The word “decree” can refer to any sort of proclamation backed up with authority or law but in family law, a “divorce decree” simply refers to the court’s final ruling and judgment order that makes the termination of a marriage official.
7 “Simple” Steps To Divorce
As with every process, this one has a moment where it starts. In California, the first divorce step is when you fill out and file the divorce petition. You’ll need to provide your personal information and that of your spouse.
Child Custody Disputes
We love our kids. They’re a huge part of our lives, which is why child custody disputes so often become heated and tense. Because our focus is family law, we field inquiries about custody and visitation all the time. The courts generally view keeping both parents in a child’s life …
Secrets of a Successful Second Marriage
UPDATED: No one wants to admit defeat. No one wants to face the fact that a marriage just doesn’t work, that this person you once loved, who once meant everything to you, isn’t the same one you married. That’s part of why divorce is so often such a difficult choice. …
Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody
The term “child custody” is the overarching term that covers everything related to the welfare and upbringing of a child. This includes parental rights and obligations. In California, legal custody and physical custody are two terms you’ll hear a lot. What’s The Difference Between Physical Custody and Legal Custody? It …
Can Ex Take My Disability Money?
When it comes to divorce, dividing up assets, income, and shared property forms a big piece of the puzzle. Houses, pensions, retirement funds, they’re all on the table. Even, potentially, Social Security disability payments. Rick Jones, one of our founding partners, makes regular appearances on the Danny Bonaduce and Sarah …
Recourse For A Mistake On Decree?
Legal paperwork is notoriously complicated. Before you can divorce, you have fill out and file all kinds of forms and jump through various hoops. There’s a lot of detail. So much that it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks. But what can you do if there’s …
Divorce Vs Annulment
Is There More Than One Option to End Your Marriage? When it comes to ending your marriage, there are multiple options at your disposal. You can choose divorce or you can choose annulment. The question remains, which is better and which is right for you? Each comes with potential benefits …
Divorce Capital Of California
UPDATE: The northern California town of Clearlake remains the divorce capital of the Golden State. According to the latest data collected by 24/7 Wall St., the 15,000 resident hamlet still has the highest divorce rate in the state. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. From last time to …
Concerns When You Divorce A Narcissist
We all get self-absorbed or show narcissistic traits on occasion. For the majority of us, these moments are fleeting and the impulses controllable. But being in a relationship with a person with a narcissistic personality disorder is difficult, let alone being married to one. And if want to divorce a …
Child Support After 18 & Post-Secondary Education
How long do I have to pay child support? It’s a question we hear often. As is so often the case in family law matters, there’s a quick answer and a more in-depth conversation. And what about post-secondary education? How do you plan for that following divorce? One of our …
Tips To Fill Out An NCAA Tournament Bracket
Filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket and entering half a dozen pools is practically an American tradition. But filling out a bracket is also a daunting task. Some fans religiously pore over every word Joe Lunardi utters, track quadrant one wins, and keep tabs on conference tournament play. And after …
We Got Divorced, Why Am I Still On The Hook For The Home Loan?
For most of us, buying a house is the biggest purchase we ever make. So when it comes to divorce, it’s no surprise it’s often one of the primary assets to divide. But how does divorce impact things like home loans? If you end your marriage, are you still on …
Gift or Inheritance? And Why That Matters
Is it a gift or inheritance? Does it matter? That’s a question we hear often during divorce proceedings. The answer may impact how the courts view certain assets and thus how they are divided. It’s easy to see why this is important information to have. Rick Jones, one of our …
How Are Pensions Divided During Divorce?
Pensions are less and less common these days as fewer companies offer them to employees, but they do still show up during divorce. The attached question usually runs along the lines of, “I worked my whole life, can my ex really take part of my pension in the divorce?” The …