Navigating Child Custody Mediation in California: Putting Your Children First
Child Custody Mediation in California Family Law Courts: Putting Your Children First When you are facing a separation or divorce, the most stressful question is often: “What happens to our children?” In California, the legal system is designed to prioritize the well-being of your kids above all else. Before you ever step into a courtroom… Read More »
Monitored Visitation Price Tag Separating You from Your Children? See What the CA Appellate Case “In re Reyna R.” Means for You
Don’t Let the Price Tag Separate You from Your Children: What “In re Reyna R.” Means for You. Imagine a reality where spending time with your children isn’t a right, but a luxury you have to pay for. This is the heart-wrenching situation many parents face when a family law court orders “professional visitation monitoring.”… 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 »
Is Alimony (Spousal Support) Taxable in California?
I am often asked whether alimony is taxable in California. The short answer is YES. Here’s the question I received yesterday. I post it as I believe the answers to the question are helpful. QUESTION: I have a spousal support mutual written agreement that I started receiving payments in 2024 ( entered also that year… Read More »
J Lo Filed Her Divorce Petition Without a Lawyer, If Jennifer Lopez Does Not Need a Divorce Lawyer Do You?
Jennifer Lopez is crazy rich. So is Ben Affleck. Obviously, both of them can afford to hire lawyers. And both of them have been married multiple times. So why did she file by herself? The reason has not been made public, but I’m willing to bet that the reason is she and Ben are working… Read More »
Am I Stuck with Our Home Loan In a Divorce Since Only My Name Is On It?
What are my rights to my home if I divorced? What happens to the loan if it’s only in my name? Am I stuck with it? QUESTION: My husband and I own a home and have kids. We bought the home together during our marriage. It is titled in both our names.However, after a recent… Read More »
What Effect Does Infidelity Have on a California Divorce Case
Question: If one’s marriage ends due in whole or in part to infidelity, does the unfaithful spouse have to pay damages or lose any rights to the equal division of community property? What about custody? Does infidelity influence custody? Answers: Infidelity does not usually influence the division of property in a California Divorce. The process… Read More »
My Ex Was Ordered to Sell a House in Our Divorce and Divide the Proceeds. It Has Been Two Years. What to Do?
Question: My ex was ordered to sell a house by the court in our divorce and divide the proceeds with me. They have not sold the house and it has been 2 years. What can I do? Answer: In California, if your ex-spouse has failed to comply with a court order to sell a property… Read More »
Learn About Obtaining Information For a Domestic Violence Case from the Adverse Party
As of January 1, 2024, the Civil Discovery Act does not apply to matters under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) absent a good cause showing. INTRODUCTION: The applicability of the Civil Discovery Act to DVPA matters was a point of contention. In cases of alleged Domestic Violence some litigants would seek discovery under the… 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 »