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Recent Blog Posts
Custody Battles During The COVID-19 Crisis
The Covid19 Crisis is definitely creating the impetus for many custody disputes. I’ve seen a surge in the number of people who are contacting me because the other parent is refusing to allow the children to travel to the other parent for court-ordered parenting time or visitation. Visitation refusal is happening even with parents who […]
How to Co-Parent with Someone Who Has a Mental Illness
Raising children is difficult. Add divorce to the mix and the necessity of co-parenting — especially if the other parent has a mental illness — can make an already tough situation exponentially more difficult. But there’s reason for hope. High-conflict co-parenting relationships can improve over time, and you can take steps to help you and […]
What Happens with Custody When Unmarried Parents Split in California?
When unmarried parents separate, they don’t need to file for divorce or worry about changing names. But although they aren’t legally required to get a court order to determine custody or child support, formally documenting these details protects parents’ rights to child support, custody and visitation in the long term. Separating parents often encounter these […]
How the New Federal Tax Law Affects Alimony for Californians
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) went into effect on January 1, 2019. Because the act changes the ways in which alimony payments are taxed, those whose divorces are finalized in 2019 or later will be affected by the law. The IRS hasn’t issued formal regulations yet to provide us with more information […]
Is Mediation or Collaboration the Solution for Your Divorce?
If you and your spouse can stand to be in the same room together and to discuss your divorce issues, you may be able to obtain a divorce without ever setting foot inside a courtroom. Couples who are willing to work toward consensus on the essential aspects of their marriage dissolution — such as asset […]
Gray Divorce: Issues Older Couples Face When Their Marriage Ends
You might think divorce after 50 would be easier than it is at a younger age when couples are more likely to have small children and fewer assets. But divorce at a later age carries its own set of challenges, some of which you may not even experience until after the divorce judgment has been […]
INFORMATION ABOUT “DISCOVERY”
Under California law, the Court must divide community assets and community liabilities equally between the parties, unless the parties sign an agreement, such as a Marital Settlement Agreement, that sets forth different terms. If information regarding assets and liabilities is not readily available, or if the information provided by the other party is insufficient, or […]
Some Ways to Keep Your Legal Fees Low
The biggest complaint we hear from clients and lay people generally is that lawyers are very expensive. It’s true that paying for a lawyer’s time can be costly. However, there are things our clients can do to keep their fees down. Here’s my list: 1. Gather and provide the financial documents your attorney will need. […]
Five Ways for Single Parents to Keep the Holidays More Calm and Less Conflicted
The holidays can be extra stressful for single parents, here are some suggestions about holiday parenting that I hope will help you create a wonderful holiday experience for your children. If you haven’t already done it, talk with your ex NOW about the holiday plans for your children. Even if you already have a schedule […]
