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Divorces are often bitter conflicts, and emotions only rise higher whenever custody of children is being contested. There are ways to make this difficult process much simpler, but this is only if you and your ex-partner are open to dialogue and discussion rather than conflict.

Mediation allows for couples to enter into a neutral area where they can attempt to resolve their issues involving child custody, as well as other types of disagreements. A third party acts as mediator, whose job is to help the couple reach an amicable resolution without

Although no one enters into marriage with thoughts of ending their relationship, the truth is that not all marriages last a lifetime. In these instances, couples looking to exit their union have several options to consider, each with their own legal nuances, We want to take a quick moment to examine the differences between legal separation and divorce, as they carry different

Divorce versus Legal Separation in California

The main difference between these two options is the finality of divorce. It permanently dissolves your marriage, which means that you are no longer

As the new school year is right around the corner, we figured this would be a great time to go over some suggestions as to how divorced or separated parents, particularly those with split or joint custody of their children, can remain on top of everyone’s schedules and needs. The new school year always brings unexpected challenges that can be a source of anxiety or stress for your children, as well as yourself! Be sure to keep the following pointers in mind as you prepare to go back to the ever-hectic

We are frequently asked about pets and the manner in which “custody” is determined in California, especially because most of us treat our animal companions as members of the family.  The truth is, divorce proceedings often bring up the age-old question: “Who gets to keep the dog?”

This is a reasonable question. After all, you can face criminal charges in California if you neglect or abuse your pet, and can even name your furry companion as the beneficiary of your trust. In many ways, it is clear that the law sees

While the courts of California advocate that parents spend frequent and continuous contact with their children both during and after the divorce, the intent of the law prioritizes the well-being of the children (and of the family) above all else. This is also how visitation and child custody arrangements are worked out, with the child’s well-being and safety serving as the biggest factor when the courts are making their decisions.

This is where supervised visitation comes into play. This is an arrangement that allows a parent to spend time with his

While many people associate the holidays with happiness and the company of loved ones, this time of the year can be particularly challenging for families who have gone through a separation or divorce, or for those who are embroiled in a custody battle. This is especially true when parents refuse to see eye to eye and get in heated debates that result in anger and resentment.

While there’s no easy solution that applies to every single case, there are steps you can take to help you and your loved ones navigate

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is often an important component of divorce proceedings, and describes the legal obligation of an individual to continue providing financial support to their spouse after a divorce and other separation proceedings. The specifics of whether spousal support is granted or not, and how it is to be implemented can vary significantly on a case-by-cases basis.

This is why we implore you to consult with a family law or divorce attorney when dealing with these types of matters. For now, here are some guidelines regarding spousal

Many adults in the U.S. struggle with substance abuse, and California is no exception to this. While substance abuse affects victims in a variety of different ways, many overlook the potential of it ffecting child custody matters.

When an allegation of substance abuse is made in or during a child custody case, a judge takes this into consideration and further investigates the issue. His or her focus is on determining whether a parent’s ability to care for their child will be impaired by their substance abuse, and often looks at factors

Custody arrangements, which are also referred to as parenting plans in California, are exactly what they sound like; an arrangement involving physical and legal custody of a child between two parents or guardians. Physical custody is typically granted to the parent whom the child will physically be living with, and arrangements can vary wildly between individual divorce cases. In contrast, legal custody refers to authority to make decisions on behalf of the child, and while arrangements can also be varied, California generally prefers assigning joint legal custody when possible.

Physical Custody

Divorce is one of the most emotionally-devastating things that an individual can experience, second only to mourning the death of a loved one. As devastating as the emotional impact of a divorce might be, we cannot understate the importance of staying on top of all financial negotiations and implications of your divorce. After all, a divorce can largely be seen as a financial transaction that will impact your life for years to come.

We always suggest that you consult with a qualified divorce attorney when it comes to matters such as