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Financial disclosures are required in a California divorce, even when both spouses agree on how they want to divide everything. You will need to provide information about your income, property, debts, and expenses so both sides have a clear picture of the finances. The paperwork can be confusing, especially when you are unsure which forms ...

Many parenting plans assume a child can move between two homes, handle changing routines, and tell each parent what happened during the day. That may not work for a child with autism, a seizure disorder, or a serious intellectual disability. Frequent exchanges may cause distress. A missed therapy session or medication change may also affect ...

One of the biggest questions in a California divorce is how long spousal support will continue after the marriage ends. People often hear about the “10-year rule” and assume crossing that mark automatically means lifetime support. California law does not work that way. The length of spousal support depends on factors like the length of ...

California changed the way it calculates child support for the first time in more than thirty years. Senate Bill 343 took effect on September 1, 2024, and it overhauled the statewide guideline that courts use in every child support case. It is the first major revision since 1992. If you pay or receive child support ...

Starting January 1, 2026, California couples can file for divorce or legal separation without having to agree on everything. Senate Bill 1427 created the Joint Petition for Dissolution, allowing both spouses to sign and file together as co-petitioners. The biggest procedural change is service. In a traditional divorce, one spouse files, and the other must ...

Key Takeaways San Diego courts prioritize child safety above all else, even when accusations may be false. Only knowingly false allegations can lead to legal penalties. Repeated accusations can affect custody decisions over time. Building a clear paper trail is the most effective way to shut down a false claim. In California, the legal system ...

Retirement accounts are often one of the largest assets in a California divorce. Whether it’s a 401(k), pension, IRA, military retirement, or CalPERS plan, understanding how retirement accounts are handled in California’s divorces can make a significant financial difference. In San Diego, divorce cases are governed by California’s community property laws. Steven M. Bishop represents ...

When parents separate, questions about moving often come up quickly. A new job, help from family, or a housing change can make relocation feel necessary. But when a custody case is active, relocating with a child in California is not a simple decision. For parents involved in a custody dispute in San Diego, understanding California’s ...

Child custody disputes are already stressful, and they become even trickier when a restraining order is involved. Parents often wonder how a restraining order affects custody and whether it changes their rights. In California, judges must carefully consider safety, past behavior, and the impact on the child before making any decision. This guide explains how ...