The Mediation and Collaborative Divorce processes offer alternative routes to resolving disputes without the traditional courtroom battles. These methods prioritize cooperation and communication aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes. However, the question arises: are these methods suitable for everyone?  Mediation or Collaborative Divorce are beneficial for everyone involved. These processes become particularly advantageous when you and your spouse exhibit a willingness and commitment to resolve your differences outside of court. They offer a platform where you maintain control over the ..read more

Divorce is more complex when there are children involved.  One of the most significant challenges for parents is learning how to be effective co-parents after the divorce is over. In an ideal world, you and your ex would set aside your differences and prioritize your children’s well-being. However, the reality is often far more complicated. This is where co-parenting apps come into play. In recent years, co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents have gained popularity for their ability to facilitate communication and document sharing between divorced or separated parents ..read more

In a divorce, one aspect that is overlooked until it’s too late is the potential for there to be future disputes after the divorce is over. Fortunately, there are proactive measures that you and your spouse can take during the divorce process to minimize the likelihood of contentious legal battles down the road. One of the most effective methods for mitigating future disputes is Mediation.  During the divorce mediation process, you and your spouse receive invaluable legal information that helps you assess your situation and understand your rights and responsibilities. Armed with this ..read more

The world of celebrity often seems like a realm unto itself, where the rules might bend and break according to the size of one’s bank account or the amount of their fame. But when it comes to divorce, as it turns out, the similarities between a celebrity split and an average couple’s divorce are more striking than you might think. In the eyes of the law, the core issues of divorce remain consistent regardless of one’s star status. The major concerns in divorce proceedings typically revolve around child custody, parenting agreements, division of assets and financial support. These are univ ..read more

Divorce is a steep mountain to climb and is often marked by legal jargon and intricate details. One term frequently used in divorce proceedings is “irreconcilable differences.” But what exactly does this term mean, and how does it play a role in the dissolution of a marriage? The term “irreconcilable differences” covers a broad spectrum, particularly in California which is a no-fault divorce state. Irreconcilable differences could be as trivial as disliking the way a spouse brushes their teeth or chews food, but the implications go far beyond these surface-level issues. The more serious reason ..read more

Divorce can present a minefield of issues. The division of assets is often one of those areas that add another layer of complexity to the process.  How to address the equitable distribution of community property is one of the primary issues in a divorce and dividing the equity that has been earned over time. As a couple going through divorce, you need to be aware of the essential principles of equity division. The basic principle is that community equity and debts are divided equally. In California, the concept extends to separate property, where assets traced back to a separate source wa ..read more

 It is universally recognized that the divorce process is filled with emotions and difficult decisions. However, there’s a compelling case to be made for couples considering Mediation to navigate this complex terrain. Here are 4 advantages to Mediation and why it is deserves serious consideration for any divorce. 1. Couples Can Communicate Directly in Mediation One of the primary reasons to opt for using Mediation in your divorce is the opportunity it provides for you and your spouse to communicate directly with each other. While divorce is inherently tough, relying solely on attorneys to ..read more

California, with its glitzy reputation, often finds itself in the spotlight, particularly when it comes to divorce. As a result, there are some myths that have built up over the years about divorce in the Golden State. Myth #1: The Six-Month Divorce Quick Fix One common misconception revolves around the six-month waiting period. Some believe that initiating a divorce petition will automatically result in it becoming a divorce judgment after half a year. However, that six-month period is merely the minimum time before the court can issue a divorce decree. Within this time frame, various require ..read more

There are people that often say “Our divorce will be easy. We have everything all figured out.” But there are factors that can elevate the complexity of the situation. One significant factor that contributes to the complexity of the divorce are the family finances and intricacy of those finances. If you and your spouse have complex financial assets such as restricted stock units and stock options, matters become more convoluted. The challenge arises when these assets vest before, during or after the marriage. This can lead to a mix of separate and community property. In these cases, a meticulo ..read more

When considering divorce, many people believe they can navigate it themselves, opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY), or kitchen table approach to their divorce. But you should be aware that this approach has many pitfalls. One significant problem is the misconception that handling the process independently will save you money. However, the old saying of a “penny-wise and a pound foolish” is a reminder that trying to save money on the front end may cost you more in the long run. The first issue is the incomplete processing of documents. You may start the divorce process on your own only to struggl ..read more