Child custody cases are often very complex, especially when parents are having trouble working together to come up with terms for the parenting plan that meet the child’s best interests. When this occurs, a parenting coordinator may step in to help the parents.  A parenting coordinator is someone who helps parents to work through their disagreements. This individual is usually a family law attorney or a mental health professional who has undergone special training to handle these job duties.  What types of matters can the parenting coordinator help with? Parenting coordinators can he ..read more

Getting married is a big commitment and it is one that both spouses tend to take seriously. Generally, partners intend to spend the rest of their lives together.  Nonetheless, perceptions of both marriage and divorce have shifted in recent years and divorce is no longer a taboo subject. The potential determinants of remaining in an unhappy marriage have been made clear in numerous psychological studies.  If you are finding married life difficult, you may be considering a divorce. How do you know if this is the right choice for you? When the relationship becomes toxic A relationship b ..read more

Taking a vacation with your child is a great opportunity to make memories and enjoy new experiences. If you have a parenting plan in place, making these plans and enjoying a vacation may require navigating some unique challenges that aren’t issues for those who don’t have a co-parenting relationship with their ex. There are a few ways that you can take some of the stress out of the situation. Here are a few to get you started: Check your parenting plan Before diving into vacation planning, revisiting your parenting plan is essential. These documents often outline specific guidelines or restric ..read more

#Internationalwomensday The post Happy International Women’s Day! first appeared on Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP ..read more

Divorce can happen for many reasons. For some people, a divorce may happen after someone discovers their spouse is cheating on them. Or, divorce could happen because of conflicting parenting styles.  Many people don’t realize that money can also contribute to divorce. Here are a few examples of how financial difficulties can lead to divorce: A spouse is unemployed Many people suffer from unemployment. This can create a lot of different financial difficulties. For example, the loss of a large yearly income that contributed to mortgage payments and investments could create a lot of debt. Or ..read more

Spousal support, or alimony, refers to the financial assistance that one spouse may agree to – or be required to – provide to the other after divorce or separation. It’s usually intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they grew accustomed to during the marriage. Contrary to popular belief, alimony is not guaranteed for every couple going through a divorce or separation. It all depends on the particulars of your situation. Unless you have a legally binding agreement like a prenup that provides for alimony, the court will consider various factors w ..read more

A business valuation during a divorce is a complex process that plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair distribution of assets. When one or both spouses own a business, its value must be assessed to determine how it factors into the marital estate.  Business valuation in the context of a divorce isn’t just about determining the business’s current market value. It also involves understanding how the business’s value contributes to the overall assets of the marriage.  Determining the type of valuation The first step in a business valuation during a divorce is deciding on the valuation ..read more

Los Angeles is not just for Hollywood stars. It is also home to many professional athletes, and divorce can pose challenges for these athletes. For example, financial intricacies and public scrutiny can quickly complicate a split. Balancing act of assets One of the primary complexities you may face as a pro athlete is protecting your assets. In Los Angeles, where lucrative endorsement deals and substantial contracts are the norm, dividing the financial pie becomes a painstaking process. Establishing a fair division while considering future earnings potential and contractual obligations demands ..read more

People used to think of prenuptial agreements as relatively crass. Some people even claimed that they mean an individual plans to fail in their marriage. Nothing could be further from the truth, which is why societal perceptions of these legal resources have changed dramatically in recent decades. Many people negotiate prenuptial agreements because they want to approach their marital relationship in good faith and have certainty that their spouse intends to do the same. They hope to minimize their personal risks by securing specific protections and clarifying what may happen in a divorce. Ther ..read more

The Pew Research Center reported in 2019 that 44.59% of American adults had cohabitated with a romantic partner outside of marriage. Many people decide to forego the formalities of marriage while living in a marriage-like relationship. However, this type of arrangement does not have as many protections for the parties if the relationship ends. For those living in California, there is the option of palimony, but it requires taking proactive steps. Palimony explained Palimony is not a legal term, but it refers to the paying of financial support to a partner after the end of a long-term, non-mari ..read more