Family Law Blog

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) sounds complicated, but it’s simply a court order that splits retirement benefits between spouses during a divorce. If you or your spouse has a pension, 401(k), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, you’ll probably need one. Without a QDRO, you can’t touch your ex-spouse’s retirement account. The plan administrator won’t […]

Going through a divorce is stressful enough without worrying about monthly alimony payments stretching out for years. Maybe you’ve wondered if there’s a different way to handle this. Good news: in California, you can negotiate a lump sum payment instead of ongoing monthly spousal support. But it’s not automatic, and it won’t work for everyone. […]

California recognizes two distinct forms of spousal support during divorce proceedings. Temporary support gets ordered while your case is pending. Permanent support comes after your divorce is finalized. The calculation methods differ significantly, and understanding both can help you prepare for what’s ahead. At Attorney Bernie, we’ve helped countless clients understand these differences and what […]

When you’re going through a divorce in California, spousal support usually happens in two stages. The first stage involves temporary support, which kicks in while your case is still pending. Courts use a specific formula to calculate this amount, and it’s pretty straightforward compared to what comes later. Temporary support relies on a computer program […]

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 […]