Is There a Difference Between Joint Custody and Shared Custody in California?
The states use different terms to describe the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities in divorce, legal separation, and other child custody cases. If you find yourself confused about the legal language California applies to child custody situations, the following may provide some clarity. However, this article is no substitute for the advice of an experienced Los Angeles child custody attorney. Child Custody in California There are two types of…
Read MoreDoes California Have Permanent Spousal Support?
California has both temporary and permanent spousal support. Temporary spousal support is awarded during the pendency of a divorce. Permanent spousal support is awarded as part of a final divorce decree. Permanent spousal support is also called long-term spousal support in California and is not necessarily “permanent.” However, it often lasts several years. Spouses may agree on a support amount, or the court may determine an amount based on the…
Read MoreHow to Make an Effective Parenting Plan
Making an effective parenting plan can be a challenge. Doing so takes time, patience, and the cooperation of your co-parent. It also requires basic research skills and legal knowledge. The following is a guide to building your California parenting plan but is by no means a substitute for the advice of an experienced child custody attorney. What is a Parenting Plan? A parenting plan in California is a custody and…
Read MoreDoes Separation Always End in Divorce?
If you are contemplating a legal separation from your spouse, you may be curious about the risks and benefits of living apart. For instance, will legal separation automatically lead to divorce? While everyone’s marriage is unique, studies show that less than 15% of couples reconcile after a separation. Both spouses must work together to mend a marriage. Whereas only one spouse must choose divorce to terminate a legal union. What…
Read MoreWhat are Arrears?
Child support attorneys often refer to past due or back child support as arrears. California DCSS defines arrearages as “The unpaid child support payments for past periods owed by a parent who is obligated to pay by court order. The arrears or arrearage or arrearages include interest and are adjusted for the amount of any partial satisfaction of the judgment.” When a parent misses a court-ordered child support payment, they…
Read MoreHow to File for Custody in California
Before filing for child custody in California, it is imperative to understand child custody basics in the state and the filing procedure. After reading the following overview, speak with an experienced Los Angeles child custody attorney for advice on applying California’s custody laws to your circumstances. Your attorney can guide you through the filing process step-by-step to achieve the best legal outcome possible in your child custody case. Two Types of Custody…
Read MoreConsequences of Marriage Abandonment in California
Most couples enter into a marriage with the best of intentions. However, maintaining a marriage requires open communication and the ability to compromise through the best and worst of times. When one spouse abruptly leaves the other, the remaining spouse must resolve any marital questions and decide how to move forward with their life. What is Marriage Abandonment? Marriage abandonment also called desertion, is when one spouse leaves the marriage…
Read MoreHow Remarriage Can Affect Alimony
Typically a spousal support or alimony award in California terminates upon the remarriage of the ex-spouse receiving support. This is the most common spousal support agreement between couples and the court order. However, there are situations where spousal support continues into an ex-spouse’s remarriage and others where support terminates well before a legal remarriage occurs. The following briefly explains California’s spousal support laws and the effect remarriage has on spousal…
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