What You Need to Know About Financial Disclosures and Divorce
California Divorce, Property Division

What You Need to Know About Financial Disclosures and Divorce

Most divorces consist of several moving parts. Couples may have to deal with property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. It’s the ‘money’ part of divorce that trips some people up. How much money does one spouse have to give the other for child support? Will one spouse have to pay spousal support to the other and, if so, how much? There’s one document produced during the divorce process that helps couples and their divorce lawyers work out those details: financial disclosures.
Continue reading →

Summary Dissolution of a Domestic Partnership
Same Sex Marriage and Divorce

Summary Dissolution of a Domestic Partnership

As Drake and Dwight’s relationship grew stronger, they decided to register their domestic partnership with the California Secretary of State’s office. However, they then separated four years later. They didn’t know whether you could formally dissolve a domestic partnership but soon learned that divorce is possible. In fact, there are several forms of divorce available including something called ‘summary dissolution.’ Sometimes summary dissolution of a domestic partnership is the best option for everyone.
Continue reading →

3 Tips for Handling a Child Custody Dispute
Child Custody

3 Tips for Handling a Child Custody Dispute

Divorce can be very upsetting, even if your marriage was a disaster. When children are involved, stress and emotions amp up even more. You may want to focus on helping your children cope with the changes in their lives, but you also have to meet with your ex-spouse to negotiate a parenting plan. After all, the court expects it – and will not finalize your divorcee without that plan. However, you can survive handling a child custody dispute. The following three tips may help.
Continue reading →

What Happens if My Husband Stops Paying Spousal Suppor
Spousal Support

What Happens if My Husband Stops Paying Spousal Support?

Joyce was relieved when her ex-husband, Martin, was ordered to pay spousal support. She had no way of maintaining anything close to the lifestyle she enjoyed during their 22-year marriage. It would take several years for her to train for a career so she could support herself. Then, suddenly, she stopped receiving checks from Martin. When your husband stops paying spousal support, where do you turn?
Continue reading →

Dividing Debts During Divorce Not as Easy as You Might Think
Property Division, California Divorce

Dividing Debts During Divorce: Not as Easy as You Might Think

It’s easy to say that California is a community property state. However, the actual process of assigning property and debt is complicated, especially since people are more likely to think about dividing assets than dividing debts during a divorce. As an unhappy couple and their divorce lawyers sift through paperwork, they have to get the big picture of what the couple owes and who will pay.
Continue reading →

Can Cooperative Parenting Work for You
Child Custody

Can Cooperative Parenting Work for You?

Parenting issues are paramount when moms and dads divorce. Deciding where Sally and Johnny spend holidays and weekends can quickly become the most hotly contested issue in an already contentious situation. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you are involved in a custody battle, spend some time thinking about whether cooperative parenting can work for you, your ex-spouse and, especially, for your children.
Continue reading →

How to Know When Your Marriage Is Over
Marriage, California Divorce

How to Know When Your Marriage Is Over

Most of us don’t walk down the aisle at our weddings thinking there’s an expiration date for our love. We don’t say, “I do,” while planning to end our marriages in six years, three days, and 12 hours. But building a healthy marriage and keeping it together is not easy. At some point, you may have to know when your relationship is over so you can move on. In this article, we will explore several ways of knowing that it’s time to file the divorce petition.
Continue reading →

Subtle Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence

Subtle Signs of Domestic Violence

After the wedding, Lily’s friends noticed some changes in her behavior. She stopped meeting them for lunch every Sunday. The phone calls and texts dropped off. When they asked Lily to go shopping with them, she never had any money. Her makeup, hair, and clothes were always perfect, and they never saw any bruises, so they assumed Lily was just a busy newlywed. They didn’t know about the subtle signs of domestic violence.

Continue reading →