While it might seem that a divorce decree is final or set in stone, this is not always the case. A Final Judgement of the Dissolution of Marriage can be modified under certain circumstances. This is typically done when one or both parties would like to modify some of the terms of their divorce settlement agreement. Today, we discuss the ways you can modify a divorce decree in California. Changing ...
Third-party or non-parent custody is when an adult who is not a child’s parent is granted custody. While third-party custody rights are not typically granted to other parties since the courts believe that it is in a child’s best interests to remain with their biological or adopted parents, it can happen under certain circumstances. A person who gains this type of custody will become legally ...
Individuals choose legal separation for various reasons, including religious beliefs, a desire to keep their family together, or because they do not want to go through with a divorce. When it comes time to determining if legal separation or divorce is your best option, it would be beneficial to understand the differences as well as the benefits of each. What Is Legal Separation? Legal separation ...
Navigating a divorce requires you to deal with many challenges, especially when it comes to real estate. You will need to determine how to divide real estate, what to do with your martial home, and more. This adds even more confusion to the mix. When it comes to divorce and real estate, here are some mistakes you want to avoid. What Not to Do When Navigating Marital Property Division During a ...
What happens to a family business during a divorce ? If this question keeps popping up in your head, you are not alone. In California, a business is considered an asset, which is subject to division during a divorce if considered marital property. Determining the value of a business requires the assistance of seasoned professionals, including accountants and appraisers. Today, we go over the ...
If you need to modify your child custody order, what are the reasons a judge will allow? Certain court orders are modifiable by the California courts after a final judgement has been made. The most common areas for post-judgment modification of orders include child custody/visitation orders, child support orders, and spousal support orders. Keep reading to find out how you can modify your existing ...
If you are going through a divorce, you may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotional. These feelings may come and go and intensify during certain parts of the divorce process. It is totally normal to feel some sort of emotional fallout or like even the most mundane tasks are hard to complete. So, how do you get through this time in your life? Practicing daily self-care can help you make ...
Grandparents in many families play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. In some households, the grandparents play the role of parents. However, if a grandchild’s parents get divorced, grandparents may wonder if they can still see or visit their loved one. Fortunately, grandparents may request the court for visitation with their grandkids. Family courts in CA will accept a petition for ...
Child support covers a child’s basic needs (e.g., food, shelter, clothing, as well as education and medical expenses) and any other reasonable expenses after a divorce or legal separation. This monthly payment is generally paid to the custodial parent, with who the child primarily resides. According to California family law, child support ends when a child turns 18 years old, which is considered ...
At Myers Family Law, we understand that child support cases can be difficult to navigate if you aren’t familiar with the law. Below, we answer some of the common questions that our clients frequently ask us about child support matters. Question #1: How Do Courts Calculate Child Support? Judge’s use both parent's net disposable income to calculate how much child support is appropriate for the ...
Restraining orders are usually issued by courts in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, assault and battery, harassment, and stalking. Restraining orders are used to prevent an alleged abuser from being able to contact, visit, or come near a protected party. When a restraining order is issued and the defendant and victim still live together, then the order basically forces the ...
Raising children can be a challenge even under the best of circumstances. For divorced parents, it is often exponentially more difficult. Creating consistent rules and routines across both households can help minimize potential conflicts between you and your former spouse as well as your children. Moreover, the presence of stability in your children’s lives will reduce their anxiety and fears ...
The best interests of a child are the primary focus of any custody case. It is a term that encompasses a vast array of factors, which a judge will carefully consider before rendering a decision that most effectively supports a child’s best interests. If you are vying for custody of your children, you must familiarize yourself with this term’s meaning, so you can best embody it, giving yourself the ...
If you are planning on filing for divorce, there are some crucial steps you must take before you get the ball rolling and filing a complaint. The more prepared you are going into this situation, the smoother the process will be. Moreover, your divorce attorney will better understand your case if you are organized and managed to collect most or all of the necessary documents regarding your ...
During the divorce process, all marital assets and property are subject to division. However, in addition to divvying up their assets, spouses must also split the debts they incurred throughout their marriage. Of course, having to divide debt can make anyone uncomfortable, especially if you have concerns about taking on debt that you believe you should not be responsible for. If your debts are not ...
Finding out your spouse cheated on you can feel like a punch to the gut. Understandably, you are probably wondering if this bad behavior will result in any consequences as you move forward with the divorce process. However, as satisfying as it would be to see your spouse suffer some serious penalties due to infidelity, punitive damages are not imposed on unfaithful spouses. That said, there are ...
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of love, joy, and togetherness. In reality, for many, it is often a hectic and stressful time, especially for divorced parents who are learning how to navigate the challenges presented by their new circumstances. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce conflicts this holiday season is to review your holiday parenting schedule so you can ...
Spousal support is one of the most confusing concepts in a divorce. Every state has its own rules, which dictate how or if spousal support should be awarded. Therefore, what you might have heard from friends or family members in other states or seen on TV might be entirely different from your situation. If you are employed, you might be particularly concerned about the impact it might have on your ...
In California, the court determines how much the noncustodial parent will pay every month to the custodial parent for the expense of raising their children. It is done based on the state’s guidelines and an examination of each party’s sources of income. Although this legal process seems clear-cut, it is also inherently emotional, which often makes this matter substantially challenging. Child ...
Last week, we discussed ways for former spouses to rebuild their relationship as co-parents. For the second half of our two-part blog series, we will review your legal options when dealing with an uncooperative co-parent. Co-parents should not constantly use the court system as a referee in their relationship, but there are some circumstances in which legal action is the only way to protect your ...
This month, Myers Family Law is focusing on co-parenting relationships in a two-part blog series. Today, we are discussing the importance of rebuilding your relationship with your co-parent. If you have a dysfunctional relationship with your former spouse, your first instinct might be to take the issue to court. However, you should first consider working on rebuilding trust in your relationship to ...
A gray divorce, which involves spouses over the age of 50, is unlike most other divorces, given the unique issues older individuals face. If you are over the age of 50, you are closer to the age of retirement and, unlike younger individuals, you will not be able to financially bounce back as easily. Therefore, divorcing later in life is substantially more complex and requires the experienced legal ...
It is no secret that divorcing your spouse can sometimes be a little pricey. If it goes through litigation, involves a substantial amount of assets, or a family business, things can get particularly hairy. However, you can keep the cost of your divorce down by avoiding certain mistakes and hiring an experienced divorce attorney. Save Yourself Money by Avoiding These Mistakes The divorce process is ...
Divorce is a very personal topic, but despite the private nature of it, it would be a good idea to have a conversation with your boss regarding this major life change. Of course, it is not required, but it will be helpful to keep your boss informed since you will likely have to miss some time from work to attend mediation sessions or court dates. Keeping your boss in the know will ensure you do ...
Going through a divorce is rarely an easy experience for anyone, even under the most amicable circumstances. As a result, it might seem like a challenge to stay focused at work and continue to be productive. The last thing you need at this time is for your job to be compromised because you are going through a difficult personal situation. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done. It might feel ...