Am I Required to Pay Spousal Support in California?
Spousal support, or alimony, isn’t mandatory following a California divorce. Yet, divorce is a complicated process, and if one partner makes more money than the other, a California court may require alimony payments. Post-divorce settlements may call for spousal support that impacts your finances over the long term. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help discuss specific spousal support requirements in California.
San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog


Moving with a child if you’re divorced is no easy task, especially in California. If the parenting plan is permanent, and you are planning to move to another state, you must get permission from the court. Judges take into account a child’s best interests for any decision that affects them, including their relationship with the other parent.
Family violence is terrible, particularly in relation to child custody. Children’s safety and welfare are never weighed against custody claims in California courts. Evidence of abuse can strongly sway these decisions, and, in some cases, limited or monitored visitation is given to the abusive parent.
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 divorcing couples reach an agreement that is right for both of them, and the mediation process saves both time and money.
Life and career changes can require one parent to move farther away after a divorce. Short or temporary moves may not require modifying the existing child custody or child support order, but a long-distance move could make the current parenting plan untenable. By understanding the basics of California’s child custody laws, you can prevent unneeded litigation.
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 clients navigate their cases effectively.
In California, divorce proceedings can have significant impacts on family-owned businesses. The state’s community property laws dictate that marital property be divided equitably between both spouses. If both parties cannot agree to the division of a family business, the courts may get involved and order that the business be liquidated.
Child custody and visitation rights for unmarried parents in California can be complex and often differ from those experienced by married couples. While the law prioritizes the best interests of the child, it is essential for unmarried parents to understand their legal rights and how custody and visitation arrangements are determined in the state.
Parental relocation and child custody in California can be one of the most challenging issues to navigate when it comes to divorce. When a parent wants to move away from their current location, it can greatly impact the custody arrangements and the relationship between the child and the other parent.
When parents separate or divorce in California, one of the most important decisions they face is how to handle child custody. The court’s primary goal is to determine an arrangement that serves the child’s well-being. Understanding the differences between joint custody vs. sole custody in California, as well as the legal and practical implications of each, is essential for parents navigating this complex process.