In California, unmarried couples who live together are considered to be cohabitating. If you and your partner cohabitate, you may wonder: Do unmarried couples have rights in California? The short answer is yes. However, couples who cohabitate have different legal rights than those who are married. Continue reading
When a military couple divorces, they will contend with many of the same issues as non-military couples. As in any divorce, in California, the parties must divide their shared (community) property. However, there are unique considerations with respect to certain military benefits. Here is more on dividing military benefits in California. Continue reading
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis. In 2016, the substance became legal for personal use. Since then, the industry has grown to the point that it’s not uncommon to see marijuana sold at retail dispensaries throughout the Golden State. Although marijuana use is legal in California, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is widely accepted in child custody courts. Therefore, if you have a potential or pending child custody matter with this concern, it’s important to know: Can marijuana use impact my child custody case? Continue reading
Divorce can be incredibly stressful, especially when there is high conflict. Under these conditions, it’s not uncommon for one or both parties to strongly express how they feel about the case and each other. However, sometimes angry comments can get out of hand to the point of becoming misleading and inaccurate. Depending on what gets said, these statements may be so false and damaging as to constitute defamation. Here is more on defamation and California divorce. Continue reading
When a court has jurisdiction over a case, it has the legal authority to make rulings and decisions regarding the issues and the parties. Jurisdiction can usually be found where the parties and property at issue are located. However, it can be less clear in a custody case when the parties and their children reside in different communities. Therefore, if you are involved in a California child custody matter, you need to know: How does jurisdiction work in a California child custody case? Continue reading
When you hear the term “prenup” or prenuptial agreement, it may conjure images of extremely wealthy or famous people. However, these legal instruments can also be helpful to people of ordinary means. Therefore, depending on your finances and relationship, having a prenuptial agreement in place before you walk down the aisle may be a good move for you and your future spouse. Here are 5 reasons to get a California Prenup: Continue reading
After divorce, there can be circumstances when a parent has the right to see their kids but fails to do so. If your ex is not involved in your kids’ lives, you may think: My ex doesn’t see my kids. Can I terminate their parental rights? Continue reading
Dividing marital property during a divorce case often involves retirement. This crucial resource can be one of the most important and valuable assets in a case. However, unlike other marital property, most retirement accounts must be divided using a specific document called a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). Continue reading
Getting through your divorce can feel like running a marathon. When it’s over and your divorce documents are signed and filed, it can feel like you can finally breathe and move on with your life. Once your case is over, the last thing you want is to have to return to court over a divorce-related issue. However, there can be circumstances when a court should set aside a divorce order. If you have concerns about your California divorce order being final, you need to know: Can my divorce judgment be set aside? Continue reading
Developing mutually agreeable custody terms during divorce can be a lengthy and involved process. Even when parents are relatively amicable, it can be challenging to craft orders that consider and balance everyone’s needs. Once your final legal and physical custody terms are in place, it can be a relief. However, what happens if you need to relocate? In this situation, you need to know: How will my move impact my California child custody order? Continue reading