Author Archives: ladivorcelawyer
Can I Buy My Ex Out of Our House During Our California Divorce?
Question: Can I buy my ex-spouse’s interest out of our house? Answer: Well it just became a lot harder. (I am writing on October 11, 2022) Interest rates are rising, home prices are falling, and the southern California housing market is turning into a nightmare for sellers. To illustrate the severity of rates on the market,… Read More »
Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Divorce in California
I am often asked: “Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Los Angeles California? Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Orange County, Ventura, San Bernardino? The answer is: It depends. After more than 30 years of family law practice I am confident that many people can handle their… Read More »
How is spousal support changed if the payor moves out of California?
How is spousal support affected if the payor moves out of California? Moving out of state has no effect on Court Ordered Spousal Support. Question: In my divorce judgment I have to pay long term spousal support. Do I still have to pay spousal support if I move out of California? I am moving to… Read More »
Learn How to Modify Child Support Orders
Learn How to Modify Child Support Orders in the California Family Law Courts Question: My son, age 18, moved out of my ex’s, the custodial parents, home and lives with me, the non-custodial parent, who pays child support, can child support get terminated? My son is still in high school* but has decided he… Read More »
Dividing the house or other real property in a California Divorce
I am often asked questions similar to this one: Am I entitled to anything from a living trust in divorce if I paid the mortgage? My ex put the home that we are living in into a living trust before the marriage. For the last 5 years or so, I have been paying the mortgage… Read More »
The Rules About Serving and Filing Responses to Requests for Orders in Family Law Courts can be Confusing. Here is a Primer on What to Do and When to Do It.
Serving and Filing Responses to Requests for Orders in Family Law Courts can be Confusing. Here is a Primer on What to Do and When to Do It. I receive a great deal of questions from limited scope services customers regarding procedural rules in the Los Angeles County Family Law Court. The questions I am… Read More »
Why Date of Separation Is Important in a California Divorce
The Date of Separation is an important date in your California divorce which influences the determination of community property and debt division,the confirmation of the parties’ separate assets and debts, and spousal support. Updated April 8, 2026 You’ve decided your marriage is over. You might be considering filing a Petition. Perhaps you’ve already received one…. Read More »
Paying Off Debts in a California Divorce-Who Is Responsible?
Who is Responsible for Debt in a California Divorce? Protecting Your Credit Last Updated March 31, 2026 Divorce is stressful enough without watching your credit score plummet. A common frustration for many Californians is discovering that their spouse’s financial habits—or a lack of cooperation during the split—is damaging their financial future. We recently received… Read More »
Small Business Owners Must Justify Their Business Deductions To Claim Reduction of Income Available for Child Support
In 2020 the California Appellate court held that a trial court erred by allowing depreciation deductions taken on equipment and other assets used in self-employed husband’s businesses (as listed on his income tax returns) to reduce amount of income available for child support. The court stated the burden was not on the wife to show… Read More »
Can CA Courts Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees?
Can a California Court Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees Due to Bad Conduct? In a California divorce, the law generally aims to ensure a “level playing field.” Under Family Code § 2030, courts often order the higher-earning spouse to contribute to the lower-earning spouse’s attorney fees. This policy of “parity” is designed to ensure that both… Read More »