If you are a California parent of college-bound children and you are preparing to divorce, one thing that you need to address is how the children's educational costs will be covered. There is nothing in the California statutes that require parents to cover their...
Pleasanton Family Law Blog
Can you use alternative dispute resolution in your divorce?
So, it's official. You've decided to call it quits on your marriage. Neither of you want to litigate a messy divorce in court, however.That's commendable, especially if children are involved, as it can be exceedingly difficult to co-parent civilly after dragging each...
Could having an obese child cause a parent to lose custody?
If you are the parent of an overweight child, you may be concerned for them on several levels. On the one hand, you don't want to see your child get bullied for being overweight, with all the accompanying social stigmas that can bring.But even more than that, you have...
Stuck in a bad marriage? There is a way out
The pursuit of happiness is such a fundamental right that our founding fathers included it in the Declaration of Independence. Every human being has the right to live their best life in search of that often elusive state.That's why it makes no sense to remain tethered...
We can’t talk. How can we mediate our divorce?
You can't even seem to have a civil exchange with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Every interaction is loaded with snark and venom, and it's clear the marriage is over.As contentious as your relationship is now, could it even be possible to have a mediated divorce? It...
Forgot to do a prenup? Do a postnup instead
Maybe you always intended to get your fiance to sign a prenuptial agreement but just never found the right words to broach the subject. Or, you felt that there was no need when you both were broke newlyweds.But now, that internet startup you ran out of the basement...
Surprised by a divorce petition? Here’s what to do next
You were by yourself at home when you heard your doorbell. You answered, and it was someone you didn't know. They handed you a document and said you were being served.You weren't sure what that was about, so you quickly opened the mail and found that your spouse was...
Who pays child support when parents share joint custody?
Both parents have certain parental rights. Moms and dads are entitled to visitation or custody of their children. They're both obligated to support their son or daughter financially, though. It can be challenging for moms and dads and the court to decide who should...
Why your prenup might not be valid
When you got married a decade ago, even though you hoped that you would never have to use one, you signed a prenuptial agreement along with your spouse. But 10 years into the marriage, it's apparent to both of you that you are ill-matched to go the distance.With a...
The role of children in custody decisions here in California
If you are divorcing with minor children here in California, you may wonder what role the kids have — if any — in the custody decisions that you and their other parent are making. While the state has laws in place designed to shield kids from the harsher...