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 »
After a Family Law Hearing on Custody, Support or Some Other Issue How Does A Party Make an Order?
After a Court makes a decision in a family law case court hearing at which the judge issues an order, how does one make a record of what the judge said? I am often asked about Court Orders after a judge has made a decision in a family law hearing over a disputed issue. For… Read More »
Can My Spouse and I Divide Our Assets Prior to Filing for Divorce?
I often receive questions regarding dividing property prior to filing for divorce. Here’s a recent one: Question: My Spouse and I are planning to file a divorce. I’ve agreed to buyout my spouse’s portion of our home and transfer the house title through a Inter-Spousal transfer deed. I’m planning to draft a buyout settlement agreement…. Read More »
How to Ensure Fluctuating Income from Bonuses or Commissions Is Included in Spousal Support and Child Support Orders in Los Angeles Divorce or Paternity Cases
Bonus Income and Ostler Smith Awards: Navigating Fluctuating Income in Support Proceedings in California Divorce or Paternity Cases One of the important issues divorcing couples face is determining appropriate spousal and child support awards (For unmarried couples with children child support is usually an issue too). In cases where one party receives bonus income or… Read More »
Changes to 529 College Savings Accounts Next Year Will Influence California Divorce Spouses as the 529s Can Be Rolled Over to Roth IRAs
Excerpt: Starting in 2024, 529 education savings accounts can be rolled over into Roth IRAs under certain circumstances. People in California Divorce cases presently should take into account these changes in the law in drafting California divorce marital settlement agreements and, if necessary, litigating the issues in California divorce trials. Late last year, President Joe… 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 »
What happens to my retirement accounts in a California divorce?
In California, all types of retirement benefits are considered community property, which requires the benefits to be divided upon a dissolution of marriage. Community property is the contributions you made and the service credit you accrued and/or purchased during your marriage or domestic partnership. Generally, your former spouse’s community property interest may be up to… Read More »
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Los Angeles California?
I am often asked “How long how long does it take to get divorced in Los Angeles County? (or Orange County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, etc) Most lawyers play it safe and say ” It depends.” While that is true it’s not helpful. Based on my experience Post COVID California divorces are taking about… Read More »
Summary Dissolution–A Simpler Faster Way to Divorce in California
A summary dissolution is a simpler way to end a marriage or domestic partnership for couples who qualify and are able to cooperate in obtaining the divorce judgment. A summary dissolution becomes final 6 months after you file with the court. It’s less expensive. Our firm charges a flat fee: no retainers, no deposits, and… Read More »
Learn What to Do if Your Ex Files an Ex Parte about Child Custody
I am often contacted by nervous parents who state that their ex has filed (or is about to file) an Ex Parte Application concerning modifying or creating a child custody order in Family Law Court. Often after I listen to their story, I am able to tell them to relax. The most common reason I… Read More »