In California, you can request that the court issue a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (the legal label for a divorce) or a Judgment of Legal Separation. If you request a Dissolution of Marriage (a divorce), the Judgment can include your agreements or the court’s orders about parenting, the division of your assets and debts,… Read more »
Posts By: CLROB
Will I Automatically be Divorced in Six Months?
No. A divorce is not automatic. In order to get a divorce you first have to file a request with the court – a Petition for Dissolution (divorce). The earliest date you can be divorced in California is six months from the date the Petition and other papers are served on your spouse. Service can… Read more »
Do I Already Have an Estate Plan?
You probably believe that you don’t have an estate plan. However, everyone already has an estate plan. It’s not a very good one, but it’s a plan. The people who write California laws know that too many people never get around to writing even so simple a thing as a handwritten will. Many more than… Read more »
You are Preparing to Separate. What Should You Consider if You are Going to Stay in the House or Use a Jointly Owned Car?
“Watts” charges or credits refers to the case of In Re the Marriage of Watts. The court in that case dealt with the issue of what happens when one party in a divorce uses a community asset after separation. Common situations are when one party stays in the family residence and the other moves out… Read more »
How is Spousal Support Calculated?
Divorcing spouses may agree on how much support will be paid, the length of time it will be paid, and other aspects of spousal support, sometimes called alimony. In the absence of an agreement, there are two different methods a judge will use to determine spousal support. At the beginning of a case, when the… Read more »
Have You Decided to Separate? What Do You Tell Your Children and How Do You Protect Them?
Research shows us that it is important for children to have age appropriate information about what is happening and the impact on them. We also know that it is important that the children not be caught in the middle between parents. Talking poorly about the other parent to or in front of your children is… Read more »
Resource for People Involved in Sonoma County Family Law Matters
There are many different counseling and similar resources that can be very helpful for people involved in family law matters, whether in litigation, collaborative practice, or any other model. Sometimes, people are court-ordered or agree to participate in certain kinds of counseling to assist in developing communication, parenting skills, or other issues that come up… Read more »
Organization of the Month: Ceres Community Project
In our community, low-income people with health issues are constantly at high risk. The inability to afford adequate nutrition or healthcare is incredibly damaging, resulting in deteriorating health. The Ceres Community Project aims to specifically address this problem by providing organic, freshly-prepared meals to low-income individuals. Numerous studies show a link between healthy eating and… Read more »
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody
Legal Custody Legal custody refers to the right and the responsibility to make decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of a child. A parent with legal custody can make decisions about issues such as the child’s schooling, religious upbringing and medical care. If parents have joint legal custody, they are obligated to confer… Read more »
Why would I want an estate plan?
Many people put off creating an estate plan. Maybe the thought of planning for the end of your life and after is frightening or disturbing. Maybe you think you and your belongings aren’t worth enough to need an estate plan. Maybe you assume the state will handle you assets appropriately. Unfortunately, a lot can go… Read more »