Author Archives: ladivorcelawyer
Learn What to Do if Your Ex Files an Ex Parte about Child Custody
I am often contacted by nervous parents who state that their ex has filed (or is about to file) an Ex Parte Application concerning modifying or creating a child custody order in Family Law Court. Often after I listen to their story, I am able to tell them to relax. The most common reason I… Read More »
Learn How the Parents Can Work together to End Court Ordered Child Support in California
I am often asked questions similar to the following. Question: How can the custodial parent and I close our child support order? My children’s mother and I have come to an agreement regarding child support and visitation. She will be going to the DCSS (the child support dept). to stop its involvement, but it is… Read More »
Parties Can Enter into Post Nuptial Agreements Regarding Ownership of Assets and Spousal Support and Change Ownership from Community to Separate Property
I wager most people know the basics of a prenuptial agreement (they are also called premarital agreements or prenups). Many people do not know that couples can agree after marriage on division of assets and spousal support. Such an agreement is called a post nuptial agreement or post marital agreement. Very few people know (judging… Read More »
Los Angeles Family Law Courts No Longer Have Court Reporters
Change in Rules Regarding Court Reporters Effective November 14, 2022 the Los Angeles Superior Court Family Law Departments will amend its policies regarding the availability of official court reporters. Official court reporters are not statutorily required to be provided in unlimited civil, family law, or probate matters, and existing court reporter coverage will end November 14… Read More »
How Are Student Loans Divided by the Court in California Divorces?
Question: ” I am getting divorced in Los Angeles County. My ex wants me to take on half her student loan debt. They finished graduate school six months be fore we separated. We were married 10 years. Am I responsible for a portion of their student loan debt?” Answer: You are not responsible for her student… Read More »
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? 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 get a better job. Answer: Spousal support is also known as alimony…. Read More »
Learn How to Modify Child Support Orders
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 won’t stay at his mom’s house, she’s the Custodial Parent and receives child support… 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 »