Divorcing parents here in California and elsewhere are typically encouraged to file for joint custody of their children. The family law courts have determined that shared custody and parenting time are in the best interests of most children.As that is the guiding...
Pleasanton Family Law Blog
Why should you retain counsel for your divorce?
If you are planning on filing for divorce or you have just been served with the divorce petition, your next step will likely be choosing an attorney to represent you in the divorce. However, some people may wonder why they can't go it alone and represent themselves in...
Mediation can lead to better post-divorce relationships
There are many pluses to deciding to mediate your divorce. But perhaps the primary reason to go this route is that it leaves the door open to a better relationship with your ex after the ink has dried on your divorce judgment.For couples who share children, this can...
What do the ‘best interests of the child’ mean?
In custody cases here in California and elsewhere, you hear how the family law courts must make decisions based on the best interests of the child. But what does that even mean?The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child under Article 3 states the "best...
How do I know when it’s time to file for divorce?
Marriages definitely have their ups and downs over the course of a couple's life together. That's why it can be difficult to determine whether you are just in the trough of a bad wave or need to disconnect your marriage from life support and file for divorce.If you...
Early planning before you file for divorce can protect assets
Divorce is common enough that you likely know several people who've gone through one, but that doesn't mean you should rely on those people for advice. The stories you've heard from other people about their divorce likely include some misinformation. In other words,...
California makes moves to end childhood emotional trauma
What's your earliest memory? It would be lovely if we could access the peace of time in the crib or the thrill of learning to ride a toy bike or a toy car. Unfortunately, the human brain is often wired to keep a larger impression of a bad memory, especially one with a...
Divorcing with a special-needs child
The most vulnerable victims of divorce are the children of the divorcing parents. When children with special needs are involved, there are even more challenges to be managed.Parenting a special-needs child can be quite stressful on the parents' marriage. This is...
Differing parenting styles can make custody decisions tough
If you are in the throes of divorce, setting up your child custody arrangements can seem like it's a nightmare that never ends. After all, if you were able to agree with your spouse on important issues like how to raise the kids, you might not have wound up in divorce...
State restrictions could pose child care nightmare
Nearly 40 million Californians are waking up to mandated home restrictions put in place by Gov. Gavin Newsom in a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, still many others have to go to work at jobs that are considered essential.For many divorced California...