Many people believe that when a couple lives together for an extended period of time, they have entered into a “common law marriage.” While there are several states that recognize common law marriage, California is not one of them. However, many couples choose to cohabitate rather than get legally married. In these cases, there are […]
Whether you are the higher-earning spouse in the marriage or the financially supported partner, divorce can have a significant economic impact. One of the most common questions asked by divorcing spouses is: “How is spousal support determined?” Also commonly known as alimony, spousal support can be one of the most contested issues in any divorce. […]
Child custody is one of the most emotional aspects of any divorce or separation. But it’s important to understand that the custody arrangement entered into or ordered after a divorce can be modified at any time before the child turns 18. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, a court may permit a […]
There can be many reasons you might seek to change a child custody agreement that was previously ordered by the court. If circumstances change as the child grows, the custody order in place may no longer reflect their best interests or meet the needs of your family. However, if you and your spouse can reach […]
Child support is vital to ensuring that a child’s basic needs are met — and it’s often a source of contention in divorce. By law, both parents must financially provide for their children. However, if a parent cannot work because they have become disabled, their ability to satisfy their financial obligations to pay child support […]
Divorce brings many changes to a person’s life. From coordinating child custody, growing accustomed to a new home, and navigating the economic impact of divorce, the aftermath of ending a marriage can sometimes be overwhelming. Nonetheless, one of the changes that you may be looking forward to is resuming the use of your birth name. […]
In any California child custody case, the best interests of the child are first and foremost. This is the standard that guides a judge in making their initial custody decision — and it is also the basis upon which a parent can lose custody. While the court will consider various factors when rendering a custody […]
Going through a divorce can be emotionally, physically, and financially challenging. However, there are a few common mistakes that you can avoid making to help ensure the process goes smoothly. By being aware of the following divorce mistakes, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time, stress, and money that would otherwise be spent […]
Whether your case involves child custody, support, or visitation, you might feel overwhelmed the first time you are required to appear in family court. While it’s normal to be nervous before stepping into the courtroom for the first time, knowing what to expect in advance can help put your mind at ease. Here are some […]
A question frequently asked by divorcing spouses is, “Can a couple use the same divorce lawyer?” Although it might seem like this could be a good idea to save money on legal fees, the answer is no — using the same lawyer for divorce is not allowed. Regardless of whether your divorce is contested or […]
