Category Archives: Divorce
Can I Buy My Ex Out of Our House During Our California Divorce?
Question: Can I buy my ex-spouse’s interest out of our house? Answer: Well it just became a lot harder. (I am writing on October 11, 2022) Interest rates are rising, home prices are falling, and the southern California housing market is turning into a nightmare for sellers. To illustrate the severity of rates on the market,… 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 »
Dividing the house or other real property in a California Divorce
I am often asked questions similar to this one: Am I entitled to anything from a living trust in divorce if I paid the mortgage? My ex put the home that we are living in into a living trust before the marriage. For the last 5 years or so, I have been paying the mortgage… 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.
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. I receive a great deal of questions from limited scope services customers regarding procedural rules in the Los Angeles County Family Law Court. The questions I am… Read More »
Why Date of Separation Is Important in a California Divorce
The Date of Separation is an important date in your California divorce which influences the determination of community property and debt division,the confirmation of the parties’ separate assets and debts, and spousal support. Updated April 8, 2026 You’ve decided your marriage is over. You might be considering filing a Petition. Perhaps you’ve already received one…. Read More »
Paying Off Debts in a California Divorce-Who Is Responsible?
Who is Responsible for Debt in a California Divorce? Protecting Your Credit Last Updated March 31, 2026 Divorce is stressful enough without watching your credit score plummet. A common frustration for many Californians is discovering that their spouse’s financial habits—or a lack of cooperation during the split—is damaging their financial future. We recently received… Read More »
Small Business Owners Must Justify Their Business Deductions To Claim Reduction of Income Available for Child Support
In 2020 the California Appellate court held that a trial court erred by allowing depreciation deductions taken on equipment and other assets used in self-employed husband’s businesses (as listed on his income tax returns) to reduce amount of income available for child support. The court stated the burden was not on the wife to show… Read More »
Can CA Courts Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees?
Can a California Court Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees Due to Bad Conduct? In a California divorce, the law generally aims to ensure a “level playing field.” Under Family Code § 2030, courts often order the higher-earning spouse to contribute to the lower-earning spouse’s attorney fees. This policy of “parity” is designed to ensure that both… Read More »
The difference between need-based attorney fees and sanction-based attorney fees in California family law courts.
Learn the Difference Between Need-Based vs. Sanction-Based Attorney Fees in California Divorce In a California divorce, the cost of litigation can be a significant barrier to justice. The law recognizes this and provides mechanisms to ensure that one spouse doesn’t “out-spend” the other into an unfair result. However, not all attorney fee awards are created… 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. CHILD CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS… Read More »