s community property laws dictate that marital property be divided equitably between both spouses. If both parties cannot agree to the division of a family business,…