Westlake Village California Family Law Blog

Many California married couples have pets. In fact, a great number of households include children as well as pets. As 2020 unfolds, many couples will decide to divorce, thus prompting a need to resolve many issues, including those having to do with where the children or pets in question will reside after the divorce is finalized. Spouses who wish to avoid confrontation and to achieve a fair settlement in as amicable a fashion as possible may want to consider divorce mediation as an option to make pet or child custody decisions. 

Most states consider decisions regarding where a pet will live after divorce as part of property division proceedings. Those who choose to mediate these issues must agree to peacefully discuss all pet-related matters. Who will pay for pet food, vet bills and other supplies? With whom had the pet typically spent the most time during marriage?

When a California family court judge issues a divorce decree, it may include a co-parenting agreement plan. Such plans typically address custody and child support issues. The court also rules on these topics when parents who have never been married to each other terminate their romantic relationships. Whether or not they were married to one another, both parents must fully adhere to the terms of a court order regarding custody, parenting time or support.

If a parent is hit by unexpected financial distress, he or she may have difficulty keeping up with child support payments. Perhaps, a paying parent lost a job or suffered a medical emergency that resulted in the need to take an extended leave of absence at work. Nevertheless, the parent is still legally obligated to pay child support on time, unless and until the court grants a formal request to modify the terms of the order.

Leaving the past behind and moving on in life in as swift and painless a way as possible is the ultimate goal of many California spouses who divorce. Spouses who hope to avoid going to court often opt for divorce mediation to negotiate the terms of their settlement. However, there are numerous issues that might suggest this or other forms of alternative dispute resolution may not work under certain circumstances.

California is a community property state, meaning most family court judges split marital assets 50/50 in divorce. Some spouses try to beat the system or gain the upper hand in property division, so they attempt to stash cash or otherwise hide assets. If a spouse suspects his or her former partner of this type of illegal activity, he or she will want to further investigate the issue and seek the court's intervention to put it to a stop.

Parenting is often a challenging experience, especially if two California parents have decided to divorce and are trying to resolve financial issues and other matters pertaining to their children. Hollywood star Channing Tatum is currently entangled in a legal dispute with co-parent Jenna Dewan. The former couple has a 6-year-old daughter together. Tatum has denied accusations that he has been neglectful in paying child support.

Tatum says the court helped him and his ex workout a plan regarding custody, visitation and support issues. In fact, he told reporters that Dewan signed an agreement, which included a joint account where funds are deposited to be used by both parents as financial provision for their child. Tatum has also stated that his ex has made it difficult for him to FaceTime his daughter when the child is in her custody.