People living in the Bay Area who want to end their marriage will typically file a petition for dissolution in the county where they reside and then wait for the courts to resolve any disputed issues in their cases. Divorce proceedings can take a long time, especially in counties where the dockets are overloaded. Some people may be able to obtain more expeditious relief, however, by proceeding with a private judge. If you are interested in ending your marriage and want to learn more about private judges and it whether it may be appropriate for you to use one, read our summary below, and then c ..read more

Married couples throughout the Bay Area often share finances, but it is not uncommon for one spouse to substantially out-earn the other. In such instances, if the parties decide to divorce, the lesser-earning spouse may lack the economic means to provide for their basic needs. In such instances, the California courts will typically find it appropriate to award spousal support. People considering filing for divorce may feel apprehensive about how it will impact them financially, especially if they lack an understanding of California law regarding spousal support. We have provided an overview of ..read more

People who intend to file for divorce often mistakenly think that they will have to engage in extensive courtroom battles to legally end their marriage. In many California divorce actions, though, parties can resolve their disputes and dissolve their marriage through the process of mediation. Mediation is not appropriate in every case, however, and it is important for anyone considering ending their marriage to learn more about mediation and what it entails in divorce actions. If you need assistance with a divorce action, it is smart to confer with a Bay Area divorce lawyer as soon as possible ..read more

While people generally understand that the courts may issue orders imposing child support obligations in cases in which parents share custody of a child, few people truly understand the purpose of child support. Further, they may have questions about what it can be spent on and how long such support is available. It is important for anyone who shares custody of a child to understand California law pertaining to child support, however, to avoid unintentionally waiving important rights. If you would like to learn more about the goals of child support and what it can be used for, it is in your be ..read more

I am a divorce lawyer, and also a product of divorce. I was fortunate enough that it was low-drama, and my childhood was not shaped by the fact that my parents were no longer together. Their amicable divorce helped inspire me to pursue this career, because I want to be able to do my part to help my clients achieve the same result, when it is possible. When I was 15 years old, my parents informed me that they were going to split up. My dad was moving out to a nearby apartment complex in Pleasant Hill, that was actually a few minutes closer to my high school. My mom was staying in the house. My ..read more

The California courts generally find that it is in a child’s best interest to maintain a relationship with both parents. As such, if one parent attempts to obstruct the other parent’s right to custody or visitation in opposition to applicable court orders, it can have serious consequences. As illustrated in a recent California ruling issued in a custody case, if a court finds that a parent unreasonably interferes with their co-parent’s custody rights, they may go so far as to reduce their custody rights and impose sanctions on them. If you have questions about what measures you can take to pro ..read more

Under California law, the courts can impose sanctions in divorce cases to discourage behavior that hinders the resolution of disputes and unnecessarily prolongs court proceedings. Such sanctions must warranted, though, otherwise, they may be vacated. In a recent California divorce action in which the wife appealed a sanctions order against her, the court explained the grounds for issuing such sanctions, ultimately finding that they were appropriate. If you are considering ending your marriage, it is important to understand your options, and you should meet with a Bay Area divorce attorney prom ..read more

In many divorce actions in which parents have joint custody, the courts will deem it necessary to order one parent to pay the other support. As child support obligations are largely income-based, in cases in which a parent’s income fluctuates, it may be difficult to determine an appropriate amount, and the support order may need to be adjusted over time. As discussed in a recent California ruling, the court that issues a support order will generally retain the authority to modify the order as long as it is in effect. If you have questions about child support, it is in your best interest to spe ..read more

Under California law, parents are legally obligated to financially support their children. As such, in cases of shared custody, the courts will often set forth orders obligating one parent to pay child support to the other. Disputes often arise regarding each parent’s ability to pay, however, and in such instances, parties will often hire experts to support their opinion. A recent California ruling addressed the disclosure requirements for expert reports in child support actions, ultimately rejecting the father’s claim that a report should be excluded. If you need assistance with a child suppo ..read more

When handling custody matters, the primary consideration of the California courts is what is best for the child that is the subject of the dispute. This includes assessing whether either parent has committed acts of domestic violence, as the law presumes that awarding custody rights to a party who perpetrated such acts would be harmful to the child. Recently, a California custody case shed light on what evidence is required to rebut the presumption. If you are involved in a custody dispute, it is advisable to consult with a Bay Area child custody attorney who can guide you through the steps ne ..read more