BLOG
Understanding California Family Code § 70: Date of Separation in Divorce Cases
The date of separation is when one spouse has communicated intent to end the marriage and acts consistently with that intent.
January and Divorce Month: Why the New Year Brings a Surge in Divorce Filings
January is known as Divorce Month, with the first working Monday called Divorce Day, as filings surge after the holidays.
DissoMaster Discontinued: What It Means for California Family Law and Child Support Calculations
DissoMaster, long used to calculate guideline support in California, was discontinued on March 31, 2025.
Ex Parte Hearings in California Family Court: Emergency Custody and Other Urgent Orders
An ex parte hearing lets a party seek emergency temporary orders without waiting for a regular hearing date.
Who Keeps the Engagement Ring in California?
An engagement ring is a conditional gift, so the giver may recover it if the marriage is called off before the wedding.
Maher in California Divorce: Is an Islamic Marriage Contract Enforceable?
Maher is a financial obligation the groom agrees to in an Islamic marriage contract, and its enforceability can arise in divorce.
Is a Halachic Prenuptial Agreement Enforceable in California?
A halachic prenup is generally enforceable in California when it is drafted to meet California’s premarital agreement rules.
Effective Co-Parenting Communication During California Divorce: A Practical Guide
Clear, respectful communication between separating parents protects the children and helps avoid costly court disputes.
What Should You Know About Divorce After 50 in California?
Divorce after 50 centers on retirement, support, and health coverage, and marriages of ten years or more are presumed long-term.
What Is DCSS? California Child Support Services Explained, Including How to Close a Case
Child support uses a statewide formula based on each parent’s income, the number of children, and the custody timeshare.
How Are Trust Interests Divided in a California Divorce?
Whether a trust is divided depends on who created and funded it, since a spouses’ revocable trust offers no protection.
California Senate Bill 343: New Child Support Law Changes Effective September 1, 2024
SB 343, effective September 1, 2024, made the most significant updates to California’s child support guidelines in decades.
How Do You Keep a High Asset Divorce Private in California?
Privacy in a high-asset divorce comes from what you file, not from sealing records after the fact.
Narcissism in California Family Law: Divorce, Child Custody, and Domestic Violence
A narcissistic spouse or co-parent can turn a divorce or custody case into a prolonged, high-conflict battle.
What Is Bifurcation of Marital Status in a California Divorce?
Bifurcation ends your marital status early while property, support, and custody remain open for later resolution.
Dividing Real Estate in a California Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide
Real estate acquired during marriage is presumed community property and must be divided equally.
What Happens If a Spouse Hides Assets in a California Divorce?
Spouses must fully disclose finances, and a spouse who hides assets can lose half or all of the hidden asset plus fees.
What Is a Gavron Warning in California Spousal Support Cases?
A Gavron warning tells a supported spouse they must make good-faith efforts to become self-supporting within a reasonable time.
