If you are having difficulties in your marriage, you have likely started researching what options you have available to you. It is a good idea to understand your situation as well as possible so that you can make the right choices for yourself and your family. For many couples who believe that their marriage may be ending, a legal separation is a smart first step. This process will provide everyone the legal Read More

The holiday season is always difficult for divorced parents and their children. Parents have to let go of old grudges and bad memories so that they can work together and make the season special for the kids, who may be feeling sad at the realization that their family is now divided. Young children can be especially affected by the post-divorce holidays because routine makes them feel safe, and this year they are Read More

A significant reason why divorce can be so stressful is because of the uncertainty it brings. The future you had imagined is no longer achievable. In addition to losing a partner, you may have to negotiate child custody, child support, and alimony.  Asking about the financial aspects of divorce (i.e., child support & alimony) is not self-centered. People may worry about how they appear when they focus on the Read More

After your divorce is finalized, you will no longer be a husband or a wife, but you are still a parent. And you will need to be one when your child needs it the most. You face the challenge of being at your best for the sake of your children when you may be struggling emotionally.  To help you navigate through some of the more emotionally complex aspects of your divorce, here are helpful tips for building good Read More

The short answer to this question is that it takes a minimum of six months. You will quickly discover that these types of questions are followed with the words, “it depends.” That is not a means to circumvent the question.  These answers are always tied to your specific circumstances. And a lawyer—one who is well versed and experienced with family law—would be in the best position to do that for you. To give you a Read More

If you have children, you will continue to be in close contact with your former spouse. Together you two will have to face new challenges as co-parents. One of the more unique circumstances during this time is how new people will be brought into your family. Either you, your spouse or both of you may begin new relationships. When this happens, there will be people around your children that you will have to Read More

Do you need a will or a trust? When people create an estate plan, they will likely include both. And people can have multiple trusts. An estate plan is the culmination of documents that you make. Each one serves a purpose. A skilled attorney will build your estate plan using one of these documents as the foundation. Before establishing what each can do for you, remember that a will goes into effect after you pass Read More

You’ve likely heard that California is a 50/50 state. This is true; it is. Eight other states are too. But what does this mean? It comes down to the standard regarding how community property gets divided between spouses. Furthermore, states will differ on how they deem things to be “community property.” States can fall into two different categories: Community property states Equitable distribution Read More

Abruptly losing any source of income is stressful. You depend on the money to take care of your children. Because divorce can be an emotionally charged situation, your reaction may be extreme.  You may become angry at your former spouse. There may be feelings of fear and concern to be able to make ends meet. Every state in the U.S. requires a parent to provide financial support to their children—regardless of Read More

There are a few steps that can and will occur before you get to a review hearing. The process begins when Child Protective Services (CPS) files a petition with the court stating that a child is not safe by living with their parents and why this is the case. During a Detention Hearing, the parties are shown the petition that was submitted, the parents are told what can ultimately happen, and the court will Read More