San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog
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 parent all of the rights and responsibilities as if a court had ordered parentage.
In San Diego, most voluntary declarations of parentage are signed at the hospital at the time of birth, but may also be signed later at an office. It is useful for California parents to understand the VDOP process, where to sign a VDOP, and the legal effects of signing to help protect parental rights and provide benefits to the child.
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.
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, people tend to focus on the logistical divorce process and assume it is over after these tasks are completed. However, there is a reality to divorce PTSD that affects many divorced individuals.
When a marriage ends, one of the hardest questions for separating parents is: where will the children call home? The traditional model usually means kids split their time between two households, which can create an upheaval in routines, friendships, and emotional stability. However, a growing trend known as birdnesting (or “nesting”) changes that dynamic.
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 you were married with minor children, it’s likely that child custody came up as a term of the divorce. If you’re struggling with the terms of your child custody outcome, here are several tips for navigating disputes in California.
After you finalize a divorce, you want to believe that it’s the end of overcoming challenges with your ex-spouse. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, especially if children are involved. If your ex-spouse is not following the terms of your divorce, contact a California family law attorney. A trusted family lawyer can help you figure out how to proceed with certain situations, such as what to do if your ex-spouse is not paying spousal support in California.
Dissolving a marriage or domestic partnership can be stressful and challenging, no matter the circumstances. There are three ways to legally end your marriage or domestic partnership in California. Depending on your situation, one may work better than the others, which is why it’s important to understand your options.
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 can feel overwhelming to go through the process. One of the first questions you may ask yourself is, “Do I have to go to court to get a divorce in California?”