Category Archives: Child Support
Understanding Bonus Income in California Divorce Cases: The Ostler-Smith Approach
If you’re a Californian contemplating divorce or currently undergoing one, and you or your spouse has a variable bonus income, understanding how this income is accounted for in support payments is crucial. This is especially true if the party paying support has both W-2 income and variable bonus income. One of the seminal cases in… Read More »
How do I add income from a small business to the California Income and Expense Declaration, form FL-150?
Question: If my spouse is self-employed with his own business, how should his income be stated in form FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration? On line (1.a) must he must state the name of his business, and on line (1.h) he must state his business’s gross income (before any taxes)? On line (7) must he must… Read More »
What Steps Can a Person Take to Prepare for Divorce in California
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA There are several steps a party can take to prepare for a divorce in California: Gather information. This includes acquiring and making copies of important financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment portfolios. It is also important to obtain the data necessary for you… Read More »
After a Family Law Hearing on Custody, Support or Some Other Issue How Does A Party Make an Order?
After a Court makes a decision in a family law case court hearing at which the judge issues an order, how does one make a record of what the judge said? I am often asked about Court Orders after a judge has made a decision in a family law hearing over a disputed issue. For… Read More »
How to Ensure Fluctuating Income from Bonuses or Commissions Is Included in Spousal Support and Child Support Orders in Los Angeles Divorce or Paternity Cases
Bonus Income and Ostler Smith Awards: Navigating Fluctuating Income in Support Proceedings in California Divorce or Paternity Cases One of the important issues divorcing couples face is determining appropriate spousal and child support awards (For unmarried couples with children child support is usually an issue too). In cases where one party receives bonus income or… Read More »
Dividing Children’s Health Costs Not Covered by Insurance: A Neglected Child Support Component of California Divorce and Paternity Cases
In every order for child support the court includes orders addressing health costs for the parties’ children which are not covered by insurance. Many parents forget about this important issue. The default order* of the court is that each parent is responsible for one half of these costs. Examples are co-pays for healthcare visits, blood… Read More »
The Divorce Process in California Explained
A PRIMER ON THE DIVORCE PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA Just like any lawsuit, a divorce case has a beginning. a middle and an end. 1. The Beginning In California a divorce case begins with a summons and petition of divorce and a response to the petition. In cases with minor children, certain data such as the age, birthdate, and residence of… 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 »
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 »