Category Archives: Family Law
Can Unwed Parents be Ordered to Pay Their Share of IVF Costs?
Families do not all follow the same formula. California courts have continued to evolve to reflect the realities of today’s families. For those navigating parenthood without marriage, a key question has recently been answered by a new case: Can unwed parents be ordered to share the cost of IVF treatment? This issue has recently… Read More »
Understanding Coercive Control in California Divorce Proceedings
One of the most misunderstood forms of abuse is coercive control – a pattern of behavior used to dominate, isolate, and disempower a partner. California has taken bold steps toward recognizing the complexity of abuse beyond physical violence. Legally defined under California Family Code section 6320, “coercive control” is now recognized as a form… Read More »
What is California’s Marriage Presumption?
Marriage Presumption – what this phrase refers to, is that in California, a child who is born to two parents who are married to one another then the child is presumed to be the biological child of the husband. However, as Leo Tolstoy penned “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy… Read More »
Divorce Appeals in California: What You Need to Know
Navigating the aftermath of a divorce can be challenging, especially if you believe the court’s decision was unjust. In California, the legal system has developed to provide a way for individuals to contest certain court decisions that they believe to be unjust, through an appeals process. This article aims to offer a brief overview… Read More »
Spousal Support & Proving Financial Hardship Due to Disability
Life can take unexpected turns, and coming into financial hardship due to disability can impact your ability to earn a living and in turn affect spousal support payments. Whether the disability occurred due to accident, illness, or even a catastrophic event – disability can come with significant cost making the need to modify spousal… Read More »
Enforcing California Child Custody & Visitation Orders
California courts prioritize the child’s best interests when they establish child custody and visitation orders. In determining what will serve the child’s best interests, the courts will consider many factors. This will likely include items such as: The child’s age, The child’s emotional and physical well-being, The child’s relationship with each parent, Any history… Read More »
What is NOT Community Property in California?
Under California law, generally assets and debts acquired by either spouse from the date of marriage through the date of separation is presumptively community property and is subject to the divided equally between the two spouses if they divorce. There are exceptions to this general rule making certain assets and debts as separate property… Read More »
Understanding Family Law Emergencies in California: Part II
In part one of our two-part series, we introduced the concept of family law emergencies in California. Family law emergencies are complex situations that require immediate court intervention in order to safeguard a vulnerable family member, either from one another or from an urgent circumstance (such as sudden job loss resulting in precarious living… Read More »
Understanding Family Law Emergencies in California: Part I
Family law emergencies in California are complex situations that require immediate intervention in order to safeguard family members from one another. In California, the law has developed in a way to be particularly mindful of protecting children from potential harm. Family law emergencies might emerge in any number of circumstances. Unfortunately, domestic life leads… Read More »
How To Request a Restraining Order in California
A California Judge can issue a (initially) temporary restraining order upon formal request. A restraining order, be it temporary or permanent, is an official order that prohibits a particular action from another party. A person may seek a temporary or permanent restraining order for a number of valid reasons. Valid restraining orders have been… Read More »