In the Best Interests of the Python Pet Custody in a California Divorce
California Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division

In the Best Interests of the Python: Pet Custody in a California Divorce

As a married couple, Noah and April shared everything – their finances, homes, and friends. They also shared their pet. Desi was a ball python they had raised for more than seven years. Although snakes are not generally considered cuddly pets, both Noah and April loved hanging out with him. But pet custody never entered their minds until they decided to end their marriage. Since they both wanted to keep Desi, deciding what was in the best interests of their python became a major obstacle. Continue reading →

Tips for Telling the Kids About Your Divorce
California Divorce

Tips for Telling the Kids About Your Divorce

It’s no secret that divorce can be very hard for children. That’s one reason that the California Family Code and California courts try so hard to ensure every ruling is done “in the best interests of the children.” But even though lawyers and judges are concerned about the effect divorce has on children, telling the kids about your divorce is ultimately up to you. To make things a little easier for you, we’re offering some tips. Continue reading →

Gray Divorce U.S. Divorce Rates Are Lower, But Not in This Age Group
California Divorce

Gray Divorce: U.S. Divorce Rates Are Lower, But Not in This Age Group

In 2020, both marriage and divorce rates dropped. Some experts had predicted that divorce would skyrocket because COVID-19 lockdowns put a strain on married couples. Also, some people may have decided to wait until after the public health emergency before ending their marriage. However, rates have been rising since 1990 for one group. That’s because gray divorce is on the rise. Continue reading →

Can You Have a Birth Certificate with Two Moms
Same Sex Marriage and Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support

Can You Have a Birth Certificate with Two Moms?

The United States Supreme Court upheld California’s decision to allow same-sex marriages in 2013. In another case heard two years later, a Supreme Court decision prevented states from banning same-sex marriage. But even so, these decisions did not iron out all of the legal wrinkles faced by gay couples. For example, spouses sometimes found they were not their child’s legal parent unless they went through a formal adoption. One reason for this is that it was difficult, if not impossible, to have a birth certificate with two moms or two dads. Continue reading →

What to Do When Divorced Parents Disagree About Healthcare
Child Custody

What to Do When Divorced Parents Disagree About Healthcare

Divorced parents Carlos and Sarah were able to handle disagreements about raising their two children – usually amicably. But they finally reached a potential impasse when trying to make healthcare decisions. Often, decisions about medical treatment are time-sensitive. Therefore, Carlos and Sarah needed to deal with their disagreement about healthcare as quickly as possible. Continue reading →

3 Types of Separate Property in a California Marriage
Property Division

3 Types of Separate Property in a California Marriage

When people get married, it’s often said that they are becoming one. Their lives, friends, and family are combined to form their new life. But what about their property? Does one person’s stuff automatically belong to the new spouse? Not necessarily, especially in a community property state like California. Possessions can be considered community (owned by both), separate (owned by one person), or mixed (a little of both). To make things a little more complicated, three types of separate property can exist in a California marriage. Continue reading →

In re Marriage of McHugh When Spousal Unemployment in a Divorce Is Not Accidental
Spousal Support, Child Custody

In re Marriage of McHugh: When Spousal Unemployment in a Divorce Is Not Accidental

Under California family law, both parents are expected to be financially responsible for their children. One parent often pays child support to the parent with a more significant custodial role. Courts base child support awards partially on the paying parent’s income. But what happens when that parent no longer has a job or other source of income? Even worse, what if spousal unemployment was not an accident? Continue reading →