Westlake Village California Family Law Blog

If you're one of many California parents who cringe at the thought of a long, drawn-out court battle as a means of achieving a divorce settlement, you may wish to explore options that are designed to be nonconfrontational instead. Collaborative law is meant to provide support in confidential settings for spouses who are determined to achieve amicable settlements. You may still encounter challenges along the way; however, you and your soon-to-be former spouse must agree to work together to resolve disagreements through peaceful negotiation process in a private setting.

Many people choose to settle their divorces through collaborative law because it is typically less expensive than litigation. All aspects of divorce are covered during meetings, such as tax implications, child custody, property division and spousal support. The difference in the collaborative setting as opposed to a courtroom is that spouses have control over the process and are working together to create a comprehensive settlement that is in everyone's best interests.

California parents who are no longer connected through intimate relationships with each other but merely interact as necessary regarding their children often have court decrees that address the terms of their parenting plans. While the court may take parents' opinions into consideration on child custody or child support matters, once it issues a decree, all involved parties must adhere to the court's order, whether they like it or not. If one parent, for instance, refuses to pay child support that the court has ordered, he or she will likely face serious legal problems.  

A man known as the taxi king in another state understands this type of situation all too well. In fact, he was recently led out of a courtroom in handcuffs. The four police officers escorting him were taking him to his new, temporary residence -- a jail cell. The man is a taxi cab business owner (who has also faced legal problems regarding his business) who is the father of two children. It was his 14-year-old son's mother who sought justice for his alleged refusal to pay child support.  

Divorced couples in California, as well as parents who were never married, sometimes face problems regarding finances needed to provide care for their children. In many cases, the court orders child support. When there is an existing court order, both parents are obligated to adhere to the terms unless and until the court modifies the order in some way.  

If a parent is ordered to pay child support and is not making payments on time (or at all), local authorities are often called upon to execute a warrant for the person's arrest. There are many situations where a parent may have a legitimate need to delay or lower payments. However, this must be done through the proper legal channels. No parent can take it upon himself or herself to change a payment amount or time schedule.  

All married couples have problems from time to time. However, most are able to find agreeable solutions to help them overcome any obstacles that arise throughout the years. That's not always the case, however, as evidenced by the high rate of divorce in California and throughout the nation.  

Which couples are more likely to choose to go their separate ways, regardless of how long their relationships last? A study that observed over 150 people for at least 13 years showed results that suggest there are several signs that point toward divorce court. One is whether or not a particular couple was overly affectionate when they first married.