How do I add income from a small business to the California Income and Expense Declaration, form FL-150?
Question: If my spouse is self-employed with his own business, how should his income be stated in form FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration? On line (1.a) must he must state the name of his business, and on line (1.h) he must state his business’s gross income (before any taxes)? On line (7) must he must… Read More »
What Steps Can a Person Take to Prepare for Divorce in California
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA There are several steps a party can take to prepare for a divorce in California: Gather information. This includes acquiring and making copies of important financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment portfolios. It is also important to obtain the data necessary for you… Read More »
Is a Financial Statement Required When the Payor Wants to Change a Spousal Support Order after a California Divorce Judgment?
Is a financial statement required when the payor wants to change or terminate spousal support after a California divorce judgment was issued? I often receive questions about modifications of spousal support orders after a divorce judgment has been issued by the court. Recently, I recently received the question below regarding a post judgment spousal support… Read More »
The Divorce Process in California Explained
A PRIMER ON THE DIVORCE PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA Just like any lawsuit, a divorce case has a beginning. a middle and an end. 1. The Beginning In California a divorce case begins with a summons and petition of divorce and a response to the petition. In cases with minor children, certain data such as the age, birthdate, and residence of… Read More »
Is Alimony Deductible and Reported as Income for Taxes?
Is Alimony (known as Spousal Support in California Family Law Courts) deductible by the payor and reportable income to the payee? On your California Return the answer is yes. In California if you receive alimony payments, you must report it as income on your California return. If you pay alimony to a former spouse/RDP, you’re allowed… Read More »
Los Angeles Family Law Courts No Longer Have Court Reporters
Change in Rules Regarding Court Reporters Effective November 14, 2022 the Los Angeles Superior Court Family Law Departments will amend its policies regarding the availability of official court reporters. Official court reporters are not statutorily required to be provided in unlimited civil, family law, or probate matters, and existing court reporter coverage will end November 14… 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 »
How is spousal support changed if the payor moves out of California?
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 »
Why Date of Separation Is Important in a California Divorce
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 »
What Is the Difference Between a Prenup and a Premarital Agreement?
There’s no difference. The phrases prenuptial agreement and premarital agreement and the word “prenup” all refer to the same thing: an agreement signed prior to marriage which contracts to modify the rights and obligations of parties from the statutory rules which govern the characterization of real and personal property as community property, the division of… Read More »