Westlake Village California Family Law Blog

Your decision to file for divorce in a California court might have been a long time in the making or prompted by a rather sudden change of events. Either way, once you decided to sever your marital ties, you knew there would be numerous issues to resolve before you could move on in life. If you're one of many parents who are navigating divorce, challenges may arise regarding custody, visitation or support.

Getting divorced doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to enter litigation. In fact, many spouses are able to finalize their settlements without ever stepping foot inside a courtroom. There are several reasons why such options might be desirable. Exploring your options and knowing where to seek support are keys to accomplishing your immediate and long-term goals.

Deciding to file for divorce is stressful enough without additional issues intensifying the turmoil. Especially if children are involved, it takes patience, effort and knowledge to develop a plan that protects your parental rights and financial interests. Whether you're the parent who will be paying child support or receiving payments that your co-parent has been ordered to pay, it is critical that you understand California laws and regulations ahead of time to help avoid problems down the line.

The judge overseeing your case will take numerous factors into consideration before ruling on financial matters. The court needs to know all relevant information regarding yours and your ex's incomes. You'll also want to make tax information and other financial issues, such as expenses related to child care or health care, available to the court.

The son of a coal baron, who is well known in California and internationally and reportedly has ties with the POTUS, is currently entangled in a bitter court battle regarding divorce-related issues and other matters. The man's ex has accused him of serious crimes against their adopted pre-teen daughter. A U.S. district court judge recently dismissed a claim the man in question filed against his former wife. He has also stated that his ex has failed to pay child support.

The man says he believes the claims filed against him should be adjudicated in the state in which he currently lives. However, a judge has stated that the case will remain in the state where the man's ex initially filed a petition and that he has shown no proof that he is a resident of the state in which he claims to live. In fact, the judge said, evidence shows he owns property in the state where the petition was filed. 

Do you and your spouse often fight about money? Perhaps, you're one of many couples in California who have gone from merely arguing over finances to determining that you'd rather go your separate ways than stay in an unhappy relationship. Hundreds, if not thousands, of spouses file for divorce because of financial disagreements that they are unable to resolve.

As a resident of California, your divorce is subject to community property laws. Did you and your spouse sign a prenuptial agreement? If not, did you at least discuss what you both could expect to happen financially in case of divorce? If you know other people who have already finalized divorces in this state, you may be able to rely on them as part of your support network.