Los Angeles Family Law Specialists
Steve Fernandez and Mark Karney are Certified Family Law Specialists* with over 50 years of combined experience.
Family Law Blog Posts
Read the latest blog posts from legal professionals regarding divorce, child custody and property division.
Unborn Child Custody Rights
In California, there is a presumption that the husband of a biological mother is the father of an unborn child. If the unborn child's father is not the mother’s husband, he should take immediate steps to establish paternity to ensure that his legal rights are...
How to Write a Declaration for Family Court in California
A declaration is a written statement, or in court, written testimony, made under penalty of perjury. It is the same as providing testimony on the witness stand. There are some circumstances where the family court may decide a case partially or entirely upon written...
Emergency Child Custody Orders in California
A California emergency child custody order is an ex parte order. This means it is issued in the absence of the other parent. This is because it is an emergency hearing and order based on evidence that a child is at immediate risk of danger or abduction. Emergency...
Who is Considered an Unfit Parent in California?
In California, an unfit parent is a parent who, through their conduct, fails to provide proper guidance, care, or support to their children. This can include not only a parent’s actions but also a home environment where abuse, neglect, or substance abuse is present....
California Divorce Waiting Period
Every California divorce and dissolution of a domestic partnership is unique and follows its own timeline. However, California divorce law has a mandatory waiting period of six months for a divorce or dissolution of a domestic partnership that pertains to all...
Who Needs a Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement or premarital agreement is a contract couples enter into before marriage that sets forth each party’s property and debts prior to marriage and specifies what each party’s property rights will be in the event of divorce, separation, or death....
Grounds for Divorce in California
While some states still allow spouses to file for divorce based on grounds, such as adultery and fraud, California is a no-fault divorce state. This means citing fault or blame as a reason for divorce in California is not required or permitted. California has only two...
Fernandez & Karney Listed Among the Top Divorce Lawyers in Santa Monica by Expertise.com
The team at Fernandez & Karney is pleased to announce that our firm has been named one of the 20 best divorce lawyers in Santa Monica by Expertise.com. Expertise.com is a digital directory that curates objectively-quantified lists of reputable professionals to...
How to File a Restraining Order in California
California courts can issue an order to make sure someone stays away from you. This is done by applying for a restraining order. It is also commonly called a protective order. An order restricts someone from making contact with their alleged victim. It is usually...
Child Support Arrears
An arrear is a legal term that means someone is behind on an outstanding debt or liability. This term can apply to many different types of law. In family law, it is often used in the context of child support when one parent is behind on a payment that they owe the...
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1 Certified Family Law Specialists
2 Over 50+ years of combined experience
3 Experienced with complex divorce and child custody cases