Category Archives: Child Custody
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
The questions I was asked: My ex hired a lawyer and their lawyer served me with a request to modify custody by mail at the wrong address, but I was notified and received the papers. Do I have to serve a copy of my response to the request before I file it? Who do I… Read More »
Child Custody Orders Can Be Changed in Los Angeles and Orange County Courts
Child custody orders can be changed by making a written request to the Court that issued the original child custody order. This is called a Request for Orders and is made using the FL-300 Request for Orders form. This is the same form one uses to obtain an initial child custody order. CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS DURING… Read More »
15 Questions You Should Ask Potential Divorce Lawyers Before Hiring
Asking questions about an attorney’s qualifications and skills can be embarrassing and a little intimidating. A divorce is one of the most important events in your life. It makes sense to enquire about the attorney’s background and experience. Here are 15 Questions You Should Ask Potential Divorce Lawyers Before Hiring. Your lawyer should be able… Read More »
Divorce Mediation Makes Sense Even with the Recalcitrant Spouse
Traditional litigation lawyers and parties are in adversarial roles. You can imagine that if one company sues another over trademark infringement for example, the case begins as a zero-sum game with a winner and a loser. It’s true most cases settle, but the mindset of the litigants is one of war. This can be the… Read More »
How is Child Support Determined and Ordered in Los Angeles and Orange County Family Court?
In California, child support is determined using a mathematical formula codified in Family Code Section 4055. The most important factors are the incomes of the parents. The next most important factor is the amount of time the parents have custody. Changes in custody time can sometimes result in changes in child support payment amounts. Child… Read More »
How Child Custody Schedules Are Determined in Divorce and Paternity Cases in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Learn How Family Law Courts in Los Angeles and Orange County Determine Child Custody If the parents cannot agree on child custody, the courts are guided by two principles in fashioning custody orders. 1. Maintain the status quo. 2. Provide frequent and continuing contact by both parents with minor children. 1. The Ultimate… Read More »
How to Obtain The Best Possible Outcome When You Have to Go to Court in Your Family Law Case
Four Steps to Improve Your Chances of Getting What You Desire In Family Law Hearings If You Are the Movant Submit Terrific Papers. Opposition Papers Should Be Filed As Early As Possible. Opposing Papers Should Attack the Weakness of The Movant’s Papers. Consider Telling Your Attorney You Don’t Want An Objection to The Evidence Pleading Filed…. Read More »