Emancipation in San Diego

California considers a person under 18 years old a minor. A minor has not reached the age of majority. Most states define the age of majority as 18 years old. However, a few states set the age of majority at 19 or 21 years old. Parents serve as the guardians and caregivers for minors. They… read more

What Is the Most Common Custody Arrangement in California?

California’s public policy states that children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after their relationship ends. Parents are encouraged to share the rights and responsibilities of child-rearing unless this contact would not be in the child’s best interests. For this reason, joint custody is the most common custody arrangement in California.  What… read more

Do You Need a Lawyer to Get Divorced in California?

Dealing with a divorce is often a complicated process. Legally, you do not need a lawyer to get divorced in California.  Whether you actually need a lawyer for your California divorce depends on your situation. Some individuals handle their divorce independently, while others benefit from legal guidance to protect their rights and assets. When a… read more

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Divorce in CA?

Many people going through a divorce want to obtain their final order and move on with their lives as soon as possible. As with all legal matters, divorce cases are subject to various deadlines and time requirements. A statute of limitations is a critical deadline in legal matters. Understanding the statute of limitations in your… read more

How Parents Can Help Children Cope with Wildfires

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

Do I Have to Sell the Family Home in a Divorce?

The family home often holds significant emotional and financial value. For many couples, it represents years of memories, security, and investment. Deciding what happens to the home can be one of the hardest aspects of a San Diego divorce, especially if children are involved or one spouse wishes to remain in the home. What happens… read more

How To Talk To Kids About Wildfires in California

Wildfires are an unfortunate reality for many California families, bringing significant challenges. The most recent fires in Pacific Palisades and other areas of Los Angeles County have left devastation in their wake, destroying homes and killing over 20 people.  For parents, discussing wildfires with their children can feel daunting, especially when trying to balance honesty… read more

What Is a No-Fault Divorce in California?

In some states, you can’t get a divorce unless you can prove your spouse did something seriously wrong, such as abusing you, abusing drugs or alcohol, or being incarcerated for an extended period of time after committing a felony. These are known as fault-based grounds. However, California allows couples to get divorced without having to… read more

Parents Cannot Move Children Outside of California to Influence Custody Decisions

Child custody disputes are among the most contentious family court cases. Parents dispute custody terms for many reasons. One parent may genuinely believe their child would benefit more from their sole custody and care. On the other hand, a parent may dispute custody to hurt their ex-partner or to gain leverage in property distribution and… read more

How Can I Get Health Insurance After Divorce?

In addition to increased living expenses associated with splitting one household into two during a divorce, many people are concerned about the added cost of health insurance when they are no longer eligible to claim coverage from their ex-spouse’s employer-sponsored plan.  As part of the divorce process, you may have to figure out how to… read more