Category Archives: Divorce
Navigating Child Custody Mediation in California: Putting Your Children First
Child Custody Mediation in California Family Law Courts: Putting Your Children First When you are facing a separation or divorce, the most stressful question is often: “What happens to our children?” In California, the legal system is designed to prioritize the well-being of your kids above all else. Before you ever step into a courtroom… Read More »
What is the California Marital Presumption of Parentage?
What is the California family law statute that addresses whether a child born during a marriage is the child of the husband? In California, the primary statute is Family Code § 7540, establishing the marital presumption of parentage, which presumes a child born to a wife living with her husband is the husband’s child, even… Read More »
Can You Get Married to Someone if You’re in a Domestic Partnership With Someone Else?
Yesterday, while scrolling through FaceBook I came upon a profile devoted to answering legal questions. Among other things I saw a post in which a person asked if they could marry one person while they were in a Registered Domestic Partnership with a different person. The responses were generally “Yeah, you can. A Domestic Partnership… Read More »
The Hidden Costs of Public Divorce: Why Private Mediation is the Smarter Path Forward
The Hidden Costs of Public Divorce: Why Private Mediation is the Smarter Path Forward Divorce is rarely just a legal process; it is a profound life transition. When a marriage dissolves, the emotional toll—dealing with betrayal, loss of trust, and a shifting identity—is heavy enough. Unfortunately, for many families in Southern California, the traditional court… Read More »
California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter
California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter For decades, starting a divorce in California meant one spouse had to “sue” the other, creating an adversarial tone from day one. However, as of January 1, 2026, a new, transformative legal pathway—the Joint Petition for Dissolution, Judicial Council (Form FL-700), allows… Read More »
California Appellate Court Clarifies Rules of Evidence in Domestic Violence Custody Cases
In family law, few issues are more serious—or more complex—than allegations of domestic violence and child abuse. When these allegations arise, the court’s primary duty is to protect the child. A new decision from the California Court of Appeal, Marriage of M.P. and M.C. (2025), provides clarification on how courts address a child’s statements in… Read More »
There Is a Big Difference Between Child Custody Orders Issued While a Divorce Case Is Going On and Child Custody Orders Issued with the Divorce Judgment
In a California divorce, a child custody order issued during the proceedings is a “temporary order.” Lawyers and judges call this type of order a Pendente Lite order. Temporary Orders provide stability while the case is pending, and a child custody order issued with the final judgment is a Final Order that resolves custody matters permanently until a… Read More »
WILL THE COURT CONSIDER ORDERING A DECREASE IN PARENT’S CUSTODY TIME FOR FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT?
The Court will not order a decrease in custody time as a sanction for failing to pay child support. But, the Court can and does put the hurt on the parent that fails to pay child support in other ways. The Court can order monetary sanctions, and in conjunction with the State and County Government… Read More »
The behavior of parents in family law court and in the way they treat the other parent can be critical in how court’s decide child custody disputes.
The behavior of parents in family law courts as well as the way they treat the other parent can be critical in how court’s decide child custody disputes. In a case published August 18, 2025, entitled In re Marriage of R.K. and G.K, the California Court of Appeal provided a primer on what NOT to… Read More »
Understanding Imputed Income in California Child Support Calculations: A Practical Guide for Parents
Understanding Imputed Income in California Child Support Calculations A Practical Guide for Parents Introduction Calculating child support in California is designed to ensure children receive adequate financial support from both parents. The process relies on accurate disclosure of each parent’s income. However, what happens when a parent fails to disclose, minimizes, or reduces their income… Read More »