San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog
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 surrogacy, more people than ever, including LGBTQ+ couples, single parents by choice, or those facing infertility, are pursuing modern routes to parenthood.
However, these options come with their own set of legal rights. These processes can involve a lot of legal complexities. Understanding the legal landscape with the help of Andrew J. Botros, APC can help you navigate this process with greater peace of mind.
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 modern families vulnerable.
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 California requires complex legal evidence.
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 when they decide to end a long-term marriage due to reasons like growing apart or infidelity. Understanding the legal considerations for divorcing later in life is essential.
Leaving an abusive spouse through divorce represents one of life’s most challenging and hazardous decisions. Any type of abuse becomes more dangerous when the victim decides to leave the abusive situation. California provides legal protections and resources that assist individuals in navigating this process with maximum safety. Below are some safety tips when divorcing an abusive spouse 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.
If there are concerns about undisclosed assets, forensic accounting can help identify hidden income and ensure an equitable settlement. If your spouse is found to be hiding income during your divorce, then you need the help of a forensic accountant.
Blended families experiencing a divorce can face unique challenges when it comes to child custody and support. All the factors normally considered, such as custody arrangements and who pays child support, may not be as straightforward as they seem in standard divorce cases due to the fact that stepparents do not share the same legal responsibilities as biological parents.
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 courts assess carefully. The court’s main goal is to protect the best interest of the child.
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 familiar with divorce matters like yours can be invaluable throughout the entire process.