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…
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…
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,…
Top 3 Tips for Navigating Child Custody Disputes in California After you finalize a divorce, the hope is that you won’t have to deal with issues with your ex-spouse any longer. Unfortunately, divorce isn’t always the end for some people. This can be especially true when children are involved. If…
What to Expect Out of a Divorce in California You’ve been served divorce papers, and you’re not sure what to do next. Navigating a divorce can be stressful and confusing due to the emotional implications of the process alone. Moreover, every divorce is different, so it can be difficult to…
Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in California? Going through a divorce can be a daunting experience, even if you and your spouse agree on everything. Divorce, or dissolution, is one of three ways to end a marriage or domestic partnership in California, and it…
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?…