The divorce process is often painted as contentious, dramatic, and painful. And while there are certainly divorces that look like this, it does not have to be this way. In fact, most people in California can avoid the worse parts of the divorce process by opting for alternatives to litigation like mediation and collaborative divorce. These options can be beneficial for several [Read more...] about The Many Benefits of Settling a Divorce Outside The Courtroom
5 Tips to Argue Better
According to an article from Parents.com, there is a number of effective ways to help you “argue better.” We’ve consolidated it to 5 easy steps, which should always be utilized but more so when in the presence of children. Breath. Being consciously aware of your breathing can help control your ability to stay calm and control your emotions. We all know emotions can get the best of us. Taking [Read more...] about 5 Tips to Argue Better
Argue Better For Your Kid’s Sake
Arguments are inevitable between parents. Arguments in front of children are also inevitable. Unfortunately, the stress of the pandemic has called for more arguments. Child specialist and parenting coach Beth Proudfoot notes that these arguments are not only attributed to the stress of the pandemic, but to political polarization, climate concerns, and of course the economy. Everyone around [Read more...] about Argue Better For Your Kid’s Sake
What is a Collaborative Divorce and Who Does it Benefit?
While a divorce in California can be a long and complicated process, a collaborative divorce can make the process easier. A collaborative divorce involves a team of professionals who will advise and assist you and your spouse through the divorce process. Here’s how collaborative divorces work. What does the collaborative divorce process look like? For a collaborative divorce, both parties [Read more...] about What is a Collaborative Divorce and Who Does it Benefit?
What is The Role of a Divorce Mediator?
Looking for a less adversarial way to complete your divorce? Mediation might be the path for you and your spouse. A divorce mediator is a neutral third party who will help you and your spouse through the divorce process without having to turn to the court system. Choosing a mediator is often the first gesture of mutual trust divorcing couples make. While the mediator does not [Read more...] about What is The Role of a Divorce Mediator?
Taking a ‘PAWS’: Issues To Consider With Pet Custody
The new year brought a lot of changes for divorcing couples in 2019, especially here in California. Not only were major changes made to the tax code concerning spousal support payments, residents across the state of California welcomed Assembly Bill 2274. This bill finally gave judges in our state clear direction when it came to helping divorcing pet owners answer the all-important question: Who [Read more...] about Taking a ‘PAWS’: Issues To Consider With Pet Custody
How Does California Calculate Child Support?
When parents’ divorce in California, both remain responsible for financially supporting their minor children. The state uses established guidelines to determine which parent should pay child support and the monthly payment amount. Learn about the factors that influence child support calculations in California. Net disposable income California courts first calculate each parent’s net [Read more...] about How Does California Calculate Child Support?
Divorce and Social Security Benefits
Social security benefits provide older Americans with substantial financial support. Not every retired person in California receives a pension or has significant personal savings. Therefore, monthly social security deposits help single people and married couples alike. What happens after a divorce, though? Will it impact one’s social security benefits? A person can [Read more...] about Divorce and Social Security Benefits
Four Tips for Starting your California Divorce
2020 is shaping up to be a popular year for divorce filings in California. If you are among those considering parting ways with your spouse, read on for four tips for starting your divorce. 1. Research and decide how you want to complete the divorce: There are many ways to complete a divorce. You can opt for doing [Read more...] about Four Tips for Starting your California Divorce
Our Divorce Mediation Didn’t Work Out. Where Do We Go From Here?
Many couples begin the divorce process in mediation. Mediation can be a great option for couples who are still able to work together to make agreements regarding their children, finances, and property. For others mediation might start off well but over time the couple is no longer able to make agreements and need more support to move forward. Where do we go from [Read more...] about Our Divorce Mediation Didn’t Work Out. Where Do We Go From Here?
Can a Divorce be Friendly?
For most people, friendly is not the first term that comes to mind when thinking about divorce. However, there are many benefits to keeping friendliness an option when deciding how to handle the process of divorce. Collaborative divorces are completed outside of the courthouse and center on the idea of remaining friendly during the divorce and afterward. 1. Friendly divorce can save you [Read more...] about Can a Divorce be Friendly?
How long does it take to divorce in California?
This is highly case dependent, but the shortest possible time to complete a divorce in California is six months plus one day. Although six months is the earliest time you can be restored to the status of single, many divorces take much longer. The good news is that there are ways to make the process move quickly so that the divorce is finished as close to the six-month minimum as possible. [Read more...] about How long does it take to divorce in California?
How does the Collaborative Divorce process help parents in California?
Even after divorce, parents can rarely sever all ties to the other parent. As co-parents they often have many years left to work together raising their children. This requires extensive communication, a willingness to make decisions together, and the grace to come to shared events for their children. With this in mind, it can be beneficial for parents to consider peacefully ending their [Read more...] about How does the Collaborative Divorce process help parents in California?
Is it possible to have a truly respectful divorce?
Divorce can be a highly emotional and expensive process. California and other states offer collaborative divorce as a less adversarial option than a traditional divorce. In collaborative divorce the parties work with attorneys and other professionals outside of a courtroom to resolve their issues. As part of the collaborative divorce process, each spouse works with his or her respective [Read more...] about Is it possible to have a truly respectful divorce?
Can You Stop a Divorce Once its Started?
Contrary to what many people think, filing for divorce does not automatically end a marriage. While starting the divorce process with the Court helps people move forward, the fact is that becoming unmarried does not happen overnight. In California, the waiting period to become unmarried is six months. The six month clock starts ticking when a spouse is served with the petition and [Read more...] about Can You Stop a Divorce Once its Started?
Collaboration, Cooperation and Communication during Divorce
There are a number of difficult decisions that need to be made during dissolution of marriage, from child support to property division. After the decision to divorce is made (In California – it only takes one party), the next important decision to be made involves the type of divorce process you and your soon-to-be-ex spouse will use. The traditional choice is the [Read more...] about Collaboration, Cooperation and Communication during Divorce
Collaboration can Help Secure Good Solutions for Bad Situations
When people get married, they typically don’t expect to get divorced. They don’t expect that they’ll fall out of love with their spouse or become so bitter and angry that they can’t even be in the same room as the other person. And they don’t expect that they might do or say things they would later regret. During a divorce, good people can make some bad decisions. However, the fact that you [Read more...] about Collaboration can Help Secure Good Solutions for Bad Situations
Is There a Right Way to Divorce?
It seems like everywhere we look, we are being told that there is a right way to do something and a wrong way to do something. For instance, stories about divorce are more available than ever. We read about dramatic celebrity divorces ending in multi-million dollar settlements, the quiet, amicable divorce of two strangers who took a picture that went viral and everything in between. And for [Read more...] about Is There a Right Way to Divorce?