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…
Understanding How California Determines Spousal Support Payments Spousal support can be an important part of your California divorce, helping the spouse with a lower income maintain financial stability during and after separation. It’s important for the paying and receiving spouse to understand how California determines spousal support payments. The court…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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 Mental Health Evaluations in Custody Disputes In high-conflict custody cases or divorces, the court’s main concern is the well-being of the child. In order to determine how important matters like visitations and custody are allotted, the courts may evaluate the mental health of one or both parents…
The Role of a Guardian Ad Litem in Family Court California’s family courts place a high priority on the safety and welfare of children. In certain situations, particularly with high-conflict child custody cases or that involve allegations of abuse, a judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to advocate…