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When it comes to divorce and the complex financial problems that come with it, the question of alimony, also known as spousal support, frequently comes up. In California, spousal support is a crucial aspect of divorce settlements, but it's not always a guarantee. Let's dive into the world of alimony to understand the factors that […]

Child support is an essential element of family law in California, designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need, regardless of their parents' relationship status. In theory, child support is a court-ordered obligation that every noncustodial parent must fulfill.  Unfortunately, not all ex-spouses abide by this duty willingly, which can have a […]

Failing to pay child support has serious consequences. You may be charged with contempt of court if you consistently fail to make payments. If you are in a situation that makes it difficult to meet child support payments, you may also request modifications.

Yes, child custody orders can be modified. If your financial situation changes, or if your job requires you to travel to different places and you cannot fulfill the terms of the custody or visitation order, you may request modifications.

Custody could either be physical or legal. When a parent has physical custody over the children, this means that he/she physically lives with them at home. On the other hand, legal custody means that the parent has a right to make decisions regarding the welfare and development of the child. These include decisions regarding education […]

Yes, you might still need a lawyer. Even though your divorce is amicable and you are generally satisfied with the terms and settlement, a lawyer can help you take a second look and determine if the terms are in your best long-term interest.

Since California is a community property state, the properties acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned by the couple equally. Therefore, upon divorce, these properties are split evenly (50-50). However, this does not apply in all cases. For couples with a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the division of assets and liabilities would depend […]

In California, the law requires that a judge must wait at least six months before finalizing a divorce petition. This is the mandatory waiting period. However, the actual time frame varies from case to case. Before submitting a divorce petition to the judge, the couple must first agree to the terms and settlement outlined in […]

Determining the date of separation is important because it significantly affects the division of properties, assets, and liabilities. Properties acquired before the date of separation may still be considered part of the marital community property. But properties acquired after the date of separation are presumed to be separate properties. In California, the date of separation […]

You do not have to choose one or the other. In estate planning, it is best to cover all your bases. You can choose to have a Last Will and Testament (“Will”), a Revocable Living Trust (“RLT”), or both. The Will allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed. For example, if you […]