Puja Sachdev | February 12, 2026 | Family Law
Court appearances can be confusing, especially for people involved in family law cases for the first time. Two terms that often come up are “general appearance” and “special appearance.” While they may sound similar, they have very different legal effects. In California family law cases, including divorce and custody matters, understanding the difference can help… read more
Puja Sachdev | February 7, 2026 | Family Law
Filing a petition in family court is an important legal step. A petition may involve divorce, child custody, support, or other family law matters. Sometimes, after filing, you realize something needs to be corrected or updated. That is where an amended petition comes in. In California, amending a petition can help make sure the court… read more
Puja Sachdev | January 6, 2026 | Family Law
Family law cases often involve emotionally charged disputes. Due to the high stakes involved (such as child custody and property), courts issue orders that require compliance from all parties. When one party fails to comply with a court order, the consequences can be serious. In family law, contempt proceedings are a key enforcement tool. Overview… read more
Puja Sachdev | December 3, 2025 | Family Law
When you’re facing a divorce or another complex family matter, you’ll want to know that your lawyer has more than just basic legal knowledge. In California, some attorneys take an additional step to become Certified Family Law Specialists (CFLS). This is a rare distinction awarded by the State Bar of California to attorneys who demonstrate… read more
Puja Sachdev | April 2, 2025 | Family Law
Going through a divorce or legal separation in California can be an emotional and complicated process. If you are thinking about divorce or legal separation, it’s important to know the differences. You should also understand the filing process and how each choice affects your future. In California, legal separation and divorce are different. Knowing these… read more
Puja Sachdev | January 27, 2025 | Family Law
Wildfires are a reality of life in California, and their unpredictable nature can take a toll on everyone, especially children. Even if your family is not directly affected by the flames, the stress and anxiety surrounding such events can have a lasting impact on young minds. Here are practical tips for helping your children navigate… read more
Puja Sachdev | September 23, 2024 | Family Law
A comprehensive marital settlement agreement (MSA) should set the terms of your divorce, including any alimony, child custody, and child support arrangements. If you can reach an MSA (and not all couples can), you will enjoy numerous advantages over litigation. Following is a description of five of the most advantageous aspects of a marital settlement… read more
Puja Sachdev | September 5, 2024 | Family Law
Child custody is a sensitive and emotion-laden issue. How does a San Diego family court decide on custody arrangements? The “best interests of the child” is the primary consideration, but what exactly is that? And then there’s the issue of emergency custody, where one parent is seeking an immediate change in child custody arrangements, ostensibly… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 25, 2023 | Family Law
For some couples, protecting their privacy is a high priority. If so, they might choose to obtain a confidential marriage license instead of a public marriage license in San Diego, CA. Public figures and celebrities often try to conceal their marriage for several reasons, but confidential marriage licenses are available to any couple who meets… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 25, 2023 | Family Law
Attorney’s fees can be a significant concern in family law cases. Yet, California Family Law provides mechanisms to address this issue fairly. One such mechanism is the award of attorney’s fees based on need. Read on to explore the key aspects of need-based attorney fees under California Family Code § 2030. What Is a Need-Based… read more
