California Child Support Enforcement: What Happens If a Parent Owes Past Due Child Support?
California Child Support Enforcement: What Happens If a Parent Owes Past Due Child Support? If you are a parent who hasn’t received support which is due, or if you are a parent who is falling into “arrears” (past-due support), you should address the issue immediately, not ignore it. Here is what you need to know… Read More »
The Hidden Costs of Public Divorce: Why Private Mediation is the Smarter Path Forward
The Hidden Costs of Public Divorce: Why Private Mediation is the Smarter Path Forward Divorce is rarely just a legal process; it is a profound life transition. When a marriage dissolves, the emotional toll—dealing with betrayal, loss of trust, and a shifting identity—is heavy enough. Unfortunately, for many families in Southern California, the traditional court… Read More »
California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter
California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter For decades, starting a divorce in California meant one spouse had to “sue” the other, creating an adversarial tone from day one. However, as of January 1, 2026, a new, transformative legal pathway—the Joint Petition for Dissolution, Judicial Council (Form FL-700), allows… Read More »
The Problem With Contempt Claims in Child Custody Matters
I routinely field inquiries from parents who explain that the other parent is not complying with the child custody orders issued by the California Family Law Court and they wish to file a contempt action. I usually try and talk them out of it. Contempts are hard to win. Contempts are quasi-criminal cases because one… Read More »
There Is a Big Difference Between Child Custody Orders Issued While a Divorce Case Is Going On and Child Custody Orders Issued with the Divorce Judgment
In a California divorce, a child custody order issued during the proceedings is a “temporary order.” Lawyers and judges call this type of order a Pendente Lite order. Temporary Orders provide stability while the case is pending, and a child custody order issued with the final judgment is a Final Order that resolves custody matters permanently until a… Read More »
The behavior of parents in family law court and in the way they treat the other parent can be critical in how court’s decide child custody disputes.
The behavior of parents in family law courts as well as the way they treat the other parent can be critical in how court’s decide child custody disputes. In a case published August 18, 2025, entitled In re Marriage of R.K. and G.K, the California Court of Appeal provided a primer on what NOT to… Read More »
What is a Memorandum of Points and Authorities? Do I Need One in My Child Custody Paperwork?
Question: Do I Need to File a Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Addition to My Responsive Declaration Opposing My Ex’s Request for Child Custody Orders? His lawyer included a memorandum of points and authorities in support of my ex’s request for child custody and visitation/parenting time schedule orders. Answer: You don’t need a memo… Read More »
How Silence Can Help Litigants Obtain Their Goals in Family Law Court
In Family Law Litigation Silence Can Be an Effective Tool. Here’s how to use it. In family law litigation to get what you want, try closing your mouth. A well-deployed silence can radiate confidence and connection. The trouble is, so many of us are awful at it. We struggle to sit in silence with others,… Read More »
How to Get the Custody Orders You Desire in a Family Law Court Hearing
How Does One Obtain the Custody Orders One Desires in Family Law Court? What Evidence Should One Present? Hint: It’s Probably Not What You Think… WHAT NOT TO DO: In California Family Law Court, presenting evidence of the other parent’s poor character to support a child custody request is often not advisable for several reasons:… Read More »
Learn How California Courts Deal with Child Custody Issues in Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases
California laws regarding child custody and visitation in the context of Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases have been changed. If domestic violence or drug/alcohol abuse is alleged, amended Family Code Section 3011(a) requires courts to consider virtual visitation and grant unsupervised visitation only if the court finds that such visits are in the child’s best… Read More »