When a married couple decides that they want to undergo a divorce, child custody is a common topic that is addressed by the family law judge. California is one state that has two main types of custody orders that a judge can enact. These include legal child custody...
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How creative can parents get with child custody arrangements?
Child custody is not what it used to be in California. Once courts decreed cookie-cutter custody and visitation plans in every case. Mothers got custody, fathers got visitation, and anyone who failed to fit that mold got left out. Today, courts and attorneys are much...
Top reasons most Americans don’t have a will
While most California residents have heard about the importance of writing a will, the majority of residents have yet to write one. Research has shown that only 40% of people across the United States have completed their wills. Some people have given up on a will...
Complexities of dividing retirement accounts in a gray divorce
Dividing retirement accounts presents a particular challenge when an older California couple files for divorce. There are a number of factors that those involved in a so-called "gray divorce" need to bear in mind regarding the division of retirement accounts. Types of...
Signs You’re Divorcing A Gaslighter
"Gaslighting" might be a new word to some people, but it refers to an unfortunately sad and long-lasting behavior. Gaslighting involves telling untruths and manipulating people, among other issues. Married couples in California may find their marriage deteriorating...
What happens when someone dies intestate in California?
Everyone should write a will at some point during their adulthood. Unfortunately, some people never get the chance. If someone dies without a will in California, a judge will ultimately decide who gets their assets. Who gets an individual's estate if they die without...
What Can You Accomplish With A Charitable Trust?
A charitable trust offers private donors a great deal of flexibility in terms of where their donations will go and in what time frame. If you are considering setting up a charitable trust in California, it's a good idea to start with your goals. A charitable trust is...
The power of positivity in estate planning
Planning your estate in California doesn't have to be a long, tedious experience that you dread for years. If you look at it the right way, estate planning can be a rewarding experience that allows you to plan for the future and protect your family members at the same...
Is Marital Presumption Of Parentage Being Applied Unequally?
For heterosexual couples, marital presumption of parentage in California is relatively simple: The law assumes that the spouse of a biological mother is also a child's parent. However, the legal application of such laws can be unclear for same-sex couples. If you're...
Why are SLATs gaining popularity as estate planning tools?
As many California residents experienced a significant drop in income in 2020 along with the uncertainty over estate tax rates in the coming years, some have begun to look for additional ways to protect their current wealth. While some may think that setting up a...