Mediation offers clear practical advantages for anyone facing a dispute. Mediation prioritizes privacy, flexibility, control, and lower stress for everyone involved. Faster Resolution Than CourtMediation dramatically shortens the timeline for settling legal disputes. Cases that drag on for months or years in courtrooms can reach resolution in just a few weeks or a couple of…
For much of the 20th century, divorce in the U.S. was fault-based, meaning a spouse had to prove infidelity or abuse of some kind to justify a split from their partner. It was not until 1969 that California became the first state to enact a…
A move-away case, also called a parental relocation case, can vary widely in how long it takes depending on whether it’s contested or uncontested, how much evidence is involved, court scheduling, and whether a custody evaluation or multiple hearings are required. The fastest cases, where both parents quickly agree, may take as little as 2…
Child custody means the legal rights given to a parent to care for, guide, and make decisions about a minor child. It’s typically awarded as part of divorce, legal separation, or paternity lawsuits, and considers how a child’s day-to-day life will be structured as well…
As more couples in California decide to live together without getting married, questions about rights, finances, and commitments may arise. One essential point to understand up front is that California does not recognize common law marriage, no matter how long you’ve been together or how…
You can challenge a prenuptial agreement in California under several grounds listed in the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA) and California Family Code §§1610-1617. Some of the most common ways to do this include showing lack of voluntary consent, evidence of fraud or material misrepresentation,…
When parents separate or begin the divorce process in California, questions about child custody often come up early and can quickly become confusing and possibly contentious. California law divides child custody into two different categories – legal custody and physical custody. Understanding the distinction between…
If you’re thinking about divorce or separation in California, you’ve probably heard the phrase “community property, ” but what does it really mean for your assets, and when are there exceptions? In California, the default rule is that everything married couples acquire together is split…
Many people wonder if living together for several years, sharing bills, or referring to each other as spouses creates a “common law marriage” in California. The short answer is no – California does not recognize common law marriages formed within the state. To be considered…
When parents divorce or separate, life changes for everyone, including grandparents. Keeping a strong relationship with your grandchildren can become difficult during family disputes. In San Diego, grandparents do have certain rights to seek visitation, but the law can feel confusing if you’re not familiar…
