Divorce and Family Law Blog

Fighting for Full vs. Joint Custody in California 

When divorcing parents have a child, their divorce often involves a dispute over the custody of the child. Custody disputes can be emotionally charged if the parents do not agree on a custody arrangement. When one parent is seeking full custody of the child, the process can become especially contentious. Suppose you and your spouse… read more

Can a Mother Keep Their Child Away from the Father in California?

California Family Law Code §3010 states that a mother and father are equally entitled to the custody of their children. However, the issue is a lot more complicated than that. There may be situations where a mother can legally keep their child away from their father in California. Many factors can impact whether this is… read more

Can I Take My Children On a Flight From the San Diego Airport If I Have Joint Custody?

California ranks in the top 10 for states with the lowest divorce rates, with about six women per 1,000 divorcing annually. This equates to just over 229,000 people for a population of about 39 million. Divorce is always hard, but it’s particularly challenging when children are involved. Parents naturally want to do all they can… read more

Surrogacy In California: Does the Surrogate Mother Have Any Parental Rights?

Whether surrogate mothers have parental rights depends on the type of surrogacy arrangement and where the agreement takes place. California law distinguishes between traditional surrogacy and gestational pregnancy. Surrogacy arrangements are complex, and it’s important that they are handled properly for the safety and emotional well-being of everyone involved.  If you’re considering surrogacy, reach out… read more

How To Explain an Absent Parent To Your Child

Regardless of your feelings about your co-parent, your child likely has a special bond with them. This bond does not break during a divorce or separation. Even if you have custody due to the other parent’s mental, legal, or physical issues, your child may still experience feelings of loss when they cannot spend time with… read more

What Is Marriage Abandonment in California? 

In 1969, California signed its no-fault divorce law, becoming the first state to allow no-fault divorces. Here, you do not prove that the other spouse did anything wrong to get a divorce. Instead, you petition the court for divorce, informing it that your marriage has been irretrievably broken due to irreconcilable differences.  While you don’t… read more

Does Infidelity Always Lead To Divorce?

It’s often said that around half of all marriages end in divorce. While that estimate was once accurate, it is a bit of an exaggeration today. New studies show that around 43% of first marriages end in divorce and that divorce is on a downward trend.  Infidelity is one common reason for divorce. Many people… read more

Can I Take My Children to Dog Beach in San Diego on Days I Have Custody?

Dog Beach is San Diego’s only 24-hour beach for dogs. Dogs can run without leashes, but owners must follow applicable laws and are responsible for controlling and cleaning up after their pets. The Original Dog Beach is a landmark in Ocean Beach. It is nationally famous as one of the first leash-free beaches for dogs…. read more

Can I Take My Children to the San Diego Zoo on Days I Have Custody?

Generally speaking, you can take your children to the San Diego Zoo and other area attractions on days you have custody unless the parenting plan or a court order restricts where you can go. If you want to travel outside of California or spend a vacation on the other side of the state, you might… read more

Is My Inheritance Considered Community Property in California? 

California is one of a few states that use community property rules during a divorce. Community property typically includes all income and assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Each spouse has a 50% ownership interest in community property. Therefore, community property is typically divided equally between the spouses during a divorce. There are… read more