Ronda A. Middleton Legal Blog
Does California have a formal separation period, and does it matter?
If you are interested in getting a divorce, you should learn more about California’s legal separation process. This is somewhat unique to the state in that you can enter into this agreement before you end your marriage and live apart. In California, you and your...
Don’t just close your bank account when you file for divorce
When many people file for divorce, one of the first things they think of is closing down their bank account. They may have a joint bank account with their partner, and they want to protect the money that they already have in it. They also know that they don't want to...
What happens when you’re not truthful about your finances?
Financial infidelity is a serious problem in relationships and can end up leading to divorce. Then, during a divorce, that infidelity may lead to issues as debts or assets that weren’t known about finally come to light. By definition, financial infidelity occurs when...
What are the most common causes of divorce?
When you married your spouse, you expected that you’d stay together permanently. You didn’t feel like you had high expectations, and both of you were on the same page with starting a family and building a life together. Now, at a time when you’ve left your career to...
Relocation and child custody modifications in California
When a parent in California decides to relocate, the court could modify the child custody order depending on how far they are moving. Usually, the move would need to create some sort of disruption in the existing parenting plan for the court to consider it. If you are...
Is staying in contact with your ex a good idea?
A lot of people in California stay in contact with their ex-partners after breaking up. But when you get into a new relationship, does contact with your ex cause problems? Some relationship researchers looked into this question. Less than half of people say they stay...
Domestic violence in child custody cases
Domestic violence concerns can significantly affect child custody cases in California. In general, family courts take allegations, charges or convictions related to domestic violence very seriously, because the child is at risk in any environment where violence is...
How to reframe making a child custody agreement
Dealing with child custody can be one of the most difficult elements of divorce for California parents. This can be the case even when they are both committed to successful negotiations. However, parents can reach an agreement by focusing on the best interests of the...
5 places your spouse may hide assets in divorce
When you divorce in California, you need to work out what is separate property and what is community property. Separate property you each keep, community property you must divide. When totaling the assets you and your spouse own, you may feel something is missing. If...
Dismantle Your Shared Media Presence During a Divorce
California residents know that it's difficult going through a divorce. Soon-to-be former spouses have to split up everything from their home to their children to their assets. Many people forget that they may have to figure out what to do with her digital accounts as...