It’s no shock that college is expensive. But what if you and your ex agree to split a child’s tuition, only for your ex to back out?
How Are Assets Split in California?
There are two ways that assets and debts are divided in the US. Forty-one states use equitable distribution and the rest use community property. California practices community property.
I Am Worried She Has Done This Before
Divorces, splits, and breakups are never easy. When you combine two lives to that degree, untangling them at the end often becomes a mess.
Can An Ex Take a House You Inherited?
California is a community property state, but cases of inheritance impact this. In a divorce, is inheritance considered community property?
I Pay Support But She Denies Visitation. Is That Legal?
Can your ex deny you visitation with your child? Is that legal? Here are your options and reasons why a parenting plan is such a vital necessity.
Going to Trial Without an Attorney
Should you hire an attorney before you head to court? You probably should. Here’s why it’s usually a massive benefit to your case.
Arbitration Or Court: Which Is Better?
When you think of divorce, you probably picture court. But that’s not the only way to end a marriage. Arbitration is another option, but is it best for you?
How Felony Convictions Impact Custody
Courts consider many factors when ruling on child custody, including criminal records. It’s important to know how a felony conviction may impact your case.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost In CA?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. Often people are frustrated when we answer, “That depends”, but it does. Unfortunately, divorce can be a complex issue with a plethora of factors that will drastically affect the cost—making it difficult to estimate the final expense. Average Cost of …
I haven’t seen my daughter in 3 years…
Child custody gets messy in the best of times, but the more people are involved, the muddier the waters. What should you know about third-party custody?
Divorce When You Can’t Find Your Spouse
You probably know how complicated divorce can become. But what if you can’t find your spouse? What recourse do you have in divorce if your spouse is MIA?
“If we never married, what happens to the house?”
A couple can buy a house together without being married, but what does that mean if they break up? What are you entitled to and what are your rights?
This Right Here Is Why You Need A Parenting Plan
If you don’t have a parenting plan in place, where do you stand legally? Both in regards to your obligations and your rights as a parent?
“I was given an engagement ring, can they take it back?”
Engagement rings carry great importance, but who actually owns them? And what about if the marriage doesn’t happen as planned?
“Can I Move Out All His Stuff & Change The Locks?”
I am so over my husband right now. The next time he’s on the road for work, can I move out all his stuff and change the locks?
I Work, She Doesn’t: Do I Have to Pay Her Legal Fees?
“So my wife is filing for divorce, I work, she doesn’t. Her lawyer is telling her that I have to pay all the legal fees. Is that true?”
5 Scary Divorce Facts You Should Know
You have a great deal to consider when ending a marriage, and not to pile on, but there are a handful of scary divorce facts to be aware of.
If A Father Isn’t On The Birth Certificate…
Fathers have certain parental rights, but only if paternity has been established. What if they’re not on the birth certificate? What happens then?
Prenups Part 3: A Chess Game
Prenups can help protect you and your assets in a marriage, but what happens if one spouse changes their mind after the fact?
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Child Support?
“Is there a statute of limitation on child support or college support? My son is 24 and graduating this year and my ex hasn’t paid a dime in over a decade.”
Prenup Part 2: How do Prenups & Postnups Work?
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to prenups and postnups, Rick jones and Danny Bonaduce helps take the mystery of how they work.
Part 1: The Awkward Conversation of a Prenup
Prenuptial agreements are often the prudent move before marriage. So, how do you ask for one? It’s often an uncomfortable conversation.
“Can My Ex Come After My New Spouse’s Income?”
“I pay child support and recently got remarried. Can my ex come after me for more child support, including my new spouse’s income?”
“Do I Still Have To Pay Child Support If My Kid Leaves Home?”
“I have a 17-year-old stepdaughter who went into a three-year Job Corps program, yet we’re still being told we have to pay child support. Is that true?”
Child Custody When There’s No Marriage Certificate
Ending a marriage is tricky business. But how can you divorce if there was never any marriage certificate filed in the first place?
“My Ex Agreed To Pay Off Shared Debt Then Declared Bankruptcy.”
“When they were deciding his child support, my ex got a reduction because he was taking on the debt of the marriage. Then he declared bankruptcy.”
Is Alimony a Possibility After 19 Years of Separation?
“My boyfriend and I have been together for 19 years and we are both still married to our spouses. We want to divorce but his ex wants alimony. Can she?”
My Ex Refuses To Pay Her Share
She’s supposed to pay her share for the kids, but she doesn’t contribute anything. What can I do to make her pay her legally obligated share?
My Ex Was Ordered to Sell Our House But Hasn’t, What Can I Do?
What can you do if your ex doesn’t cooperate with the court-ordered divorce decree? The good news is that you have options.
If I File For Divorce First, Do I Have An Advantage?
“I’ve been told several times that whoever files first in a divorce has the upper hand, the distinct advantage, is that true?”
Modifying Alimony Payments: Updated
Huffington Post ran a great article this week about the divorce laws in Florida. The short of it: be glad that you’re not getting a divorce in Florida.
We Never Married, Do I Still Have Parental Rights?
Child custody disputes are common during divorce. But what about when there was no marriage?Who gets the kids? Do you even have any parental rights?
No Kids & No Property: Do We Need A Divorce?
Founder parter Rick Jones answers the question, “I got a wife, no kids, no property, do I need to get a divorce or can we just live separately?”
“If I Don’t Have a Will Can My Ex Get Everything?”
“I just heard that if I die tomorrow, my ex can sue my estate for everything in the name of supporting my child. Is this true?”
Child Endangerment: What Can You Do?
The most vulnerable members of society, it’s tragic when parents don’t care for children. If you encounter a case of child endangerment, what can you do?
I Lost My Job, Can I Get Child Support Payments Decreased?
Child support payments are important, but expensive. What happens if you lose your job and your ability to pay? Can you get them decreased?
I Can’t Afford A Divorce Attorney, But My Wife Has One
Going up against a divorce attorney without your own representation puts you at a serious disadvantage. Our founder explains why.
How long until a spouse qualifies for your pension during marriage?
Retirement benefits like pensions often play a huge part in divorce settlements. But how long do you have to stay married until they kick in?
Do I Need a Parenting Plan If We Weren’t Married?
After parents split, a parenting plan lays out the custody arrangement. But what if the couple never actually married? Do you still need one?
Vaccination Disputes & Child Custody
Everyone from certified experts to celebrities have talked about vaccines. The fallout from this conflict is everywhere, even in child custody disputes.
What’s My Ex Entitled To In Divorce?
What’s the difference between separate and community property? How do you determine who is entitled to when it comes to divorce?
How Long Do I Have To Pay Past Due Child Support?
How long do I have to pay child support is a question we get all the time. The answer often depends on the specifics of a particular case.
Should I Move Out During Divorce?
Leaving the marital home without having a strategy in place, can create a significant disadvantage throughout the rest of the divorce process.
My Wife Gave Away Guardianship Without My Knowledge
Child custody cases are often heated and complex, but can your spouse give away guardianship of your child without your consent?
Custody From the Grandparent’s Perspective
What happens when two divorced parents refuse to abide by a parenting plan? Can grandparents step in and help right the ship?
“My Ex Wife Convinced The Court I Can’t Be Found.”
Divorce gets complicated in the best of times even when spouses have open lines of communication. But what happens when one spouse goes MIA?
She Wants to Move My Kid Out Of State
If it’s only you, relocating after divorce is relatively simple. However, when there are children and custody issued invovled, things become more complex.
When I Want a Divorce But She Refuses To Talk To Me
Divorce is difficult and complicated in the best of times. It requires back and forth communication. But what if your spouse refuses to talk to you?
Ten Great Sci-Fi And Fantasy Dads
With San Diego Comic-Con happening this week, we thought we’d take the opportunity to count down our ten favorite sci-fi and fantasy fathers!
Ballpark. What’s This Divorce Gonna Cost Me?
This probably doesn’t come as a shock to you, but divorce is expensive. One of the most common questions we hear is: how much does divorce cost?
Spying, Destruction of Property, and Restraining Orders: An Epic Divorce Saga
Your divorce may be crazy and contentious, but be glad you’re not stuck in the middle of this firestorm. It could be so, so much worse.
10 Baseball Movies For Dad This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is almost here. It’s also the thick of baseball season. One of our favorite celebrations is watching baseball movies with the old man.
Dana Carvey on the Divorce Rate [Divorce Meme]
The over-50 set is the fastest growing divorce demographic, which means it’s ripe for skewering from one of our favorite comedians: Dana Carvey.
Divorce Or Legal Separation?
While divorce is the most common way to end a marital relationship, it’s not the only one. In some cases, legal separation may be an option.
How Child Custody Has Changed
The common refrain goes: “mothers always get custody after divorce.” We’ve all heard that or something similar. But has that always been the case?
7 Child Support Questions Answered
Divorce doesn’t mean we stop caring for our kids. It certainly doesn’t mean we stop providing for their care. This most often takes the form of child support.
Do Long Commutes Lead To Divorce? [Infographic]
No one likes to sit in traffic, but can a long commute actually contribute to divorce? One new study looks to answer this question.
Cohabitation And Spousal Support
If your divorce settlement requires spousal support, making payments while knowing your ex is living with someone else may be a bitter pill to swallow.
Should I Hire A Divorce Lawyer?
Do I need to hire a lawyer? That’s a question no one really ever wants to ask themselves. But how you answer is hugely important.
High Asset Divorce: 5 Costly Mistakes
Every divorce has a lot at stake, but high asset divorce presents its own unique problems. Here are some costly common mistakes people make.
Pet Custody in California
Pet custody is evolving and catching up, however. A few states have passed legislation to distinguish pets from other assets and to protect their rights.
Should I File For Bankruptcy Or Divorce First?
Bankruptcy impacts every facet of your life. Your marriage feels the brunt, and so does the process of ending it. Does bankruptcy change divorce?
How Complicated Can Divorce Get?
Divorce gets complicated. But just how twisted? One celebrity split may illustrate how tangled things can get, even in the best of circumstances.
5 Gray Divorce Retirement Mistakes
Gray divorce is one of the fastest-growing divorce demographics. But it also comes with specific concerns. Here’s what you need to know.
Unexpected Smoking Hazard [Infographic]
We all know smoking cigarettes comes with certain health risks, but does it also carry risks to your marriage? The answer might surprise you.
Goldberg Jones Bracket Challenge
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: March Madness! Join us for our NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge. The winner walks away with a fabulous prize!
Birdnesting: 8 Co-Parenting Questions & Concerns
How does birdnesting work? Instead of the children bouncing back and forth between mom/dad, they stay put and the parents trade places.
Digital Snooping And Divorce
Paranoia and spying are nothing new in relationships. But the tools have changed. Digital snooping continues to have an impact on divorce and the aftermath.
Bitcoin And Divorce
If you pay attention to the news, you’ve probably noticed bitcoin. It’s also become a point of contention during divorce. Here’s what you need to know.
Moore Marsden, Shared Homes, And Divorce
For most of us, a house is the biggest purchase we make. What happens if we own a home, marry, then divorce? That’s where Moore Marsden comes in.
Are Fathers More Important Than Mothers?
It’s long been assumed mothers have an advantage in child custody cases, but is one parent more important to childhood development than the other?
5 San Diego Family Holiday Events
We’re not holding our breath for a White Christmas this year, but there are still plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit in San Diego!
What is Legal Separation in CA?
There is a pervasive misconception that a legal separation is the first step in getting divorced. While legal separation can be part of the divorce process, it is not a requirement for dissolving a marriage. What Is A Legal Separation? A legal separation is a formal and legally binding agreement …
Thanksgiving Survival For Divorced Dads
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This time of year can be tough for newly divorced dads. Here are suggestions for making it through in high spirits!
Fascinating Remarriage Statistics
Roughly half of marriages end in divorce, and because of that, an increasing number of marriages have become remarriages.
Can Science Predict Divorce?
Is it possible for science to predict divorce? Probably not, but certain factors have been shown to indicate some marriages are less likely to succeed.
Alcohol Abuse And Divorce Rates
Alcohol abuse is often cited as a cause of divorce, but a recent study draws a direct link to divorce and an elevated risk for alcohol use disorder.
Fighting False Abuse Allegations
Mudslinging is common in ending a marriage, but unfounded abuse allegations all too often have a negative impact on divorce cases.
Grandparents’ Custody And Visitation Rights
What rights to grandparents have when it comes to child custody and visitation? It’s a complicated situation with much to consider.
Are Your Divorce Records Public?
The paparazzi probably doesn’t hound you and follow your every move, but that doesn’t mean privacy during divorce is important to you.
8 Things You Should Never Do During Divorce
People damage their own cases in countless ways. To help minimize that, here are eight things you should never do during divorce.
5 Ways Fantasy Football Can Benefit Divorced Dads
You may think of fantasy football as a way to make Sundays more interesting or as a tool to gain bragging rights, but it can also help out divorced dads.
Jobs With Highest Divorce Rate?
There’s rarely one single cause that ends a marriage, but jobs are often a biggie. But what jobs have the highest divorce rate?
6 Back To School Tips Divorced Dads Should Know
Sadly, it’s time to go back to school. This can be tough for both kids and parents, especially divorced dads. Here are some tips to help smooth things out.
Back To School Already? 5 End-Of-Summer Family Adventures
Summer vacation is quickly drawing to a close, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of time for more family adventures before the kids go back to school.
Crowdfunding Divorce? Yes.
Websites like Funded Justice have options for divorce and family law matters. Others, like GoFundMe do permit you to use their services for that purpose.
The 10 Best Comic Book Dads
Focusing on family law, it makes sense many of our favorite comic book characters are fathers. But who are the best comic book dads? Check out our list.
Preparing Your Custody Case
Child custody cases have a massive impact on your life and the lives of your children, so how you prepare is a matter of great importance.
Having a Baby? Know Your Rights
Having children is the most rewarding thing many of us experience. It’s life-changing, but it’s also important to know your rights as a soon-to-be father.
3 Steps to Preparing for a Divorce Consultation
Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time can be intimidating and overwhelming, but here are some ways to prepare for your initial consultation.
5 Missteps That Can Hurt Your Custody Case
It’s easy to make mistakes that hurt child custody cases, but here are a few common missteps that can sink a case and how to avoid them.
Conflict: Communication After Divorce
For men recently divorced or in the process of divorcing, effective communication is essential for recovering from your divorce.
10 Great Movie Dads
One of our favorite ways to mark Father’s Day is to watch movies with the old man. Here are some great movie dads to watch with your father.
Summer Break and Divorce
Summer break is almost here, and that often creates all kinds of headaches and logistical problems for parents, and it’s even harder in cases of divorce.
Divorce And Graduation
As the school year wraps up, graduation is on many minds. Though when parents divorce, graduation can be a minefield. Here’s how to make it through.
Social Media And Divorce
Social media has become such a large part of our lives that it makes sense it’s often a large part of our divorces as well.
Modifying Child Support In California
It’s not set in stone, but it’s not far off. Here’s what you need to know about how to modify child support in California.
Health Issues & Divorce
Divorce is emotional and complicated in the best of times, but when there are health issues to contend with, it wreaks havoc on the process.
What Is A De Facto Parent?
Not everyone who cares for a child is a biological parent. It’s rare, but in some cases, the courts name a de facto parent. Here’s what that means.
That’s not always an option, however. A biological parent usually has the inside track, but in situations where the child’s well-being is in question, a de facto parent may assume custody.
California Uncontested Divorce Questions
Not every divorce devolves into a heated courtroom battle. When spouses see eye-to-eye, uncontested divorce is often a viable option.