New California custody laws require the court to make a finding on the record that unmonitored visits are in the children’s best interest. In the past, when a parent alleges domestic violence or drug/alcohol abuse, the court had to consider whether visitations should be monitored and explain on the record why the visits ordered are […]

Going through a divorce for a first time can be intimidating or scary to some.  Here are a few general steps you could consider before embarking on this path:   Consult with a divorce attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced family lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.   […]

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process.  California is a community property state, which means that there is a creation of a community entity during the marriage. Each spouse is entitled to 50% of the community. In addition to property rights, each spouse may receive child support and spousal support from the other spouse.  […]

California requires child support amount to be set as guideline. Family Code § 4052. In layman’s terms, “guideline” means utilizing the Dissomaster software to input each parent’s income, the timeshare percentage for each child and any tax deduction or other applicable factors.  In all child support orders or judgments that has a child support order, […]

For anyone who has ever been in a highly contested custody dispute, often time there are many different perspectives that the court has to balance, including those of the minor children. Where there are disputed issues regarding parental cooperation, mental health, addiction, neglect, abuse, or the safety and welfare of the children, the court generally […]

In County of Los Angeles Child Support Services v. Watson, the Department of Child Support Services Department (“CSSD”) filed a complaint seeking child support of $324 per month.  On November 15, 2017 CSSD filed a Complaint and a Proposed Judgment, seeking for child support payments to start on December 1, 2017.  CSSD served Mr. Watson […]

Premarital agreements, or prenuptial agreements, are favored by the court and are intended to “foster or perpetuate conditions that will help preserve a forthcoming marriage.” Agreements executed before January 1, 1986 are not required to conform with the Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA Fam. Code §1600 et seq) and similarly, agreements executed before 2002 are not […]

In County of Riverside v. Estabrook (2019) 30 Cal.App.5th 1144 , the Court of Appeals addressed many issues involving parentage and child support. The Child Support Services Department (“CSSD”) sought a child support order and genetic testing against an alleged father. The alleged father objected and raised the marital presumption of paternity as his defense. The marital […]