Category Archives: California Divorce

California Divorce, Spousal Support

What is the Difference Between Temporary Spousal Support and Permanent Spousal Support?

The term “spousal support” is discussed frequently regarding California divorces, but many people aren’t aware that there are different types of spousal support.  In California, a court can award either temporary or permanent spousal support depending on the situation.

As a preliminary matter, spousal or partner support in California cannot be ordered by a judge until a court case is started. The court case is usually a divorce, legal separation or annulment, but can also be a domestic violence restraining order. The difference between a “temporary” and “permanent” support order is the time that it is entered and the duration.

A spouse or domestic partner can request a support order to be paid while the case is going on.  This is a “temporary” support order as it is established temporarily to support a party during the case duration. This type of order is known under California law as a “temporary spousal support order” or a “temporary partner support order.” Particularly in situations involving domestic violence, a temporary support order is vital to ensuring the financial stability of a party during the course of proceedings.

For temporary spousal or partners support, a formula is often used to calculate the amount.  This formula can vary depending on which California county you are in. The court’s local rules for each county should explain how temporary support is calculated. 

As an example, in Marin County, the local rules state that the presumed amount of temporary spousal support is 40% of the net income of the party paying support, minus 50% of the net income of the supported party.  In the case where the supported party is also receiving child support, those percentages change to 35% of the net income of the payor (minus child support) minus 45% of the net income of the supported party (without considering child support received). 

As you can see, the calculation of temporary spousal support can be complicated and varies based on the county in which your case is pending.  This is why it is so important to hire an experienced divorce attorney to help you with the calculations of spousal support as soon as you file your case.

A “permanent” spousal or partner support order is usually entered at the end of a case when the judge makes a final determination regarding an award or the parties enter into a binding agreement.  This order will become part of the final divorce or separation decree and judgment.  There are various factors set out by California law that a judge will consider when determining an award of permanent spousal or partner support.  For more information on those factors, see our previous blog post here.

If you want to learn more about whether you qualify for spousal or partner support in your California divorce, separation, annulment, or domestic violence case, contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger right away.  Our office has years of experience helping clients obtain the support they deserve.  Call us now at (415) 293-8314.

permanent spousal support
California Divorce, Spousal Support

Permanent Spousal Support: What Factors do Courts Consider?

In California, a court can award one party permanent support as part of divorce proceedings. This award is called “spousal support” for married couples and “partner support” for domestic partnerships. It is also sometimes referred to as “alimony.” 

California law has established specific requirements to guide judges in determining awards of spousal support in divorce proceedings. Prior to entering an award of permanent spousal support, a California judge is required to consider the factors set forth in California Family Code Section 4320. 

First, the judge will look at the earning potential of each party and decide whether they can maintain the same standard of living established during the marriage.  As part of this the judge will look at the marketable skills of the party asking for support, the time and expense it will take a supported party to develop marketable skills, and the impact of periods of unemployment on the supported party’s future job prospects (for example, a parent who stayed home with the children for several years and may now have trouble finding a job).

The judge will then consider the following factors:

  • Whether the party seeking support helped the other person obtain training, education, a career position, or licensing;
  • Whether the supporting party can afford to pay spousal support. This includes a consideration of their earning capacity, assets, and standard of living;
  • Each party’s monetary needs to maintain the same standard of living;
  • The debts and assets of each party, including separate property;
  • How long the marriage lasted;
  • Whether or not the party seeking support can work full-time without interfering with the interests of dependent children;
  • The health and age of the parties;
  • Documented evidence of any history of domestic violence or criminal convictions of an abusive spouse; and
  • Tax consequences to each party.

After considering these factors, the judge will balance the hardships to all parties and review any other factors that the court believes are fair and relevant to the determination.  The judge will then determine an award for spousal or partner support that will become a part of the final divorce or legal separation order. 

Spousal support determinations in California involve complex legal issues.  It is vital for you to be represented by an experienced California divorce attorney to ensure that you receive the awards that you deserve.  The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger have years of experience obtaining favorable support awards for their clients. Call today to find out how our attorneys can help: (415) 293-8314.

 

California Divorce

What Information Do I Have to Provide with my Preliminary Disclosures?

As discussed in the previous blog post, Preliminary Disclosures are required for all
divorces in California. Preliminary Disclosures are a set of forms and documents that each party in a divorce must give to the other in writing providing information regarding all assets, debts, income and expenses.

Three forms are required by California law to be included as part of the Preliminary Disclosures: 1) Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140), 2) Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-141), and 3) Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150).

Declaration of Disclosure
The Declaration of Disclosure form (FL-140) is a cover sheet signed by the party providing the disclosure under penalty of perjury. It attests that the Schedule of Assets and Debts and the Income and Expense Declaration are attached. It further requires that additional information be attached apart from the forms:
• The last 2 years of tax returns;
• A written statement of material facts relating to valuation of community property;
• A written statement of material facts relating to community obligations;
• A written statement regarding any investment opportunity, business opportunity, or other income-producing opportunity presented since the date of separation that results from any investment, significant business, or other income-producing opportunity from the date of marriage to the date of separation.

Schedule of Assets and Debts
The Schedule of Assets and Debt (FL-142) is a four-page form with questions related to the assets and debts of the person completing the form. The form requires disclosure of all assets and debts regardless of whether they are community or separate property. The form also requests an estimated value of the assets as of the date of completing the disclosure form and requires that statements be attached as proof of valuation. A party may indicate on the form whether they believe an asset to be separate property by annotating the asset with a “P” for “Petitioner” (the person who filed the divorce petition) or an “R” for “Respondent” (the person responding to the divorce petition).

Income and Expense Declaration
The Income and Expense Declaration requires a listing of a party’s income from all sources and expenses. This is different from the Schedule of Assets and Debts as it provides a “snapshot” of a party’s monthly inflow and outflow. The form has very specific questions that must be answered including special hardships, attorneys’ fees, and average monthly expenses. Like the Schedule of Assets and Debts, the Income and Expense Declaration also requires that supporting documentation be attached.

It is extremely important to be accurate in the completion of all of the disclosure forms. Providing incorrect or incomplete information can result in the judge awarding the entire asset omitted to the other party or an award of attorneys’ fees.

Remember that the “disclosure” requirement continues throughout the divorce process until the divorce is final. This means that if anything changes regarding assets, debt, income or expenses after the filing of the Preliminary Disclosures, you must fill out and serve a new set of disclosure forms on the other party to advise them of the new information. You would also then let the court know that you have filed updated disclosures by filing another Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) with the court.

The financial disclosure requirements for California divorces are very specific and the penalties for providing inaccurate or incomplete information are serious. It is important to hire an experienced California divorce attorney to assist you with completing these forms as part of the divorce process. Call (415) 293-8314 to find out how the knowledgeable divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger can help.
California Divorce

What are Preliminary Disclosures?

In divorce cases in California, both parties are required to provide a set of forms and documents regarding their finances to the other side. These forms and documents are called a “Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure” or “Preliminary Disclosures” and are required in order to get a divorce in California.

California law requires that specific forms be completed and provided to the other party as part of the Preliminary Disclosures. These disclosures are not something that must be requested by either side, there is an automatic requirement that each party provide this information to the other. Complete and transparent disclosure of financial assets is required. The forms and documentation required in the Preliminary Disclosures include detailed information regarding a party’s assets, debts, income and expenses.

The purpose of the Preliminary Disclosures requirement is to facilitate the ultimate goal of resolving all issues completely between the two parties, including a fair division of assets. The only way to reach a fair division of the assets is if both parties are aware of all of the assets held by both parties either individually or together. The Preliminary Disclosures also ensure that all parties are aware of each other’s finances and can adequately determine child support or spousal support where applicable.

Preliminary Disclosures are not filed with the court, but are “served” on the other party, either in person or via mail, as part of the divorce proceedings. Preliminary Disclosures must be served by the Petitioner no later than 60 days after filing the Petition for Divorce and by the Respondent no later than 60 days after the Response is due.

The only document filed with the court related to the Preliminary Disclosures is a “Declaration of Service of Declaration of Disclosure” which advises that the disclosures have been served. In the event that any information changes after service of the initial disclosures, updated disclosure forms must be served on the other side and a new “Declaration of Service of Declaration of Disclosure” must be filed with the court.

California law takes the Preliminary Disclosure requirements very seriously. The failure to provide complete financial information to the other party in the disclosures can result in serious consequences including the award of a hidden asset to the other party or a court order to pay the other side’s attorneys’ fees.

Preliminary disclosures are just one of many complex requirements for obtaining a divorce in California. An experienced California divorce lawyer on your side will make sure that you get the assets that you deserve. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are highly knowledgeable and experienced with obtaining positive results for their clients. Call us today at (415) 293-8314 to find out more about how we can help.
California Divorce

What is a QDRO?

Divorce proceedings are stressful and emotional for everyone involved. In the midst of chaos, it can be difficult to put together a comprehensive list of assets. One of the largest assets in a marriage that is often overlooked is a retirement plan. While retirement may be years down the road for many couples seeking a divorce, the division of that retirement plan must be addressed and approved during the proceedings. Failing to address the issue can lead to additional cost and a great deal of uncertainty down the road.
Retirement plan distributions ordered in divorce proceedings are governed by a document called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (or “QDRO”). A QDRO is a court order or judgment for a retirement plan to pay benefits to the dependent of a participant.
A QDRO is different from a “Domestic Relations Order” from the court as it must be “qualified.” To be “qualified” means that the order must be approved by the retirement plan in order to be valid. During divorce proceedings, the QDRO is sent to the retirement plan for approval.

Why is a QDRO Important?
Obtaining a QDRO is an important consideration in divorce proceedings as it governs the division of a large martial asset and is the only way to receive a pay-out benefit from a retirement fund. A retirement benefit could be granted by a judge and listed in the divorce decree, but a party is not entitled to a pay out of any benefits from a retirement fund unless a QDRO was sought and issued. The retirement plan then uses the QDRO as the legal basis for making pay-outs to the beneficiaries listed in the Order.

Requirements for a QDRO
There are thousands of retirement plans in the U.S., each with specific requirements as to what information must be included in a QDRO. The IRS requires that a QDRO contain the following information:
• the participant and each alternate payee’s name and last known mailing address; and
• the amount or percentage of the participant’s benefits to be paid to each alternate payee.
While this is a bare minimum, it is also a good idea to include the name of each plan governed by the Order as well as the total time period or number of payments to which the Order applies.
Keep in mind that every retirement plan will have different requirements and may want additional information added to the QDRO. This is why it is important to submit the Order to the retirement plan as soon as possible during divorce proceedings and to make any revisions necessary to obtain approval prior to finalization of the divorce.

If a QDRO is not set up correctly, it may not be enforceable after a divorce. This is where a California divorce attorney with experience in obtaining QDROs is invaluable. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are highly knowledgeable and experienced with negotiating and obtaining QDROs. Call (415) 293-8314 to find out how we can help.
California Divorce, Child Support

How Are Future Bonuses Handled in California Child Support Cases?

The end of a marriage is often more than just two adults deciding that their relationship is at an end. Often, instead, the end of a marriage is also the beginning of a new relationship between two adults as they learn to navigate the world tied to an ex-partner and as co-parents to their children. When a marriage ends and there are children involved, the question is no longer about how the relationship ends, but instead how the children are taken care of.

In a divorce with children, one of the court’s main concerns becomes the best interest of those children. The court is interested in ensuring that the children are properly supported, a responsibility that falls equally to both parents. The court has the ability to ensure this occurs by ordering payments in any amount necessary for the support, maintenance, and education of the children.

The support that the court orders will be based upon maintaining the same standard of living for the children, regardless of which of the parents are being assessed. In determining this standard, the appropriate amount will take into consideration all income of both of the parents, and it includes any bonuses that either spouse receives regularly.

One parent’s income may be irregular as it comes, in part, from bonuses or commissions. A parent cannot shield or hide a portion of his or her income from being used by claiming it is a bonus, especially if that bonus is a regular part of his or her annual income.

In fact, California Family Code § 4064 specifically states that the “court may adjust the child support order as appropriate to accommodate the seasonal or fluctuating income of either parent.” Often the court will make a percentage determination—ordering the parent to provide the child with a percentage of all future bonuses. This allows the court to take into account the inconsistent and prospective nature of such income. The courts will not allow a child to be disadvantaged simply because a parent’s income does not come on a regular schedule or amount.

If you or someone you know is facing divorce and have minor children in need of support, the help of an experienced family law attorney can make a hard and potentially confusing experience easier to navigate. If you’re in this position, it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable California divorce attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger  will make sure you successfully navigate California child support law. Make the call today to learn how our attorneys can help: (415) 293-8314.

California Divorce

How is Contempt of Court Used in California Divorce Cases?

All courts have an undeniable interest in ensuring that their orders and procedures are respected and followed. This holds true in California’s family courts, as well. Violations of a court’s order to do—or not to do—something, is known as contempt of court. In California divorce cases, contempt of court has special consequences. It may be enforced by the court on its own motion or can be brought to the court’s attention by the parties to an action.

The punishment for contempt of court in a California divorce case is specific. When an individual is found guilty of contempt of court, he or she may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to 5 days, or both, per charge. If found guilty of contempt, the contemnor may additionally be ordered to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of the individual who initiated the contempt proceedings.

Some special provisions that apply to contempt of court in divorce proceedings include California Code of Civil Procedure § 1218.5(a), which reads as follows:

If the contempt alleged is for failure to pay child, family, or spousal support, each month for which payment has not been made in full may be alleged as a separate count of contempt and punishment imposed for each count proven.

Thus, pursuant to California law, there can be multiple counts of contempt charged for a repeated failure to pay child or spousal support in the Golden State. The statute of limitations for bringing such proceedings is three years from the date the payment is due. For the enforcement of any other order relating to family law matters, the statute of limitations is two years.

For each count of contempt, the punishment depends upon whether it is for the failure to pay an ordered support or for a violation of a provision of the divorce order. If there is a finding of contempt for failure to comply with a divorce order, the person who is found to be in contempt cannot then enforce the divorce decree against the other party, except as to the child, family, or spousal support.

In the case of contempt for a failure to pay court-ordered support, the punishment depends on whether it is a repeat occurrence. For the first finding of contempt, the court will order the violator to perform 120 hours of community service or spend up to 120 imprisoned. For the second offense, the penalty is community service and imprisonment for 120 hours each. For the third offense, the penalty is 240 hours of community service, 240 hours of imprisonment, and an administrative fee for the administration and supervision of punishment. These penalties, as noted above, can be cumulative, and added for each offence.

Contempt of court in California divorce cases is specific to the type of offense and whether it has occurred previously. If you or someone you know is involved in a divorce proceeding and there is a failure to follow the orders of the court, a contempt order is your next step for addressing this failure. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced in contempt issues in family court cases. Call today to see how we can help you: (415) 293-8314.

California Divorce

How Can Facebook Affect Your Divorce Case?

Facebook is used by billions of people worldwide, with over 1.94 billion active monthly Facebook users. Its use is ubiquitous. People enjoy Facebook with their morning coffee, to get past the mid-week hump, and to pass the time and share the fun on their Friday nights. And many people using Facebook forget that they are not always aware of who their audience might be.

Facebook can be a great source of information regarding a lawyer’s own client, as well as his or her opposing client. Many people post activities on Facebook that they want to show as fun—but that can be a serious pitfall in a divorce proceeding.

In addition, by checking a person’s Facebook page, a lawyer is sometimes able to determine the user’s location, which can be helpful if the person has been evading service of process.

Other potential uses include important information about a person’s leisure activities. If child custody or visitation is an issue—since the standard a court uses to make decisions about children is what is in the “best interest” of the child—pictures and posts that demonstrate a propensity for drugs, alcohol, or promiscuity can paint a picture that allows the court to protect the child, despite contradictory testimony. Likewise, if a person is claiming financial hardship, pictures showing a lavish vacation or shopping activity could be presented to contravene that person’s in-court statements.

Divorce cases can be challenging for everyone involved. This is especially true when one party (or the other) forgets about the often public nature of Facebook and other social media posts. Remember that Facebook absolutely can affect your divorce case, allowing a judge potential insight into issues you may wish to avoid in court.

If you need assistance in a family law proceeding, you should consult with an experienced California lawyer. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger will provide authoritative legal support tailored to your specific situation. Make the call today to learn how our attorneys can help: (415) 293-8314.
Different Types of Restraining Orders in California Family Law Cases
California Divorce, Domestic Violence

Different Types of Restraining Orders in California Family Law Cases

An important tool to help a victim of threatened or actual domestic violence is an order of protection from the court. This civil court order, called a restraining or protective order, commands the abuser to stop the abuse or suffer punishment by the court. The type of restraining order entered depends on the process used to get the restraining order.

The restraining order entered in emergency situations is called an emergency protective order. A situation is considered to be an emergency when a police officer responds to a domestic violence call or when someone has made a report of abuse to the police. In such cases, the police can request an emergency protective order under California Family Code § 6250. The court can enter an emergency protective order without first holding a hearing, but this type of protective order is only good for seven days.

If a victim needs a protective order for a longer period of time, or if the victim wants to apply for the restraining order without police involvement, he or she may apply to the court for a domestic violence restraining order. Abuse is considered to be domestic violence if the abuser is related to the victim as a spouse or former spouse; a person the victim is dating or has dated; a lover; the other parent of the victim’s child; anyone related to the victim by blood, marriage, or adoption; or a person who regularly lives in the victim’s home.

However, before entering a permanent domestic violence restraining order, the court must hold a hearing, and the abuser must have notice of the hearing. If, after a hearing, the court enters a domestic violence restraining order, that order may specify what the abuser can and cannot do to the victim or how near to the victim the abuser can be. Such an order may also include orders regarding child support, visitation, and custody orders if the victim and the abuser have children together; orders regarding possession of a shared residence or pet; orders for spousal support; or an order prohibiting the abuser from possessing a firearm. A domestic restraining order may be entered regardless of whether the court has previously issued an emergency protective order regarding the parties. A domestic violence restraining order can last up to five years.

If you are in immediate danger, the court may issue a temporary restraining order after processing the application but before a hearing.

If you or a family member has been a victim of domestic violence, seek help from a qualified family law attorney. The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced in helping victims of domestic violence get the protection they need. Call today to see how we can help you: (415) 293-8314.

California Divorce

What Is Discovery and How Is It Used in Divorce Proceedings?

What Is Discovery and How Is It Used in Divorce Proceedings
In a divorce case, the end of your legal relationship includes the division of assets and debts and determination of issues on custody and support. Sometimes, only a spouse may have access to information on property you believe to be subject to division in the divorce, or you and your spouse may disagree on an issue regarding custody or support. To prepare an argument in support of your position, you can request information on relevant issues from your spouse or from a third party. This process of requesting and exchanging such evidence is called “discovery.”

“Discovery” is the legal term that describes a pre-trial procedure for collecting evidence and information in order to prepare a case for negotiation or trial. By obtaining and exchanging information in discovery, you can both build your own case and evaluate your spouse’s case.

There are two main types of discovery. Informal discovery is the collection of information by methods such as interviewing witnesses or asking your spouse for information or documentation without a court order. It often is less expensive and takes less time to complete than formal discovery.

Formal discovery is a legal process governed by the Code of Civil Procedure in which one party requests information from the other party, or even from a third party, and the responses are given under oath. Following are the most common types of formal discovery in a divorce:

  • interrogatories;
  • request for production of documents;
  • request for admissions; and
  • depositions.

Interrogatories are questions to be answered in writing under oath. The questions in interrogatories have a bearing on issues in your divorce. For example, you may send interrogatories asking your spouse to identify all items of property claimed to be community and separate property, to identify property owned by your spouse by held by another, or to state whether you and your spouse have agreements on any issues in the divorce. Interrogatories can be used to identify areas of agreement in a case as well as serve as a starting point for collecting information on the marital estate. Judicial Council Form FL-145 is a form of interrogatories designed and commonly used in family law cases.

Requests for production of documents are just that: a request to produce documents under oath. As with interrogatories, the documents requested to be produced should have a bearing on issues in the divorce, such as the identification or value of property owned by either spouse or financial account records. In some cases, such as where one spouse requests spousal support or maintenance, even a spouse’s medical records may be relevant and requested by the other spouse.

Requests for admissions are statements sent to the other spouse in order to ask him or her to admit or deny the truth of those statements. This discovery tool can be useful in establishing areas of agreement in the divorce. For example, where divorcing spouses agree on the identification and division of property but disagree on child custody and support, one spouse may send the other spouse a request for admissions on the property issues. Once those issues are admitted under oath in a written response by the other spouse, they do not need to litigate that issue at trial.

Finally, a deposition is an oral statement given under oath. The party who scheduled the deposition asks questions relevant to the issues in the divorce. The witness, called a deponent, responds, and the responses are recorded by a court reporter. The court reporter then creates a transcript of the question-and-answer session. A deposition is similar to trial testimony, in which one attorney examines a witness and the other attorney then cross-examines the witness. Depositions can be used to memorialize testimony as well as to gauge the demeanor of the witness while answering the questions.

You may use court forms and other resources to conduct discovery yourself, but the discovery and family law rules are complicated. If you are contemplating separation or divorce and you have children, you should consult with a knowledgeable California divorce attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger  will make sure you successfully navigate the discovery rules. Make the call today to learn how our attorneys can help: (415) 293-8314.