Category Archives: Divorce
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 »
Can My Spouse and I Divide Our Assets Prior to Filing for Divorce?
I often receive questions regarding dividing property prior to filing for divorce. Here’s a recent one: Question: My Spouse and I are planning to file a divorce. I’ve agreed to buyout my spouse’s portion of our home and transfer the house title through a Inter-Spousal transfer deed. I’m planning to draft a buyout settlement agreement…. 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 »
Estate Planning Considerations During Divorce
You Should Update Your Estate Plan During a Divorce If you are going through a divorce, it is important to update your estate plan. This includes your will, your living trust (if you have one), your power of attorney, and your health care directive. Some estate planning documents you can change immediately by yourself or… 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 »
What happens to my retirement accounts in a California divorce?
In California, all types of retirement benefits are considered community property, which requires the benefits to be divided upon a dissolution of marriage. Community property is the contributions you made and the service credit you accrued and/or purchased during your marriage or domestic partnership. Generally, your former spouse’s community property interest may be up to… Read More »
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Los Angeles California?
I am often asked “How long how long does it take to get divorced in Los Angeles County? (or Orange County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, etc) Most lawyers play it safe and say ” It depends.” While that is true it’s not helpful. Based on my experience Post COVID California divorces are taking about… Read More »
Summary Dissolution–A Simpler Faster Way to Divorce in California
A summary dissolution is a simpler way to end a marriage or domestic partnership for couples who qualify and are able to cooperate in obtaining the divorce judgment. A summary dissolution becomes final 6 months after you file with the court. It’s less expensive. Our firm charges a flat fee: no retainers, no deposits, and… Read More »
What is a 2-2-3 Parenting Schedule in a Child Custody Order?
A 2-2-3 parenting schedule is a way that parents with joint physical custody of children divide the custody time. Many parents choose this schedule because it allows a reasonable amount of uninterrupted time with the children and the children are never apart from either parent for long. The phrase 2-2-3 in the context of a… Read More »