How does domestic violence escalate?
Domestic violence is a situation that rarely occurs without warning. Almost all situations have an element of escalation. The way an abuse situation escalates can sometimes make it tough to even recognize there is anything wrong until you have a serious event occur. Understanding how domestic violence escalates can help you keep yourself safe. Subtle […]
Will I have to pay my spouse’s student loans?
If you took out student loans to pay for an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree and now face a divorce, you may assume that any remaining student loan debt you owe will be yours and yours alone to repay. While it is true that debts taken out in one person’s name only frequently remain that […]
Hiding assets during divorce has serious consequences
If you are contemplating ending your marriage, you may have some concern about your financial future. Fortunately, California law likely entitles you to a roughly equal share of everything you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse own. If you do not know assets exist, you may not be able to advocate effectively for your share of the […]
What happens when you can’t pay child support?
The court recognizes that lives and circumstances change, but it must enter a child support order based on the details at the time of the hearing. If you find yourself unable to pay your child support, you do have options. The California Courts does note that you should always try to make payments because there […]
What do you know about creating a viable parenting plan?
While ironing out the specifics of your divorce, you and your former spouse must decide how you want to raise your shared children together. Do you know how to create a solid parenting plan? To help, see what Our Family Wizard suggests for spending time with your children. With the right plan, you help better ensure everyone’s […]
Deciding if divorce is the right move
Divorce is often a hard decision and if you are unsure whether this is the right move for you, examining the unique details of your circumstances is crucial. Whether you have kids you worry about, financial concerns or other worries (such as adjusting to life on your own without your marital partner), you need to […]
What is a guardian ad litem?
In Latin, “ad litem” means “to court”. In a contemporary context, it means “for a specific action”. Therefore, a guardian ad litem is a representative the court appoints to represent someone during a specific case. This function is similar to other types of attorneys. The role demands that the lawyer fight for the best interests […]
Physical aggression is not the only requirement for domestic violence
Domestic violence is a public health issue. The health and financial effects burden survivors and the community at large. Many people perceive domestic violence as physical abuse, but it can also be psychological or emotional abuse. Domestic violence or intimate partner violence can result in depression, PTSD and risky behaviors. Intimate partner violence defined Intimate […]
How California determines spousal support
If you worry that you cannot support yourself after divorce, you can ask the court for spousal support. California law allows support, also called alimony, in certain limited circumstances. Learn about the rules governing California spousal support before you file for divorce. Requesting support You can ask the court for spousal support in your divorce petition. Once […]
What are ways to help maintain support payments?
Negotiating a support payment with your ex-spouse does not guarantee that the arrangement will hold up. Some paying spouses stop making payments and force the recipient spouse to go to court to enforce the agreement. But even if you and your former spouse are on the same page with spousal support, you still might want […]