Category Archives: Divorce
My spouse filed for a Divorce in Another State, I live in Cali, Which State is The Right State?
Navigating Divorce and Child Custody Jurisdiction: What You Need to Know Divorce and child custody cases can be complex, and one of the most critical aspects to understand is jurisdiction – which court has the legal authority to hear your case. This is especially true when families have moved between states or when one parent… Read More »
Learn What Impact Cohabitation Has on Alimony in California Divorces
An Ex Spouse Who Receives Alimony and Begins Cohabiting with a New Partner May Be Providing the Factual Basis for the Payor Ex Spouse to Obtain a Court Order to Modify the Amount of Alimony. What You Need to Know: Navigating the complexities of alimony in California Family Law Courtcan be challenging, especially when new… Read More »
Dividing the Home in Divorce: Understanding reimbursement for Unequal Contributions to the Down Payment of the Marital Residence. Cal. Family Code 2640
QUESTION: How is equity from a home sale divided in a California divorce if each spouse contributed to the down payment from pre-marriage funds but one spouse contributed more of the down payment from pre-marriage funds? FACTS: I got married three years ago. Shortly after marrying, we bought a house together. We both contributed to the… Read More »
Navigating Divorce in California: Understanding the Request to Enter Default
In this post we explain What a Request to Enter a Default in a California Divorce Is, Why One Would Do It, and How One Doest It. When filing for divorce or legal separation in California understanding the process is crucial. If your spouse doesn’t respond to the petition, you might be considering seeking a… Read More »
The California Appellate Court Clarifies Spousal Support in Cases Involving Federal Immigration Law-I-864 Affidavits of Support
In a case published June 20, 2025, the California Appellate Court Stated that Income Available for Support Must Be Calculated Before Support is Determined Even in Cases Involving I-864 Affidavits of Support California Appellate Court Clarifies Spousal Support in Cases Involving Federal Immigration Law (I-864 Affidavits) A recent opinion issued by the California Appellate Court… Read More »
Is Alimony (Spousal Support) Taxable in California?
I am often asked whether alimony is taxable in California. The short answer is YES. Here’s the question I received yesterday. I post it as I believe the answers to the question are helpful. QUESTION: I have a spousal support mutual written agreement that I started receiving payments in 2024 ( entered also that year… Read More »
MORE ON MOORE MARSDEN: DIVIDING A HOUSE OR OTHER REAL PROPERTY IN A CALIFORNIA DIVORCE
If you get a divorce in California and one spouse purchased real property before the marriage the other spouse may have a community property interest in the house by operation of law. Very commonly people get married and one of them already owns a house. If they get a divorce the Court will not give… Read More »
LA MEDIACIÓN DE DIVORCIO TIENE SENTIDO INCLUSO CON UN CÓNYUGE REACIO
Los abogados litigantes tradicionales y las partes están en roles adversarios. Puedes imaginar que si una empresa demanda a otra por infracción de marca registrada, por ejemplo, el caso comienza como un juego de suma cero con un ganador y un perdedor. Es cierto que la mayoría de los casos se resuelven, pero la mentalidad… Read More »
How Silence Can Help Litigants Obtain Their Goals in Family Law Court
In Family Law Litigation Silence Can Be an Effective Tool. Here’s how to use it. In family law litigation to get what you want, try closing your mouth. A well-deployed silence can radiate confidence and connection. The trouble is, so many of us are awful at it. We struggle to sit in silence with others,… Read More »
Prenuptial Agreements Can Be Valuable for Regular People Not Just Wealthy People
Prenuptial Agreements Can Be Invaluable for Everyone, Not Just Wealthy People Prenuptial agreements are empowering documents. Think about it, you already have a prenuptial agreement. It was written by the government. Why not come to an agreement about finances that suits you and your partner? How to Approach Discussing Prenuptial Agreements with Your Partner: Discussing… Read More »