The U.S. Supreme Court decided last month that it would consider a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and the decision could come down to Justice Anthony Kennedy. Justice Kennedy, a California native, is the most likely member of the court’s conservative wing to join the liberal side in a key ruling. Since 1996, Kennedy has… Continue reading →
Child Support and Health Care Costs
Child support in California is governed by Family Code sections 4050-4076. This section of California law dictates that child support uses the “income shares model,” meaning the full amount of money needed to support the child will be divided proportionally based on each parent’s income. While the California Child Support Guidelines may seem complicated, the… Continue reading →
Child Custody Relocation Laws
Sometimes, arranging a child custody situation that works for everyone can be precarious. So what do you do when you finally work out a child custody arrangement, and one parent needs to move far away? Such situations can result in a relocation dispute, if the noncustodial parent objects to the intended move based on how… Continue reading →
What is parental liability?
Parental liability refers to a parent’s obligation to pay for any damage caused by that parent’s child, including damage caused by negligent, intentional, or criminal acts. Parental liability typically lasts until the child is the age of majority, and starts when the child is 8 to 10 years old. A child’s offenses can be criminal… Continue reading →
Is there only one type of restraining order?
If someone is endangering you or your children, your first priority will be to get away from them, and ensure they will stay away from you. many people are aware that restraining orders are the best way to get protection from the law. However, if you have never filed for a restraining order, you may… Continue reading →
Is the dissolution process the same for registered domestic partners?
The dissolution process is similar for a registered domestic partnership, as long as your domestic partnership is registered with the State of California. However, it is important to note that federal law does not recognize registered domestic partnerships, meaning tax laws do not apply to domestic partners in the same way as they do to… Continue reading →
Are there rules that my spouse and I must follow during the divorce process?
There are certain rules you must follow once the divorce begins. When the divorce process begins, there are temporary restraining orders that immediately go into effect. The restraining orders block either spouse from taking minor children out of state without the other spouse’s written permission, changing the beneficiaries in your insurance policies, and transferring property…. Continue reading →
Entering into a Prenup? 3 Legal Tips Before You Sign
When entering into a marriage, many people choose to enter into a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a contract which allows a couple to determine the property rights in their marriage. A prenup can be used to protect a party’s assets, protect a party from assuming the debts of another party, set… Continue reading →
What is Divorce Mediation? How Does It Work?
Divorce mediation is a way for a divorcing couple to make important decisions about their divorce with the help of a third party, the mediator. In mediation, you and your spouse work with the mediator to resolve issues regarding distribution of property, child custody, child support, retirement, taxes, and any other issues at hand. Mediation… Continue reading →