Agreed Property Divisions In Divorce Cases

With the Los Angeles Dodgers back in the National League Championship Series, the team is in the headlines because of its on-the-field performance. But a little over a year ago, the team was in the headlines because of what happened in divorce court. After the team won the World Series in 1988, a decade of under-achieving teams deflated fan interest, meaning that ballpark attendance and broadcast ratings both fell precipitously….

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Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Domestic violence is an increasingly common issue here in California. Earlier this month, in California, Tom Sizemore, Darren Collison (an NBA player for the Sacramento Kings), and Campbell City Councilman Jeffrey Cristina, just to name a few, were all arrested for acts of domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please be aware that you are not alone. Domestic violence is a problem nationwide and has been…

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Does California Allow Common Law Marriages?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] When people think of marriage, they think of a ceremony, usually in a church, where the couple formally pronounces their vows in front of their families, friends, and a member of the clergy. At the very least, it involves a trip to the local courthouse to file papers and enter…

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What Is the Difference Between a Domestic Partnership and a Same-Sex Marriage?

Over the years, the struggle for gay and lesbian rights has resulted in three ways in which a same-sex couple can gain legal recognition for their relationship: through a civil union, a domestic partnership or a same-sex marriage. While not all same-sex couples in every state can choose from all these options, California provides same-sex couples with two legally recognized unions they can declare. Same-sex couples in California can now…

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How Do I Demonstrate Standard of Living in Litigation?

In California divorces, status quo is important. The status quo is the standing of living the two parties to the divorce enjoyed and had grown used to over the course of the marriage. Generally, family law courts will strive to maintain the marital standard of living when they are making a determination on spousal support. For many Californians with significant resources or a high net-worth, the standard of living can…

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How Soon Can I Get Spousal Support?

If you and your spouse have decided to separate or divorce, one of you may be planning to move out. While it is common for one spouse to move out after separation, in many cases it presents a financial problem. Where there was once one household being maintained on your family income, there are now two households that have to be paid for. This means that rent, utilities and other…

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How Do I Respond to a Petition and Summons?

If you have been served with a petition and summons, you must take action within a certain amount of time. Otherwise, your divorce will be considered uncontested and you may forfeit your rights in the divorce. It is always advisable you either respond in a timely manner or try to reach an agreement over the matters of the divorce with your spouse. If you have been served with divorce papers,…

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Can I Buy My Teen a Car Without My Spouse’s Approval?

During a divorce, you and your spouse will be restricted in what financial actions you can take by a set of restraining orders. These restraining orders are automatic and temporary, included in the summons and effective with the filing and service of the initial divorce papers. Generally, you will be restricted from making any significant purchases, transferring ownership of any community property, taking out debt, lending money or changing the…

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