Please help me understand 1st, 3rd and 5th weekend child custody visitation
Child custody parenting schedules can be confusing. I am often asked questions about the “5th” weekend. Question: “My ex has visitation is ordered to be 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends. To me it sounds as alternate weekends. But when 5th weekend comes, the 1st weekend of the new month is the following weekend (2 weekends… 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 »
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 »
Learn How to Modify Child Support Orders
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 »
The Rules About Serving and Filing Responses to Requests for Orders in Family Law Courts can be Confusing. Here is a Primer on What to Do and When to Do It.
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 »
Child Custody Orders Can Be Changed in Los Angeles and Orange County Courts
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 »
15 Questions You Should Ask Potential Divorce Lawyers Before Hiring
Asking questions about an attorney’s qualifications and skills can be embarrassing and a little intimidating. A divorce is one of the most important events in your life. It makes sense to enquire about the attorney’s background and experience. Here are 15 Questions You Should Ask Potential Divorce Lawyers Before Hiring. Your lawyer should be able… Read More »
Divorce Mediation Makes Sense Even with the Recalcitrant Spouse
Traditional litigation lawyers and parties are in adversarial roles. You can imagine that if one company sues another over trademark infringement for example, the case begins as a zero-sum game with a winner and a loser. It’s true most cases settle, but the mindset of the litigants is one of war. This can be the… Read More »
How is Child Support Determined and Ordered in Los Angeles and Orange County Family Court?
In California, child support is determined using a mathematical formula codified in Family Code Section 4055. The most important factors are the incomes of the parents. The next most important factor is the amount of time the parents have custody. Changes in custody time can sometimes result in changes in child support payment amounts. Child… Read More »
How Child Custody Schedules Are Determined in Divorce and Paternity Cases in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Learn How Family Law Courts in Los Angeles and Orange County Determine Child Custody If the parents cannot agree on child custody, the courts are guided by two principles in fashioning custody orders. 1. Maintain the status quo. 2. Provide frequent and continuing contact by both parents with minor children. 1. The Ultimate… Read More »