What is a Certified Family Law Specialist?
When you are looking for a good family law attorney, you may be surprised to find out just how many attorneys claim to practice family law and handle divorces. While it is true many practicing attorneys can handle a divorce, if their specialty is in another field, they may be no better prepared to handle a divorce than you are. Attorneys that practice family law exclusively are the best bet…
Read MoreWhat is Collaborative Law?
When you think of divorce, you may think of nothing but conflict and contest. This is often the case, unfortunately, and is the main cause for divorces that drag on and on. Collaborative law is a legal process that seeks to avoid the authority, cost and conflict of the court system, saving the family from the stress of litigation. Collaborative law courts have been established across California that take an…
Read MoreWill My Divorce Take Longer if I Have a High Net-Worth?
A divorce in California can take as little as six months to well over a year. California residents must wait six months, starting from the date of service upon your spouse, before the divorce can be finalized. There are many reasons why a divorce would take more than the six-month minimum waiting period. A lot needs to be agreed upon before the courts can finalize your divorce. You have to…
Read MoreCan I Deduct Any of My Divorce Costs?
Divorces can be expensive and often bring about significant changes to your finances. If you are going through a divorce, you may be wondering if any of the costs associated with it, such as court and attorney fees, are tax deductible. In general, the IRS does not allow costs associated with a divorce to be deducted from your income. Legal advise, legal counseling and the like are not considered qualifying…
Read MoreHow to Handle Separate Property During a Divorce
In every California divorce, all community property must be divided equally between the two spouses. Community property is all property acquired during the course of the marriage, but prior to separation. Separate property is property not subject to California’s community property rule in divorce. Property is considered separate when it is: acquired prior to marriage, after separation, or acquired during the marriage through certain kinds of gifts or inheritances for…
Read MoreWhat Should I do Before Filing for Divorce?
Filing for a divorce is a big step. It may be a relief after dealing with a troubled relationship or you may feel it was an abrupt decision on your spouse’s part. Either way, the divorce process will be difficult. Prior to filing for divorce, you should familiarize yourself with the divorce process and what you might be facing in the near future. Do some online research, talk to divorced…
Read MoreWhat Can an Attorney do in Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a cheaper and more collaborative alternative to litigation or trial in the court process. When you and your spouse cannot agree, and this is generally the case in all divorces, mediation is a forum where conflict can be resolved with the help of a neutral third party. Mediation can be tailored to address specific issues, like custody or property division, or be general for all aspects of…
Read MoreWhat Should I Document During My Divorce Proceedings?
If you’ve decided to get a divorce and have talked with an attorney about it, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork and documentation that will be required of you just to end your marriage. On top of all the forms that need to be filed and financial information you have to provide, there may be some other things you should document during your divorce proceedings. Many things…
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