California residents who have been fortunate enough to accrue significant assets could find themselves wondering how it will be divided when they get divorced. Property division is one of the most difficult aspects of any divorce and that is especially so in community property states like California. While most states across the nation strive for what they perceive is a “fair” outcome regarding property by using the equitable distribution model, the Golden State splits property the couple accrued while they were married in half. In addition, categorizing property correctly can be complicated a ..read more

There are a lot of resources out there that talk about the divorce process and how to successfully navigate it. Yet, many of them are broad in nature, which can give you a false perception of what a California divorce will look like. That’s why this week on the blog we want to look at some of the more unique aspects to divorce in our state that you need to be aware of as you head into your marriage dissolution. If you don’t know how California law applies to your set of circumstances, then you’ll be at a disadvantage as you navigate your divorce, and the uncertainty of it all can leave you rid ..read more

One age group that has seen a significant statistical spike in divorce is people 50 and above. This is referred to as getting a “gray” divorce. Researchers and professionals have been assessing this phenomenon in recent years to determine why this is happening. Regardless of the reason for the divorce, there are common denominators. Knowing them beforehand can help with being prepared and avoiding the pitfalls others have faced. Gray divorce has unique challenges In the past, people who were 50 and older and were unsatisfied with their marriage might have simply stayed together with their spou ..read more

Divorce is often one of the most difficult and stressful experiences people will ever go through. Outside of any custody issues, a common reason for stress involves property and finances. People even avoid divorce at times, choosing to stay in an unhappy marriage, because they are afraid of what will happen to valuable assets such as houses, businesses or retirement accounts. This is understandable, but there are laws designed to ensure a fair outcome for both spouses. California is one of just a few states that follows a community property model when it comes to divorce. This means that prope ..read more

If you’re worried that your marriage is on the rocks, then you might be concerned that you’re headed toward divorce. But for many Californians, it’s hard to tell when the line has been crossed between just a rough patch in the marriage and total failure. Ultimately, that’s a call that only you can make. However, there are some common reasons why couples in California seek divorce. The most common causes of divorce in California There can be a lot of factors that contribute to divorce. However, there are some similarities among many divorce seekers. This includes the following common reasons fo ..read more

Do you feel like your child has suddenly become distanced from you? Are they making unjustified and hurtful statements to you that seem to come out of nowhere? If so, then maybe you’re being subjected to parental alienation. And if that’s the case, you need to be prepared to take quick legal action if you want to protect your child from what some consider to be abusive behavior and to rebuild your relationship with them. What is parental alienation? Parental alienation is a tactic, which some parents use to try to create a discord between their child and that child’s other parent. By doing so ..read more

Since California is a community property state, any marital assets that you and your spouse have will, in theory, be divided equally. You have the ability, of course, to negotiate a property division arrangement that deviates from that standard, but that might be difficult to do. But will evenly dividing the marital estate provide you with the financial resources that you need and deserve as you move into your post-divorce life? If not, then you might want to think about seeking spousal support. But if you’re a stay-at-home dad, then you might feel strange considering such a request. You shoul ..read more

Getting divorced later in life can be difficult. There’s the logistics of untangling two lives that have been entwined for decades, and the emotional burden of ending your relationship can be crushing. If you’re on the verge of one of these divorces, often referred to as a gray divorce, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind. Although you may not have young children to think about, you still might be worried about how your marriage dissolution is going to affect your adult children. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to try to make the divorce process easier on you and your children ..read more

In any family law case in California, issues that are specific to the situation will arise. While that might sound complicated, in truth, it simply means that everyone has their own obstacles to overcome to complete a divorce, move forward with child custody, parenting time and more. There are cases where the sides are relatively agreeable and part ways without rancor. They will try to ensure that the other party has a positive relationship with their child and do not interfere to create a negative perception. In other cases; however, a parent might have psychological factors that can lead to ..read more

Homeownership is a source of pride, and you and your spouse may have spent years saving up for a home, purchasing one that is just right for you, and improving your home along the way. With so much tied up in the family home, it is easy to see why deciding what to do with it should you divorce can prove to be a very emotional situation. Why do you want to keep the house? People have a variety of reasons for wanting to keep the family home in a divorce. If you have primary custody of your child, you may be hesitant to move the child away from their familiar abode. You may feel you invested a lo ..read more