People in California who are getting a divorce might need to divide a 401(k), but it is essential to avoid mistakes that could be costly. To split a 401(k) or a pension plan, a document called a qualified domestic relations order is necessary.The QDRO must reflect the...
Compassionate, experienced family law counsel
Year: 2018
The importance of canceling joint credit cards in divorce
Californians who are getting divorced may need to figure out how to handle joint credit cards. Even if the divorce court orders one spouse to pay his or her portion of the credit card debts, both exes could still have problems with the collectors. This is because...
Options for addressing the marital home after divorce
The family home generally represents the most significant asset for many married couples in California. When spouses decide to divorce, their settlement must detail who gets the house or if the property will be sold and the proceeds divided. Emotional factors, such as...
Unmarried dads in California can still have custody rights
There is a common misconception that custody rights innately favor the mother in most cases. However, the law regarding custody does not have a gender bias. It is simply the practical experience of having a child that often results in a mother receiving custody by...
The importance of financial planning before the wedding
Before couples in California get married, they may want to discuss their finances and their attitudes about money. Finances can be a source of significant strain in a marriage. In a 2017 study, Experian found that over 50 percent of couples said money issues were...
The benefits of parallel parenting after a divorce
When parents in California are going through a divorce, they might struggle to communicate and cooperate. Raising children can be difficult in the midst of a high-conflict divorce. However, in most cases, parents either share custody or one has visitation rights....
What to do when one parent puts the child in danger
Some parents in California who are going through a divorce may be worried about the child's safety with the other parent. This was the case for one man who was worried about how much his wife drank and the possibility that she might drink and drive. He was also...
Tax law changes may affect divorcing spouses
A California couple planning to divorce may be particularly concerned if they need to finalize their split after the new year in 2019. This is because of a change in tax law that accompanied the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The new law passed in December 2017, but its...
Post-divorce life: Financial tips and budgeting advice
You have had time to deal with the emotional side of your spouse asking for a divorce. You knew it was coming, after all. You're ready for it. Yes, it is going to be a big change in your life, but you feel confident that you can deal with it.What you're less confident...
Fathers may face challenges in family court
California fathers who are struggling to pay child support should still try to pay some portion of the amount. Ignoring these payments can lead to serious consequences including jail. This was the case for one pediatrician who went to jail for nonpayment of support,...