Initial Filings – The Petition and Summons In order to start the divorce process in California, one spouse files for divorce by filling out two very basic court forms: the “Petition” and the “Summons.” This initial paperwork is filed with the court, and then served upon the other spouse. After being served, the other spouse… Continue reading →
Archive for the ‘money & property’ Category
California cohabitation agreements
Cohabitation occurs when two people live together, are engaged in an intimate relationship and do not have a legal commitment such as a valid marriage or recognized domestic partnership. When couples cohabitate, California law does not recognize their individual assets as community property as when two people are married. It is not hard to see… Continue reading →
Common Property & Divorce
Many family legal issues can come up during a divorce process. For example, if Kobe Bryant’s California divorce proceedings were to resume, it could cost the basketball player an estimated $1.36 million a month. There might be many other family law issues presented by the potential high-asset divorce if it were to proceed as well,… Continue reading →
Are you contemplating divorce?
You thought and thought about your decision to divorce your spouse for a very long time. You finally decided that divorce is your best option. Now, you must decide the best way to tell your spouse you want to end your marriage. If your marriage has deteriorated to this point, chances are your spouse probably… Continue reading →
Should I stay in my marriage?
In many cases, divorce can be compared to an emotional roller coaster. How many times have you decided that divorce is the right answer for you? How many times did you change your mind about your decision? Divorce does not happen overnight – there are steps that need to be taken before your judgment is… Continue reading →
Protecting assets after marriage
Even if you do not have a prenuptial agreement, there are ways to protect your marital assets during the divorce process. Everyone has heard of prenuptial agreements. Have you ever heard of a postnuptial agreement? This agreement allows couples to make a contract after the marriage. It is typically written when a couple experiences a… Continue reading →
Cohabitation agreement
Ending a long-term relationship is difficult and stressful – whether the partners are married or not. Over the years, many types of agreements have been developed to address the issues that arise for unmarried couples, such as a cohabitation agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to avoid litigation in the event the relationship ends…. Continue reading →
Permanent spousal support
Depending on your circumstances, spousal support could last for just a few months or for a lifetime. Permanent support is sometimes awarded to individuals who have relied solely on their spouse’s income. In addition, their age, health or lack of work experience makes them unemployable. It is up to the court’s discretion when awarding support… Continue reading →
Contemplating divorce?
In addition to emotional pain and financial stress, ending a marriage is legally a complex situation. California gives individuals other options instead of divorce. These include a legal separation or annulment, depending on your circumstances. In California, there are no-fault laws regarding divorce. This allows a person to file for divorce without showing that one… Continue reading →
Spousal maintenance
Spousal maintenance or alimony is monthly support that a husband or wife pays to the other spouse. The judge may order it paid for a short time period, longer periods of time or indefinitely, based on numerous factors. It is best when the amount of spousal maintenance is agreed upon by the two parties during… Continue reading →