Families do not always stay in one place. Jobs change, relationships shift, and life can pull parents in different directions. When one parent moves far away, custody becomes more complicated. In California, long-distance parenting plans require careful thought and strong planning. The goal is always the same: protect the child’s stability while allowing both parents to stay involved. What Counts as Long-Distance Custody Long-distance custody usually means the parents live ... [Read More]

Divorce is not only an emotional and legal process. It also changes how the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board look at you. Your filing status, your income, and even your home can be taxed differently after a marriage ends. Many people focus on custody, support, and property division, but tax consequences often shape whether a settlement truly works in the long run. Filing Status After Separation Your filing ... [Read More]

A prenuptial agreement is meant to bring clarity, not confusion. In California, couples often use prenups to decide how property, income, and debts will be handled if the marriage ends. The idea is simple. Both people should know what they are agreeing to. That only works when each spouse is honest about what they own and what they owe. Problems arise when one person hides assets or fails to fully ... [Read More]

When California family courts decide who should have custody of a child, the child’s safety and well-being are always top priorities. In situations involving domestic violence, these decisions become even more critical. A parent’s history of abuse—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—can significantly affect how custody is awarded. Family law courts must balance a child’s right to maintain a relationship with both parents against the risk of harm from an abusive ... [Read More]

Life changes, what worked when your divorce was finalized may no longer fit your reality today. California law recognizes that circumstances shift, and it offers a legal path to request changes to your divorce decree. Whether it’s child custody, support, or spousal maintenance, understanding the process and your rights is key to successfully requesting a modification. Knowing What Can Be Modified Not every part of a divorce decree is open ... [Read More]

When parents separate, making custody and child support arrangements is one of the most important and sensitive parts of the process. These decisions shape a child’s daily routine, emotional health, and long-term development. California law prioritizes the best interest of the child, but what’s considered “fair” can look different in every situation. A thoughtful, realistic plan helps minimize conflict and ensures children have the support they need. Understand California’s Custody ... [Read More]

Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. In California, support orders are designed to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living close to what they had during the marriage. But what happens when the receiving spouse gets remarried? That question isn’t just common—it’s critical. The law provides clear direction, but many people don’t fully understand the effect remarriage ... [Read More]

In a California divorce, spouses often resolve important issues through a written agreement known as a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). This document lays out the terms both parties agree on regarding property division, child custody, support, and other key matters. While reaching an agreement outside of court can make the divorce process smoother, it’s not the final step. The court must still review and approve the MSA to ensure it ... [Read More]

Dividing debt can be one of the most complicated aspects of a divorce. When both spouses are responsible for the same debts, determining who pays what can lead to stress, confusion, and disagreements. In California, a community property state, the process of allocating debt comes with unique legal standards. Understanding how to approach shared debt fairly and legally is crucial to reaching a workable resolution. Understanding Shared Debt Under California ... [Read More]

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important tasks they face is creating a workable custody arrangement for their children. In California, a parenting plan—also called a custody and visitation agreement—plays a key role in this process. It outlines how each parent will share responsibilities, time, and decisions about their child’s life. More than just a formality, it becomes a blueprint for co-parenting after the relationship ends. A ... [Read More]