Who Can I Have as an Expert Witness in My Divorce Case?

You may think of an expert witness as someone who provides illuminating facts in criminal cases. However, they can be extremely helpful in divorce cases as well. Expert witness statements can facilitate case decisions in the face of highly disputed issues and facts. Expert witnesses can provide a valuable opinion on many issues in a divorce case, such as the fitness of a parent, the financial state of the marital…

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What Are Final Divorce Papers?

A divorce is finalized once a judge has signed the judgment and both parties to the divorce are in receipt of a copy of said judgment. The earliest this can happen is six months from the time the petition and summons, which begin the divorce case, were filed and served upon the respondent. A divorce judgment is a final decree, or court order, which outlines all the agreements and decisions…

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I’ve Just Been Served; What is a Summons?

Being served with divorce papers can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. It is often an emotionally turbulent time, and you may be unsure what steps to take next to preserve your legal rights and provide a timely response to these documents. The following provides basic information on the standard divorce forms and procedures in California. For specific details and help understanding and filling out this paperwork, contact an experienced…

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What is a Petition for Dissolution?

One of the first documents required in a divorce is the Petition for Dissolution, served alongside the Summons. A petition is a document that you, as the petitioner, file with the court, requesting a certain judicial action take place. In this case, a Petition for Dissolution requests that the court dissolve, or end, your marriage or domestic partnership. Either spouse or partner can file the Petition for Dissolution to begin…

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What Should I Know About Same-Sex Prenups and Divorces?

California is a very progressive and open-minded state. In 2008, California began granting same-sex marriage licenses, opening up a new way for same-sex couples to formalize their union and garner themselves the same rights that heterosexual married couples have. Though Proposition 8 put California same-sex marriages on hold, again in 2013, same-sex marriage licenses began to be issued once more. Today, same-sex couples across California can choose to either enter…

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How Does Social Media Play a Role in the Divorce Process?

You may think of social media as a venue where you can share with your friends what is going on in your life. Social media is a great venue for expressing yourself and your views however isn’t the best place for divorce talk. If you are going through a divorce, you likely have a lot to say about the subject, as it can be a long and complex process filled…

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What Will Happen to Child Support if I Remarry?

Child support in California is calculated using a complex formula that uses parental net income, taking into account tax status, and the residential time distribution between the two parents as the two main factors. California family law states that both parents have an equal responsibility to provide financially for their child. This duty does not change if either parent remarries. Barring the signing away of parental rights and the subsequent…

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Does Child Support Cover Lessons and Activities for My Child?

Basic child support in California is meant to cover a wide range of expenses that come along with raising a child, from food and clothing to medical care and small living expenses. There is no set list of things child support can go towards because raising a child is simply not that cut and dry. It is a common misconception that basic child support can only go towards necessities, however…

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