In CA Alimony and Child Support Matters Expense Deductions on the Tax Returns of Small Business Owners Will Be Carefully Reviewed by the Court
Business Owners: Why Your Tax Return Doesn’t Dictate Support in California: When Addressing Alimony and Child Support Matters Expense Deductions on the Tax Returns of Small Business Owners Will Be Carefully Reviewed by the Court If you own a small business or are divorcing someone who does (or you are in a child support… 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 »
Learn What Impact Cohabitation Has on Alimony in California Divorces
An Ex Spouse Who Receives Alimony and Begins Cohabiting with a New Partner May Be Providing the Factual Basis for the Payor Ex Spouse to Obtain a Court Order to Modify the Amount of Alimony. What You Need to Know: Navigating the complexities of alimony in California Family Law Courtcan be challenging, especially when new… Read More »
The California Appellate Court Clarifies Spousal Support in Cases Involving Federal Immigration Law-I-864 Affidavits of Support
In a case published June 20, 2025, the California Appellate Court Stated that Income Available for Support Must Be Calculated Before Support is Determined Even in Cases Involving I-864 Affidavits of Support California Appellate Court Clarifies Spousal Support in Cases Involving Federal Immigration Law (I-864 Affidavits) A recent opinion issued by the California Appellate Court… 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 »
I Have Never Had A Couple Get Divorced After Getting a Prenuptial Agreement
This is obviously clickbait. But, it’s true. In my career I have never had a couple who retained me to prepare a prenuptial agreement for them file for divorce. The implication is that Prenups make marriages stronger, right? Well…no. I believe that couples who who agree that they want a prenuptial agreement and come to… Read More »
Can My Spousal Support Be Modified 14 Years After the Divorce?
QUESTION: I was divorced 14 years ago and receive spousal support. I received a Gavron warning and have worked for the last 12 of 14 years. 2 years ago I become injured and am now completely and permanently disabled and unable to work. Also, my ex’s income has gone up significantly. Can I get a… Read More »
Learn How to Collect Alimony or Child Support Arrears Using Real Propert Liens
Understanding Judgment Liens on Real Estate as a Tool to Collect Spousal Support or Child Support That Is Owed and Has Not Been Paid Summary: Alimony is the more common term in the United States but in California alimony is called spousal support. Under Section 697.320 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, a judgment… Read More »
Learn What to Do If You Have a Prenuptial Agreement and Your Spouse Seeks Temporary Spousal Support Anyway
Question: My Spouse and I executed a Prenuptial Agreement. It included a waiver of spousal support. They have brought a request for orders for temporary spousal support. Is that Allowed? What do I do? Answer: Yes, they can seek temporary spousal support. You should file a request for orders and a motion to bifurcate the… Read More »
My Ex Moved Out of California Can Our Child Support Order Be Changed By the Court In the New State?
Question: My Ex Moved Out of California Can Our Temporary Support Order Be Changed By the Court In the New State? Here in California a temporary order concerning child support, spousal support and custody was issued by the court. The order included an Ostler-Smith bonus order. My ex has since moved out of state with… Read More »