What 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…

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How 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…

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Consequences 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…

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How 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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Can a Divorce Cause a Nervous Breakdown?

Any major life change can induce anxiety or mental crisis. Such significant life events include: Having children Moving to a new town Starting a career Losing a loved one Divorce can be so much more. Divorce is one significant life change with the ability to manifest the feelings associated with nearly all significant life events at once. Along with anxiety, divorce leaves its sufferers insecure, lonely, and in the grips…

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What is an Interstate Custody Agreement?

The term “interstate” means among or between states. An interstate custody agreement is a child custody and visitation plan between two parents who live in different states. The purpose of an interstate custody agreement is not only to manage interactions between parents in relation to their children but also to allow for the continued enforcement and decision-making power of the court in child custody matters. The Home State of the…

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What are Examples of Irreconcilable Differences?

Irreconcilable differences are the no-fault grounds by which couples divorce in California. California defines irreconcilable differences as “grounds determined by the court to be substantial reasons for discontinuing the marriage and which make it apparent that the marriage should be dissolved.” However, neither California nor the court clearly explains these “substantial reasons.” Without an understanding of no-fault divorce, it is difficult to grasp the concept of irreconcilable differences and why…

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Divorce Terms: Common Terms Used in Divorce Court

Divorce is a stressful, difficult, and often overwhelming period in a person’s life. It can seem like a never-ending process full of paperwork and meetings, most with names so long they are abbreviated. Do not despair. With the help of an experienced divorce attorney in Los Angeles and the following divorce terms, you will make it through. Below are some of the most common terms used in divorce court. Always ask your…

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