Do I Have Any Custody Rights to My Stepchild?
Do I Have Any Custody Rights to My Stepchild?
If you are getting a divorce in California and you have stepchildren, you generally do not have rights to maintain custody unless you have legally adopted the child or children. In most cases, the biological parent’s rights will be enforced over yours. There is no automatic right to stepparent visitation unless the court determines that it is in the best interest of the child or children that you be given…
Read More10 Female Celebrities Who Paid the Most for Their Divorce
When a married couple divorces, it is commonplace that the husband will be ordered by the court to pay monthly spousal support based on his income and assets. If that couple has children, the husband typically must pay monthly child support as well. However, that is not always the case. Celebrity divorces prove that women can also be required to pay spousal support. With some of the steep salaries that…
Read MoreCan I Stop Paying Child Support When My Child Goes to College?
Under Family Code Section 3901, your duty to your children is to support them financially as long as: Your child is unmarried; Your child is under the age of 18; and Your child has not completed the 12th grade.1 Even if your children graduate from high school before reaching the age of 18, you are still required to support them until they turn 18. If they turn 18 before graduating…
Read MoreConsequences of Hiding Your Assets During Your Divorce
Dividing your assets with your spouse is one of the most complicated parts of the divorce process. Your home, properties, automobiles, personal items, and debt all must be accounted for. However, many people going through a divorce will fail to honestly disclose all of their assets to get as much as possible in the divorce. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, 58 percent of U.S. adults report hiding…
Read More4 Ways Social Media Can Impact Your Divorce
Heightened emotions, financial issues, and child custody battles have always been a part of the divorce process. One thing that has certainly altered these proceedings is the development of social media. More and more attorneys are reporting that sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are affecting divorce settlement negotiations.1 When you share personal news, thoughts, opinions, photos and other information on social media, do not assume only your “friends”…
Read More9 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce Process
While your divorce is undoubtedly going to be one of the most difficult processes you ever go through in your life, you can still manage the trauma by avoiding certain mistakes. Often times, couples who choose to get a divorce go into the situation with false hope, which can lead to major disappointments. Ultimately, your attorney’s job should be to handle all of the complicated aspects of your case, and…
Read MoreYou May Have to Wait a Long Time to Get a Divorce in Los Angeles County
Going through the divorce process can feel like forever, but it is especially lengthy for those attempting to get a divorce in Los Angeles County. Backlogs affecting California superior courts are causing divorce cases to last up to six months or longer, according to the Daily Journal. Delays are affecting divorcing couples who have already agreed to a settlement or are awaiting a stipulated judgment. Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Sacramento,…
Read More10 Family Law Terms You Need to Know
If you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or any other family law matter, the various legal terms used in your case can be baffling. Having an experienced attorney by your side through this process will certainly help you with the confusion. However, you can get a head start on your case by familiarizing yourself with a few important family law terms. Let’s take a look at several…
Read More6 Steps to Help You Prepare for Child Custody Mediation
Child custody mediations require a great deal of patience, persistence, and optimism. Many factors such as your work schedule, living arrangement, and parenting history will complicate matters. Child custody mediation will often result in a decision that can impact you and your children for the rest of your life. Make sure you have taken all of the necessary steps and considered the multitude of factors surrounding your case before heading…
Read MoreIs Your Ex Not Honoring The Financial Terms of Your Divorce? How a Qualified Domestic Relations Order Can Help
You and your ex spouse have finally completed the divorce. The proceedings were stressful and arduous, but it’s finally over. Now that the terms of your divorce settlement have been agreed upon, you can move on with your life as planned, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. One of the most frustrating parts about divorce, even after the proceedings, is when your ex does not honor the financial…
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