Alimony, or spousal support refers to a set amount of money that one spouse pays to the other spouse for his or her support. A court can order temporary alimony while the divorce is pending, and/or permanent alimony after the divorce becomes final. Whether a spouse is entitled to alimony depends on a number of factors set forth under California … read more
Common Divorce Myths
Despite attempts to educate the public about California divorce law, there are still many myths about divorce floating around. From spousal support to child support and child custody, people sometimes look for answers to their questions from friends and relatives rather than an experienced California divorce lawyer. This can be a dangerous path to follow when you are making important … read more
I Don’t Like My Ex’s New Girlfriend. Can I Keep Her Away From My Children?
A common situation following a separation or divorce occurs when your ex starts bringing his new girlfriend around when he is spending time with your children. Not only can this situation be hurtful to you, especially when the break-up is recent, but you may feel that it is inappropriate for this woman to suddenly be spending time with your children. … read more
Does it Matter Which Spouse is Responsible for the Divorce?
When a marriage fails, the spouses, as perhaps their friends and family members, often try to blame one spouse or the other for the divorce. It is easy to assign blame for a divorce, particularly if one spouse has been unfaithful or has an addiction or has been abusive in some way. However, no matter how bad a spouse’s behavior … read more
My Girlfriend Will Give Birth Soon. Should I Sign the Birth Certificate at the Hospital?
One way to establish paternity under California law is for both parents to sign a Declaration of Paternity. This form is available at the hospital when a baby is born. If both parents sign this form, there is no need to get a court order establishing paternity for the child. In signing a Declaration, both parties admit that the man … read more
Research Shows No Relationship Between Infertility and Divorce
A study detailed in a recent MedicalNewsToday article shows that there is no relationship between infertility and divorce. Back in 2014, Danish researchers published a study claiming that couples with infertility issues are subject to extreme amounts of stress, which, in turn, leads to higher divorce rates. There have been many other claims, as well, over the years, stating that … read more
American Dads: Parental Roles, Then and Now
Fatherhood in America has changed significantly over time; fathers who live with their children take a more active role in caring for children and doing housework, and the number of single fathers and stay-at-home fathers has steadily increased. Nonetheless, as a recent Pew Research article states, more children than ever are growing up without a father in their homes.
In … read more
Gallup Poll Shows Moral Acceptance of Divorce at 73%
New data from Gallup’s annual Values and Beliefs poll shows that while divorce rates are at their lowest point in years, 73% of American adults say that divorce is “morally acceptable.” The number of U.S. adults who found divorce morally acceptable has risen 14 percentage points since 2001. This year’s poll is a new all-time high by one percentage point.… read more
Fathers Who Don’t Pay Child Support Also Visit Their Children Less
A new study suggests that fathers who are behind in their child support obligations see their children less, or, on average, visited with them three days less per month. A parent who does not live with his or her child often is required to make child support payments. There are significant consequences for parents who fail to make their child … read more
When a Custodial Parent Dies
If a custodial parent of minor child passes away, it is often unclear who will become the custodian of the child. The noncustodial parent may wish to gain custody of the child, or a family member may seek custody of the child. How this transfer of custody occurs depends a great deal on the circumstances involved in the case.
First, … read more