DEDICATION. EXPERIENCE. RESULTS.

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 ...

Child custody is often one of the most emotional and overwhelming parts of a divorce or separation. Parents want what’s best for their children, but may not always understand how California’s laws define and divide parental rights. The terms “joint custody” and “sole custody” may sound simple, but they work very differently in real life. ...

Divorce settlements are meant to bring closure. However, as life progresses, circumstances can shift in unexpected ways, income can change, new family needs may arise, or previously undisclosed facts may come to light. Many people wonder if it’s possible to change a divorce settlement in California once the court has made it final. The short ...

Child custody disputes are among the most difficult experiences parents face during separation or divorce. In California, courts encourage resolving these matters through mediation before a judge intervenes. For San Diego families, this typically involves Family Court Services (FCS) mediation, a process that keeps the child’s well-being at the center while limiting conflict. This guide ...