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 »
Paying Off Debts in a California Divorce-Who Is Responsible?
Who is Responsible for Debt in a California Divorce? Protecting Your Credit Last Updated March 31, 2026 Divorce is stressful enough without watching your credit score plummet. A common frustration for many Californians is discovering that their spouse’s financial habits—or a lack of cooperation during the split—is damaging their financial future. We recently received… Read More »
Can CA Courts Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees?
Can a California Court Deny Need-Based Attorney Fees Due to Bad Conduct? In a California divorce, the law generally aims to ensure a “level playing field.” Under Family Code § 2030, courts often order the higher-earning spouse to contribute to the lower-earning spouse’s attorney fees. This policy of “parity” is designed to ensure that both… Read More »
Learn How to Obtain a Court Order for Your Spouse to Contribute to Your Attorney Fees in a Divorce
How to Obtain an Order for Attorney Fees From Your Spouse in a California Divorce In a California divorce, the law is designed to ensure that both parties have equal access to legal representation, regardless of who controls the family finances. If one spouse has more financial resources than the other, the Court can order… Read More »
15 Vital Questions to Ask a Divorce and Family Lawyer Before You Hire One
15 Vital Questions to Ask a Divorce and Family Lawyer Before You Hire One Choosing the right representation for your family law or divorce matter is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. In Los Angeles County, the legal landscape is complex, and the outcome of your case often depends on the experience… 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 Spousal Support is Determined in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
If there is a disparity in the income of spouses, a spouse may seek temporary support payments (commonly referred to as alimony). This occurs after a petition for divorce has been filed but before the divorce trial or stipulated judgment has been issued. The party seeking support asks the court through a formal, written request… Read More »
How to Obtain The Best Possible Outcome When You Have to Go to Court in Your Family Law Case
Four Steps to Improve Your Chances of Getting What You Desire In Family Law Hearings If You Are the Movant Submit Terrific Papers. Opposition Papers Should Be Filed As Early As Possible. Opposing Papers Should Attack the Weakness of The Movant’s Papers. Consider Telling Your Attorney You Don’t Want An Objection to The Evidence Pleading Filed…. Read More »