Family Law Blog

When you’re facing a custody dispute, knowing what the judge actually cares about can change how you approach your entire case. California family courts follow specific guidelines when they’re deciding which parent should have primary physical custody. These aren’t arbitrary decisions made on a whim. The Best Interest Of The Child Standard Everything in California […]

It’s frustrating when you suspect your ex is deliberately avoiding their financial obligations. Some parents think they can quit their jobs or take a lower-paying position to reduce child support payments. California courts see through this strategy, and they’ve got tools to address it. When a parent voluntarily reduces their income, the court doesn’t just […]

If you’ve built a business during your marriage, there’s a good chance you’re worried about losing it in a divorce. That concern makes sense. California is a community property state, so assets acquired during marriage typically get split 50/50 between spouses. Your business doesn’t automatically end up on the chopping block, though. Several factors determine […]

Legal separation allows married couples to live apart while remaining legally married. You’ll still be spouses in the eyes of the law, but you won’t share finances or live together as a married couple. Divorce completely ends your marriage, making you legally single and free to remarry. Both are court-approved processes that address the same […]

People ask me all the time if they can just waive child support in California. Usually, they’re thinking about it because things are amicable with their ex, or maybe they make enough money that they don’t feel like they need the support. Sometimes, both parents have agreed they’d rather handle things their own way. The […]

Collaborative divorce offers an alternative to traditional courtroom battles, and the four-way meeting is where it all happens. You’ll sit down with your spouse and both of your attorneys to work through divorce issues together. It’s cooperative instead of combative. Understanding how these meetings work can help you figure out if this approach makes sense […]

Contested divorces don’t wrap up quickly. You’re looking at months, sometimes years, before a judge signs off on your final decree, but life doesn’t pause while your case winds through the court system. Bills still come due, kids need care, and someone has to pay the mortgage. Temporary orders solve this problem by setting ground […]

Divorce is hard enough on its own. Add valuable art collections, rare vehicles, or designer jewelry to the mix, and things get complicated fast. When you’re dealing with high-value possessions, California’s community property laws still apply, but figuring out what everything’s worth and how to split it fairly takes careful planning and often professional help. […]

You’ve poured everything into building your business. Long nights, personal savings, calculated risks. Now you’re planning to get married, and the last thing on your mind is what happens if things don’t work out. But here’s what most entrepreneurs don’t realize: California’s community property laws can put your company at serious risk during a divorce. […]

Most couples entering collaborative divorce focus on keeping things civil and avoiding courtroom drama. That’s understandable. But there’s another aspect of your settlement that deserves just as much attention: taxes. The financial decisions you make during your collaborative divorce won’t just affect you this year. They’ll follow you for decades. Understanding these tax implications now […]