Category Archives: General
How DVRO Findings Affect Spousal Support Under California Family Code § 4325
Domestic violence can affect many aspects of a California divorce, including child custody, visitation, property division, and spousal support. A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) may also become important evidence when a court is deciding whether one spouse should receive financial support from the other. However, it is important to understand the distinction between… Read More »
Legal Options When a Parent Refuses to Follow a Custody Order
When a California court issues a child custody order, both parents are legally obligated to follow it. These orders are designed to provide children with stability and ensure that both parents understand their rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, not every parent complies with the terms of a custody order. Some may repeatedly deny parenting time,… Read More »
Relocation with a Child: Legal Considerations & Best Practices in California
When one parent wants to move with a child after a separation or divorce, the legal and practical implications can be significant. In California, these cases—commonly referred to as “move-away” cases—often involve complex custody disputes and heightened emotions. Whether the proposed move is across town, to another part of the state, or out of… Read More »
High‑Conflict Co‑Parenting and How to Deal With a Non‑Cooperative Parent
Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be challenging under the best of circumstances. When one parent is consistently uncooperative, combative, or unwilling to follow court orders, the situation becomes far more difficult. High‑conflict co-parenting is not simply about occasional disagreements; it involves ongoing disputes that interfere with communication, decision‑making, and, most importantly, a… Read More »
Digital Assets and Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Online Life?
In today’s digital world, our possessions, just like our lives, extend far beyond physical assets. Social media accounts, digital photos, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, email accounts, and even subscriptions to streaming services all represent significant aspects of our daily existence. Yet, many people overlook these digital assets when creating an estate plan. Without proper… Read More »
Does California Still Recognize Domestic Partnerships?
In California, domestic partnerships remain a fully valid legal status. Despite the widespread acceptance of same-sex marriage since 2015, domestic partnerships didn’t disappear; they evolved. Many people wonder if they’re still an option, what rights they carry, and how they differ from marriage. If you’re considering registering a domestic partnership—or are already in one—here’s… Read More »
Avoid or Minimize Probate With Thoughtful Estate Planning
For many families, the word “probate” carries a sense of dread. Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate, and while it serves an important function, it can also be slow, expensive, and stressful for grieving loved ones. In California, probate can take months or even years to complete, and the… Read More »
Can Court Orders Be Modified After a Divorce?
Divorce orders are meant to provide a sense of finality and structure after a marriage ends, but they are not always set in stone. Life is unpredictable, and it’s common for circumstances to change after a divorce is finalized. Fortunately, California family law allows for the modification of certain court orders, provided that specific… Read More »
What Happens to the Estate if Someone Dies Without a Will?
When someone passes away without leaving a valid will—a situation known as dying intestate—it often creates confusion and stress for the surviving family members. Many people assume their possessions will automatically go to their closest loved ones, but under California law, the distribution of an intestate estate follows a strict set of rules that… Read More »
California Laws on Parental Relocation
Parental relocation—often referred to as a “move-away” case—arises when a custodial parent wishes to change a child’s residence in a way that affects custody or visitation. In California, such moves are governed by specific laws and judicial standards, with a paramount focus on the best interests of the child. Whether you’re considering relocating or… Read More »