California is a community property state, which means that the marital estate should be divided equally. That sounds easy enough, but the truth of the matter is that the process is oftentimes more complicated than many people realize. One reason is because spouse’s...
Focusing On Family Law – And You
Divorce
What are the options to respond when served with divorce papers?
Some Californians who are served with divorce papers are surprised that their spouse wants to end the marriage. They might have been aware that there were problems, but did not think it would reach the point where the marriage was near its end. Or they might have been...
Grounds for declaring a prenuptial agreement invalid
Most Californians who sign a prenuptial agreement hope – or assume – that the agreement will never need to be enforced. Unfortunately, life is uncertain, and even the happiest of marriages can fail. Moreover, life changes can make some prenuptial agreements appear to...
How can you help your teenager through divorce?
Divorce is hard for children of all ages, but teenagers are in a particularly difficult position. They are old enough to understand what’s going on, but they may not have enough life experience to really understand all the ways that the divorce could impact them or...
Enforcing orders for child support after a California divorce
One of the most vexing issues faced by divorcing couples in California is child support for minor children. The problem can become even more difficult if the ex-spouse who is responsible for paying child support decides to move from the state. This post will provide...
What are commingled assets in a California divorce?
Property division is a common source for disagreement in a California divorce. Most people will be reasonably aware of what separate property and community property are. However, they might not understand when these two might mix and be considered commingled. This can...
Dealing with divorce threats
When couples end their marriage, their disputes may continue outside settlement negotiations or courtrooms. There are ways to address threats made by your spouse before or during a divorce. Holding property hostage A common threat is withholding property unless the...
Pursuing happiness through divorce
Simply put, we are all in one way or another looking out for our own happiness and the happiness of those we love most, such as our children. Therefore, the decision to file for a divorce is usually rooted in an unhappy situation and the belief that you will be...
Declaring a prenuptial agreement to be unenforceable
Using a written contract to settle issues of asset division and other questions that arise in a divorce has become increasingly common over the last three decades in California. These agreements, usually called prenuptial agreements or prenups, can be used to divide...
Rules for divorcing in California
A divorce is a legal process that carries with it serious emotional, financial, and person ramifications. When Torrance residents decide to end their marriage, they must make the difficult decision to break up their household, divide their property, and establish...
