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 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 […]
There may be many reasons a young adult might wish to live separate and apart from their parents. Although the age of majority is 18 in California, a child can legally be considered an adult by becoming emancipated. However, child emancipation is a step that the minor must take for themselves. Parents cannot seek to […]
People don’t usually think about the possibility of their marriage ending when they’re tying the knot. However, since divorce is not uncommon, more couples are considering taking certain precautions to protect their assets and property in the event that they end up parting ways. While most people are familiar with prenuptial agreements, there’s another type […]
If you and your spouse or partner have decided to part ways, your priority should be the best interests of your children. However, emotions can run high when you’re going through a divorce or separation, and it’s not unusual for co-parents to face challenges when it comes to communicating — or trying to keep track […]
While it is not mandatory for a stepparent to adopt the child of their spouse, voluntarily assuming parental responsibility can have a huge, beneficial impact on a child’s life. But the process of stepparent adoption in California is complex. An experienced Fresno family law attorney can help you complete the adoption as efficiently as possible. Who […]
Creating a parenting plan is often a fundamental part of the divorce process. The plan typically works out issues such as where the children will reside and just how much parenting time each parent should receive. By crafting a comprehensive parenting plan early on, you can help prevent future fights over unanswered issues. Below, we discuss what to […]
Unfortunately, false allegations of child abuse have become common in family cases — after all, it’s not very hard to make an allegation. All it takes is a declaration under oath with a depiction of the abuse. But at the Law Offices of Rick D. Banks, our experienced family law attorneys know how to fight false allegations in family court. […]
In many families, grandparents are deeply involved in their grandchildren’s lives. Sometimes, they may even take on the role of parent. However, after a divorce, grandparents may wonder whether they have visitation rights under the law. To learn more about grandparent’s rights in California, speak to a family law attorney at the Law Office of Rick D. Banks today. […]
California courts take parenting time seriously, as court-ordered parenting schedules are created in the best interests of the child. So, when one parent significantly hinders the parenting time of their spouse, the court may respond with severe consequences. At the Law Offices of Rick D. Banks we can help you protect your visitation rights. If you are experiencing […]
