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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 »

Here’s an example of a question I often receive: Before my marriage I had a 750-credit score. Now I’m getting a divorce and my score is around 500 due to foreclosure and a pile of charge offs in my name because she had bad credit when we got married and everything was put in my… 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 »

Intersection of need based attorney fees and sanctions. Recently I posted regarding the two different types of attorney fee awards available in family law courts in California: need based and sanction based. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gKdYifpS In a recent family law matter, the trial court denied a party need-based attorney fees under Family Code §… Read More »

There are two types of attorneys fees and costs awards: one based on need, and one as a sanction. Need based attorney fees/costs are controlled by FC 2030   Sanctions based attorney fees/costs are under FC 271. Need based attorneys fees and costs: California Family Courts are authorized to make an order requiring any party to litigation to… Read More »

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. CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS DURING… Read More »

The Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) of 1975 may be revised. This law capped the recovery victims could receive in medical malpractice lawsuits. MICRA was intended to lower medical malpractice liability insurance premiums for healthcare providers in that state by decreasing their potential tort liability. Non-economic damages are limited to $250,000. Non-economic damages include claims… Read More »

What is a California Transfer on Death Deed?  Why Should You Care? The California transfer on death deed allows property to be transferred to a new owner when the current owner dies The transfer does not require a probate of the estate. The current owner retains ownership and control over the property, including the right… Read More »