Learn How Prenuptial Agreements Can Make Sense for You and Your Partner
Good Reasons for a Prenuptial Agreement Without a prenuptial agreement, divorce is complicated. With one it’s not easy peasy but it is less complicated. Reason 1 – Under the statutory law in California, once married half of all earnings, property accumulated from those earnings during marriage including your retirement, as well as the increaese in… Read More »
Learn How Social Media Posts Can Impact Your California Divorce or Paternity Case
In today’s digital age, where social media has become an undeniable part of life, navigating a divorce or a paternity case can be even more complex. While sharing updates and connecting with loved ones can be beneficial, careless posts can have a significant, and often negative, impact on your family law case in California. Here’s… Read More »
Attorneys Fees as Sanctions: the Difference between the Family Code and the Civil Code
I recently wrote about attorney’s fees as a sanction and distinguished an award of attorneys fees as a sanction from attorney fees based on need in this post. I noted that Family Code Section 271 provides authority for sanctions against the adverse party (i.e. one’s ex). It does not authorize sanctions against the adverse party’s… Read More »
How do I add income from a small business to the California Income and Expense Declaration, form FL-150?
Question: If my spouse is self-employed with his own business, how should his income be stated in form FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration? On line (1.a) must he must state the name of his business, and on line (1.h) he must state his business’s gross income (before any taxes)? On line (7) must he must… Read More »
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 »
Estate Planning Considerations During Divorce
You Should Update Your Estate Plan During a Divorce If you are going through a divorce, it is important to update your estate plan. This includes your will, your living trust (if you have one), your power of attorney, and your health care directive. Some estate planning documents you can change immediately by yourself or… 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 »
What is a 2-2-3 Parenting Schedule in a Child Custody Order?
A 2-2-3 parenting schedule is a way that parents with joint physical custody of children divide the custody time. Many parents choose this schedule because it allows a reasonable amount of uninterrupted time with the children and the children are never apart from either parent for long. The phrase 2-2-3 in the context of a… Read More »
Is Alimony Deductible and Reported as Income for Taxes?
Is Alimony (known as Spousal Support in California Family Law Courts) deductible by the payor and reportable income to the payee? On your California Return the answer is yes. In California if you receive alimony payments, you must report it as income on your California return. If you pay alimony to a former spouse/RDP, you’re allowed… Read More »