What are Common Issues in High Net Worth Divorces?

The process of a divorce is an emotionally distressing time and the legal proceedings can become complex and contentious, especially when it’s time to divide marital assets. But for spouses with a great deal of property and assets with a high monetary value, the process becomes even more challenging, often with significant issues to address. Though the 50/50 division of property laws in states like California may sound straightforward, it…

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What is a Putative Spouse?

California’s system of family law is in place to provide protection to spouses and children and typically comes into play for divorce cases. Unlike some states, California does not recognize common-law spouses as legally married no matter how long they lived together as though married or whether or not they presented themselves as married to others. Because the courts always consider the best interests of children, the family court does…

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Cohabitation Laws in California

California law considers couples in an intimate relationship who live together without the benefit of marriage as cohabitating. While cohabitation was rare in the last century, the most recent census reveals that cohabitation between individuals between ages 18-24 is more common than marriage. Cohabitating couples often build financial interdependence but don’t enjoy the same protections as a couple who are legally wed — especially during separation. Further, unlike some states,…

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How Can an Inmate File for Divorce While Incarcerated?

With over 90,000 adults incarcerated in California, the state’s family courts often address common matters of family law for inmates, including divorce. An individual’s incarceration status does not mean they aren’t entitled to their rights in a divorce proceeding. California is a no-fault divorce state, and one spouse being in prison is enough for the courts to consider the marriage as having irreconcilable differences. While more often it’s the spouse…

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What is a De Novo Hearing?

For those who believe they didn’t receive a fair hearing in family court or by a county child support commission, a request for a De Novo hearing may offer a second chance to present new evidence or information or to get the perspective of a different judge. A De Novo hearing is an important part of the appeals process. “De Novo” is the Latin term for “of new,” or like…

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Subpoena for Child Support

In divorces involving minor children, one party may find themselves on the serving or receiving end of a subpoena in a child support case. No matter which side you are on in the dispute, it’s important to understand the legal demands of a subpoena. A subpoena is a powerful tool. It doesn’t suggest the recipient comply with the demand for information, records, or the recipient’s presence at a hearing, but…

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Does California Require Separation Before Divorce?

Divorce laws vary from state to state. For that reason, many questions arise when a couple decides that divorce in inevitable in their situation. One common question divorcing couples ask is whether or not California family law requires them to separate before a divorce, and whether or not they need a legal separation. The answer to both of these questions is no. However, like most legal questions, the answer is…

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What Will Happen to My Credit Card Points in a Divorce?

California is a community property state. During a divorce, California’s community property law requires a couple to craft a settlement dividing all assets and debts acquired during the marriage equally. If they are unable to negotiate a fair and equal division with the help of their Los Angeles divorce lawyers in order to sign a settlement agreement, then the matter goes to court and an impartial judge divides the marital…

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