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 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,…
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…
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…
Understanding Domestic Partnerships in California Domestic partnerships have long been alternatives to marriage, but understanding what they are and how to utilize them to their advantage is crucial for anyone considering it. While some people may lack interest in getting married to their significant other, they may still want to…
Protecting Your Inheritance During a California Divorce Going through a separation from your spouse can be emotionally challenging. The emotional toll can grow when you realize your finances may take a hit because of your deteriorating relationship. California follows community property laws, meaning both spouses jointly own property acquired during…