All California courts require parents who have disputed custody issues to attend mediation with a court-appointed mediator prior to attending a hearing. If you and the other parent reach an agreement in mediation, then it will become a court order. If you cannot, then the mediator will prepare a recommended order, which the judge will…
DetailsThis question comes up a lot when I meet with potential new clients for the first time: How can I get my spouse to pay (or reimburse me for) the fees that I am going to have to pay to my attorney? California law allows for a court to order one spouse to contribute to…
DetailsIn addition to my first post on Frequently Asked Questions. Below is another question about family law I frequently hear around town. Q: I am the parent who primarily cares for the kids. The court will give me primary custody in the divorce, right? -Tired Parent in Castro Valley, CA A: The short answer here is:…
DetailsQ: Retirement assets: How are they divided in divorce in California? A common misconception among many divorcing parties is that their retirement accounts are “theirs” and the other spouse should not have any corresponding ownership interest. The thinking is: “Hey, I earned this myself, I put in the work, and I should not have to…
DetailsYou may not realize that, in certain situations, your divorce can be just a matter of filling out the correct forms and submitting them to the court. There may be no need to ever appear in front of a judge. In mediation, you and your spouse work together with a joint, neutral, attorney who can…
DetailsBelow are some answers to questions about family law I frequently hear around town. Q: My spouse and I agree on everything, but we don’t have the time or money to go to court to get divorced. What can I do? -Overworked Husband in Dublin, CA A: Many divorces do not require either spouse to…
DetailsCelebrity divorces are often in the news, and they often have premarital agreements. Although they sound unromantic, and they address issues that do not excite most wedding planners, having an agreement already in place to address property and support in a potential divorce down the road can be a cost and stress-saver for both spouses. Instead of a long and expensive divorce, a strong premarital agreement can often provide quick closure…
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