It’s a sad fact of life but money issues often lead to marital discord, which in turn can lead to the overall breakdown of marriage and eventual divorce. In this difficult area, many misconceptions persist regarding the responsibility of debts. For example, one client recently came to me with the following situation: she and her […]
Although California has been a “no-fault” divorce state since 1969, people still come to my office saying, “I don’t know if I have grounds for divorce.” That’s the stark simplicity of “no-fault”—in this state, the only standard for obtaining a divorce is proof that “irreconcilable differences have led to an irremediable breakdown of the marriage.” […]
Age is not a predictor of divorce. It can happen to anyone at any time. Many older people feel trapped in a burdensome marriage because they either feel they cannot move on financially without the combined income and resources they have grown accustomed to or feel they are too old to make such a drastic […]
If you’re thinking of representing yourself in a divorce proceeding, there are two options I would suggest considering. Both come with significant pros and cons, which you should be aware of before moving forward. Option 1 – Family Law Facilitator Most counties in California offer a “for-free” service called the Family Law Facilitator. One or […]
In a recent blog post, I discussed the pros and cons of choosing to represent yourself in court actions, rather than hiring an attorney to handle your matter. In such legal areas as civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, small claims, traffic court, etc., there are times when you can act effectively on your own behalf […]
If you’re thinking of representing yourself in a divorce or dissolution of domestic partnership proceeding in California, there are two options I would suggest considering. Both come with significant pros and cons, which you should be aware of before moving forward. Option 1 – Family Law Facilitator Most counties in California offer a “for-free” service […]
In California, there is a presumption that, in general, a mother and father (or domestic partners) can work together to raise a child jointly, even after they no longer live in the same household. This is referred to as “joint legal custody.” It involves collaborating on decisions that directly affect the health, welfare, education, and […]
In California, “community property” is defined as the marital interest in an asset or debt that was obtained or incurred between the date of marriage/registration of a domestic partnership and the date of separation. When I initially sit down with a client who’s going through a divorce or dissolution of domestic partnership, I start by […]
In general, “child custody” refers to all the important decisions regarding the raising of a child, including his or her health, education, and welfare. Custody is basically divided into two parts: (a) legal custody (the decision-making part) and (b) physical custody, as in who is responsible for the child’s physical well-being. Unless the parents share […]
If you and your spouse face impending separation or divorce, there are important legal and emotional factors to consider. Whether you intend to hire a lawyer to represent you in Family Court or you wish to represent yourself, here are several things to keep in mind: Put a game plan together. The legal process of […]