Divorce can be one of the most difficult and emotionally charged experiences in life. Understanding the difference between contested and uncontested divorce can help you make the best decision for your future. In California, the process you choose can significantly affect the timeline, costs, and emotional toll on both parties. Key Takeaways: Divorce is never […]
Divorce in California is a no-fault process, which means you don’t have to prove any wrongdoing to end your marriage. The state follows community property laws, dividing most marital assets and debts equally between spouses. The divorce process includes a mandatory waiting period, but you can start resolving issues like custody and property division during […]
The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are various factors in our lives that influence the quality of our health. These are examples of elements that can negatively impact our health: Individuals who belong to a minority group in any of these categories often suffer negative consequences, including shorter lifespans. The SDOH highlight inequities in society […]
Your judge is human. They do not know your family or situation beyond what you present in court. It is your responsibility to provide the judge with the information they need to make a decision in your favor. Without the right information, presented clearly and effectively, you will not achieve the result you want. It […]
There is a legal presumption that a parent who commits domestic violence should not have custody of a minor child. However, this presumption can be rebutted. Rebutting a presumption means disproving the underlying fact that supports the presumption. In cases involving domestic violence, the presumption is that a parent who commits domestic violence is unfit […]
If a parent has been found to have committed domestic violence against any of the following individuals, there is a legal presumption that the perpetrating parent should not have legal or physical custody: Under California law, when a court issues a custody and visitation order, it must consider what is in the child’s best interest. […]
This situation occurs more often than many people realize. To clarify, Child Protective Services (CPS) does not remove children from their homes simply because a parent is a victim of domestic violence. Rather, CPS intervenes when children have likely been exposed to domestic violence in some way. Such exposure can be emotionally, and possibly physically, […]
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidents experienced during childhood that significantly shape how individuals navigate the world as adults. Some common ACEs include: These experiences can profoundly impact both mental and physical health and are strong predictors of delinquency, poverty, obesity, and other social challenges that people face throughout life. In family court, the […]
In California family law, if a spouse owns property prior to marriage, that property remains their separate property after marriage. If they sell the property, any proceeds from the sale are considered separate property, even if the sale occurs during the marriage. Additionally, if the property generates rental income, that income is the spouse’s separate […]
Arbitration is sometimes a more effective alternative to court action for family disputes. Using alternative dispute resolution approaches, such as arbitration might help resolve problems that a family court judge would otherwise handle. Instead of having to appear in court, spouses or ex-spouses may utilize the arbitration procedure. Many individuals feel that less adversarial outcomes […]
