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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 »

How is spousal support affected if the payor moves out of California? Question: In my divorce judgment I have to pay long term spousal support. Do I still have to pay spousal support if I move out of California? I am moving to get a better job. Answer: Spousal support is also known as alimony…. Read More »

Question: My son, age 18, moved out of my ex’s, the custodial parents, home and lives with me, the non-custodial parent, who pays child support, can child support get terminated? My son is still in high school* but has decided he won’t stay at his mom’s house, she’s the Custodial Parent and receives child support… Read More »

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 questions I was asked: My ex hired a lawyer and their lawyer served me with a request to modify custody by mail at the wrong address, but I was notified and received the papers. Do I have to serve a copy of my response to the request before I file it? Who do I… Read More »

I am often asked questions relating to the date of separation in California divorces. The date of separation is important to the division of community assets and debts in the divorce. It’s also important in determining the long term spousal support. Here’s an informative example: Question: My husband took out a big loan from his… Read More »

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 »

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 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 »

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 »