What Happens During a California Divorce Mediation
California Divorce

What Happens During a California Divorce Mediation?

When you think of divorce, you may imagine having to endure a dramatic trial. However, the majority of California divorce cases settle outside of court. One way of reaching a settlement is through divorce mediation. For many, mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputed divorce issues. If you have a California divorce, you may use mediation during your case. Therefore, you will want to know: What happens during a California divorce mediation? Continue reading →

What is Community Property?
Uncategorized, California Divorce

What is Community Property?


When a couple goes through a divorce, one of the main issues they will face is how to divide their shared property and funds. During this process, you may hear that your marital assets are considered “community property.” Those unfamiliar with this term may be wondering, what is community property? Here is what you need to know about California divorce and community property: Continue reading →

It’s Possible to Get Temporary Orders During Your Divorce
California Divorce

It’s Possible to Get Temporary Orders During Your Divorce


When you file for or are served with a divorce, it can immediately impact your daily life, including your living situation. Once your case begins, you and your ex may decide that you no longer want to live together. While living apart during divorce can provide each person with the physical space they need, it can also raise certain practical issues that will need to be addressed. Having temporary orders in place while your divorce case is pending can help clarify each person’s responsibilities and minimize conflict. The good news is that it’s possible to get temporary orders during your divorce. However, temporary order issues can be just as complex as those raised during divorce. Therefore, it’s important to understand temporary orders and how they may operate during your California divorce case. Continue reading →

Property Division in a Community Property State (Like California)
California Divorce

Property Division in a Community Property State (Like California)

When Julie and Jackson married, they were both in their early 30s. Both were successional professionals who had lived on their own for years. After an 8-year marriage, they decided to divorce. Then the fun began – each had brought assets and debt into the marriage. Together, they had continued buying real estate, art, books, automobiles, and household goods. Their attorneys advised them of how property division works in community property state like California. Of course, they had never given it much thought until their divorce. Julie and Jackson were not sure whether their belongings were community property or not.

State Laws on Property Division

Each state in the United States has its own divorce laws, including laws about dividing the divorcing couple’s assets and debts. There are two primary ways to split marital property:
  • Equitable Distribution. Most states follow this type of property division. Courts grant marital assets to the parties as a fair and equitable distribution.
  • Community Property. A few states use the community property system. It is assumed that the spouses have equal interests in the marital property. Assets – and debts – may be split equally between the parties.
States even differ in the way they hand equitable distribution and community property. That’s why it is important to understand the laws of your state.

How Community Property Works in California

Deciding what is ‘property’ may be the first step in a divorce. Generally, property is anything that can be bought or sold or anything that has value. For example, Julie and Jackson own a house and each has a 401(k) plan. The house can be bought or sold, and the 401(k) plans have value. Therefore, the house and 401(k) plans are property that will be divided as part of the divorce settlement. A couple may negotiate a marital settlement agreement that splits their property to their satisfaction. Even so, it’s a good idea to have an experienced divorce attorney help. It’s not always easy to figure out what is property, community, or otherwise. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, a court will divide their property based on California community property laws. According to California Family Code, courts generally start with the presumption that the couple’s community property will be divided equally. However, courts may weigh in on whether an asset is separate or community property. Also, the court may award more than 50% of the assets to one spouse based on “economic circumstances.” When one party commits domestic violence or misappropriates funds, courts also have the discretion to award more assets to the innocent spouse.

Community Property Division Is Not Always Easy.

Finding assets and determining their value, as well as whether the asset is separate property or community property, requires deep knowledge of California divorce laws. Judy Burger is a California Certified Family Law Specialist, and founder of the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger. Please call our offices at 415-293-8314 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys. We assist clients along the Northern to Central California Coast.
When Your Spouse Has Multiple Residences
California Divorce

When Your Spouse Has Multiple Residences

Larry and Gina married in Texas but lived in several states during their 28-year marriage. In fact, they still jointly owned houses in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The couple enjoyed the extra income from renting the properties and hoped to retire to one of the properties one day. When Larry decided to file for divorce, he was living in California while Gina still lived in Illinois. He wasn’t sure how to handle a divorce when he and his spouse have multiple residences, in multiple states. This sticky situation arises more frequently than you might imagine.

Residents of California

To file for divorce in California, you must meet the following residency requirements:
  • You must have lived in California for the last 6 months; AND
  • You also must have lived in the county where you plan to file for at least the last 3 months.
Notice that only the person filing the divorce is held to these residency requirements. Problems occur when one spouse lives out of state or the couple own property in more than one state. However, filing the divorce petition is only the first step in the process. At some point, the parties will have to consider how to divide property that is not located in California.

Property Outside of California

California courts typically do not have the power to control property located in other jurisdictions. While the judge can make decisions about a divorce case filed in California, it may not have the power to divide out-of-state property. This situation is called a divisible divorce. It may be necessary to hire attorneys practicing in states where the other property is located to handle property division.

Divorce When Your Spouse Has Multiple Residences Can Get Complicated

You may have to give careful consideration about the best jurisdiction in which to file your divorce. Discuss your options with an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible. Judy Burger is a California Certified Family Law Specialist, and founder of the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger. Please call our offices at 415-293-8314 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys. We assist clients along the Northern to Central California Coast.
What Is “Property” in a Divorce?
California Divorce, Debt, Spousal Support

What Is “Property” in a Divorce?

We all own ‘stuff.’ Sometimes we get quite attached to that stuff, which makes it that much more difficult to divide it up during a divorce. Both parties may want an item and have trouble deciding whether it is considered property in a divorce. Basically, property is anything that can be bought or sold or has a value. However, the question may become more complex during the property division stage of a divorce.

Community Property vs. Separate Property

Generally, courts consider most property (and debts) accumulated during a marriage to belong to both parties. However, this is not as cut and dried as it may seem. For example, an inheritance one spouse receives during the marriage may remain the separate property of that party. Sometimes separate property may become mixed with community property during the course of the marriage. Hard decisions have to be made, then approved by the court.

But Is it Really “Property”

Generally, we think of personal property and real property. Some possessions may not be thought of as property, though, especially when it comes to splitting them between spouses. That said, you might expect the following items to be personal property:
  • Furniture,
  • décor,
  • collections, like wine or art,
  • appliances,
  • clothes,
  • jewelry,
  • books, and
  • other personal effects.
However, personal property also may include:
  • bank accounts,
  • retirement accounts,
  • investment accounts,
  • vehicles, including boats, cars, and airplanes.
Real estate, or real property, may include:
  • Your home,
  • Commercial property, and
  • investment property.
We sometimes don’t think of our belongings as “property” in a divorce, property that needs to be split. For example, Margie never considered her husband’s tool collection as property  — until she filed for divorce. And Liam never thought his wife’s art collection was a big deal, but then it became property to be appraised during their property division negotiations. Whether you consider items to be property or not, be aware that they may figure into your divorce settlement.

Final Thoughts on Property in a Divorce

Determining whether a possession is community property or separate property makes a difference in property division. It’s also important to know the value of your property before dividing it up. You need an attorney who understands simple to complex property situations. To discuss how to handle property and divorce issues, please call us at 415-293-8314. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger assist clients in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Marin County, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, San Jose, Gold River (Sacramento), and surrounding communities.
Dads and Divorce
California Divorce

Dads and Divorce

There’s no denying that fathers are important in their children’s lives. In fact, studies have shown that a dad’s relationship with his children impacts their emotional and social development, as well as their future success. That important bond may become estranged when moms and dads split up. When it comes to dads and divorce, men have the same rights and obligations when it comes to custody and visitation agreements.

Custody and Visitation:  What Judges Want to See

In the past, mothers often were given preference in custody decisions. However, California courts famously rule ‘in the best interests of the child’ for child-related issues. Sometimes handing custody to the moms is not best. When considering moms, kids, dads and divorce, judges look at several factors to find the right custody and visitation arrangements:

  • The age and health of the children;
  • Emotional bonds between parents and kids;
  • Each parent’s ability to adequately care for the kids;
  • Family violence or substance abuse incidents; and
  • The children’s relationships at school, at home and in their community.

Fathers who bond with their children, who can support their children, and who have a clean record generally are likely to get favorable custody and visitation arrangements.

Father’s Rights Include Child Support

The financial obligations of raising children are not the responsibility of only one parent. In fact, both parents are expected to provide financial support for their kids.

When fathers have primary legal or physical custody, they have the right to expect child support from the children’s mother.

Parental Responsibilities in a Divorce

Kids should never be pawns sacrificed so one parent or the other can ‘win’ the divorce battle. Moms and dads alike should focus on what is best for their children. So, it’s important to remember what was mentioned above – fathers are important in their children’s lives.

Both parents have the responsibility of supporting their children. However, support comes in many forms, which includes just being there for the kids.

Dads may level the custody-and-support playing field by:

  • building and maintaining relationships with their children;
  • obeying all court orders regarding the kids;
  • make acting in the best interests of their children their top priority.

Learn More About Dads and Divorce

Dads, you don’t have to give up your kids just because your marriage ended. You can have awesome relationships and liberal custody arrangements. Considering a father’s influence over his children, it’s certainly a relationship worth protecting.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced at all phases of divorce proceedings. Call us at 415-293-8314 to schedule a private appointment or visit our website. We maintain offices in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Marin County, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, San Jose, Gold River (Sacramento), and surrounding communities.
My Spouse Lives in Another State. Where Should I File for Divorce?
California Divorce

My Spouse Lives in Another State. Where Should I File for Divorce?

There are times when a divorce crosses state lines. For example, Cynthia and George married in California, then moved to Iowa. After two years, Cynthia abruptly returns to California, leaving George, their condo, most of their furniture, and an automobile back in Iowa. She intends to file for divorce immediately. However, since her spouse lives in another state, she’s left wondering where she should file for divorce – California or Iowa?

Residency Matters

Each state has its own laws and rules about filing for divorce. For example, Iowa requires the person filing for divorce to live in state for 365 days to become eligible to file for divorce. There’s no in-county minimum residency. Had Cynthia stayed in Iowa, she could have filed for divorce since she had lived there more than 365 days.

However, in California, the rules are quite different. The person filing the divorce petition must meet the following residency requirements:

  • Must have been a resident of the state of California for at least six months prior to filing the petition.
  • Must have lived in the county where the divorce petition is filed for at least three months.

The rules are a bit looser for same-sex marriages. In some cases, neither partner has to be a California resident. A dissolution may be allowed if the parties live in a jurisdiction that will not recognize or dissolve their union.

Cynthia has not resided in California for six months, so she does not meet the residency requirement. However, she desperately needs to find a way to separate from George.

Other Options

In California, marriages may be terminated in one of three ways: divorce, annulment, or legal separation.

Unlike divorce, there is no residency requirement for filing for a legal separation. In addition, a legal separation may take place as soon as one party files the paperwork with the court. This option may provide some protection for the parties until they have lived in California for at least six months.

Cynthia decided to obtain a legal separation, then convert it to a divorce proceeding once she had lived in California for six months.

Long Distance Divorce Can Be Difficult

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced at all phases of divorce proceedings. Call us at 415-293-8314 to schedule a private appointment or visit our website. We maintain offices in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Marin County, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, San Jose, Gold River (Sacramento), and surrounding communities.
Preparing for Your Court Hearing
California Divorce

Preparing for Your Court Hearing

Many people fear the unknown. Since some of us go our entire lives without entering a courtroom other than for jury duty, attending a hearing can be incredibly stressful. It doesn’t have to be so bad. Just talk to your attorney while preparing for your court hearing. You may learn some tips for understanding the unknown that will make your experience easier.

First, the Basics

California family courts typically are less formal than other courts. However, the judge in a family court does expect certain behavior from people taking part in the court proceedings.

  • Dress appropriately. Most courts have a dress code. For example, your judge’s dress code may require that your clothes are clean and prohibit baggy clothing, hoodies, tank tops, shorts and short dresses and inappropriate footwear like flip flops.
  • Get some sleep the night before. Sleep deprivation may make the entire process more difficult.
  • Make sure you’re on time. This is so important. Being late may give the court the wrong impression. Plan your route and where you will park beforehand, then leave the house a little early.

Courtroom etiquette is a set of rules that says how the court wants you to behave in the courtroom. Here are some dos and don’ts for courtroom attendees:

  • Don’t bring gum, food, and drinks into the courtroom.
  • Don’t bring cameras, tape recorders, or devices that play music.
  • Do turn off your cell phones and pagers.
  • Don’t text message.
  • Do take off your hat and sunglasses.
  • Do be courteous and respectful to everyone you meet. It never pays to be rude to a court clerk, bailiff, or judge.

Additionally, there are some things you can do in the weeks leading up to your hearing.

A Few In-Depth Tips

Once you have the basic information in hand, start thinking about the big picture by:

  • Reviewing the documents you have filed in your case.
  • Reviewing the documents your spouse filed.

Anything your attorney gives you to read gets top priority, of course.

And Some Final Thoughts

It really comes down to listening to your attorney. Ask questions, then follow your attorney’s advice.

To discuss your divorce, please call us at 415-293-8314. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger assist clients in San Francisco, Marin County, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, San Jose, Gold River (Sacramento), and surrounding communities.
Emergency Issues, Ex Parte Solutions
California Divorce

Emergency Issues, Ex Parte Solutions

Some divorce cases require immediate action. California law allows this through the use of Ex Parte solutions.

What is an ex parte solution?

An Ex Parte solution is a Motion that is filed with the Court that does not require the usual waiting time. In some counties, a motion may be heard within 24 hours. Usually, notice to the opposing party or counsel must be given and must adhere to the particular County’s notice requirements.

The main reason for filing an ex parte divorce is to get your case in front of a judge as quickly as possible because of an emergency situation.

What kind of emergency situations require an ex parte action?

An ex parte action might be filed for any of the following reasons:

  • The person filing the ex parte divorce is in danger,
  • A child involved in the case is in danger, or
  • Property owned by the filing spouse may be destroyed or damaged.

What is the procedure for filing for ex parte divorce orders?

The procedure and documents required for an Ex-Parte Motion are complex and confusing. Each county has different requirements and procedures. If you fail to adhere to the county’s requirements or procedures, your motion may be denied.

Find out if your situation requires an ex parte hearing.

Judy Burger is a California Certified Family Law Specialist, and founder of the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger. Please call our offices at 415-293-8314 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys. We assist clients along the Northern to Central California Coast.