Survivor speaks out about sexual assault on college campuses
The first year of college should be a time for learning, building lifelong friendships and self-expression. No one expects to become the victim of sexual assault by a fellow student. In California and other states, one student is speaking out and fighting for legislation to require authorities to have more training and incorporate trauma-based interviewing techniques into […]
Ensuring a fair distribution of marital debt after divorce
On average, 40 to 50 percent of marriages will end prematurely, and some will end in a financial mess. When couples call it quits, what happens to the debt incurred during the marriage and who determines how it is distributed after a divorce? This may be determined by where one lives. California is one of nine […]
Former NFL player Aldon Smith arrested for domestic violence
Former NFL player Aldon Smith has been arrested again, derailing a promising career in the NFL. A top-ten draft pick in the 2011 draft, the first-team all-pro player registered 33.5 sacks over just two seasons. The rising star was suspended indefinitely from the NFL for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He has now been arrested […]
Grandparents assuming parenting roles in child custody cases
A growing number of grandparents find themselves raising their grandchildren instead of retiring to pursue hobbies and travel. Studies show that with the ever-present opioid epidemic sweeping the country, an overwhelming number of children are being removed from parents who are battling addiction problems. In California and other states, grandparents are being called upon during child […]
Child custody remains a family affair for Josh Lucas and ex-wife
Living in the Hollywood spotlight, it can be hard to hold a marriage together. When one actor and his ex-wife split in 2014, they chose to adopt a co-parenting arrangement known as “bird’s nesting” after their divorce and child custody hearings. In California, more parents are opting for unconventional ways to parent their children after a divorce. […]
During the divorce process, how should income taxes be filed?
During the process of ending a marriage, is it best to separate finances or file taxes together as a married couple? According to the IRS, couples in the process of divorce but have not yet finalized are still eligible to file taxes together as a married couple. If filing separately, both must either take the standard deductions […]
Child custody rights terminated because of addiction
Drug addiction is a severe epidemic, and children are usually the casualties. More and more children are removed from their parent’s custody because of substance abuse. Experts say heroin is the most common drug of choice, making it the most difficult to treat, and the pain from withdrawal often has serious complications. In California, child custody rights […]
New laws may affect alimony and divorce outcome
Ending a marriage is rarely a pleasant experience. With new changes coming in the form of scrapping the current alimony tax laws, negotiations could get even more ugly. In California, the change in tax incentives for alimony payments could have lasting consequences for other payments such as child support that is often calculated together during […]
Preparing for divorce after age 50
The dissolution of marriage at any age can be unnerving and ultimately affect one’s thought process. Divorce is never easy and often causes increased stress and can take an emotional toll on a person. Being well organized and researching the state laws as they apply to divorce can help prepare for the often-tumultuous times ahead. In California, […]
Domestic violence is a growing medical concern
Reports show that one in four women will be the victim of some type of physical violence caused by a partner. Victims sustain injuries severe enough to warrant medical attention, but rarely do they volunteer the reason behind their injuries. Patients often miss out on the help they may need because of the lack of […]