In California, grandparents may petition the courts for visitation rights or custody of their grandchildren in certain circumstances. This guide explains grandparents’ rights and provides tips for grandparents navigating the legal system. Overview of Grandparents’ Rights Under California Law California law allows grandparents to seek visitation or custody if: Courts focus on the “best interest…
Continue reading ›For divorced parents with children, visitation schedules are usually agreed upon as part of the custody agreement. However, in some cases, a family court may make the decision to terminate or restrict a father’s visitation rights with his children. There are a variety of reasons why this can occur if the court determines it is…
Continue reading ›Guardianship refers to a legal relationship where a court appoints a competent adult (the guardian) to make decisions for an incapacitated adult (the ward). The guardian acts as a substitute decision-maker for the ward’s person/property. Guardianship is state law, though most states model statutes after the Uniform Guardianship Act. To establish guardianship, one files a…
Continue reading ›Filing for Divorce in California Courts There are critical questions that are strategic and imperative to answer when filing for divorce papers in California courts. We will discuss those within various categories covered by California statutes and codes for family law. Once these questions are answered one spouse of the other can initiate a filing…
Continue reading ›Ending a marriage marks one of life’s most difficult transitions. Your heart is heavy, finances entangled, and your future uncertain. While the emotional turmoil may seem unrelenting, there are ways to approach this pragmatically to set yourself up for stability and renewal ahead. Divorce Means Letting Go of the Past The end of a relationship…
Continue reading ›Temporary restraining orders, or TROs, can provide critical protection if you or a loved one are facing abuse, harassment, or violence from someone. As you navigate this difficult situation, remember help is available through the court system. This guide will gently walk you through how the TRO process works in California – from assessing if…
Continue reading ›Divorce Paperwork, and Final Divorce Papers Filing divorce papers in California requires going through a series of legal steps, paperwork filings, and court procedures to fully complete the process and make the dissolution official. The eight essential steps typically include one spouse starting the case by filing a Petition for Dissolution, properly serving divorce paperwork…
Continue reading ›Part 2 – Divorce in California: A Step-by-Step Guide I. Understanding the Divorce Process Navigating divorce in California involves legal steps governed by state laws. A strong grasp of the typical timeline, residency requirements, and whether your case will be contested or uncontested from the outset helps set realistic expectations. A. Typical timeline The average…
Continue reading ›Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that allows divorcing couples to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement with the help of a neutral mediator. The intent of the mediator is to guide you to an agreeable divorce settlement agreement. The separating couples may have retained a divorce attorney. Having a divorce settlement agreement reviewed…
Continue reading ›Imagine spending years with a spouse you now realize was unfaithful or abusive behind your back. Perhaps you recently uncovered secret debts or assets being hidden from you. In most states, proof of these misdeeds is not required to get divorced. But here in California, you may still leverage a spouse’s bad acts to protect…
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