From our eNewsletter: More and more divorcing couples have unsecured debt issues; i.e. debt that is not secured against an asset. Although debt can be a significant issue for married couples, it becomes a much bigger problem to deal with in separation and divorce. Debts that You Do Not Know About You may already know …
From our eNewsletter: One of the signs to look out for if you are wondering if it’s time to go. To assess whether you should end your marriage, you must compare living in a divorced family with its realistic alternative, living in a family that is chronically unhappy, that is in open conflict, or that …
From our eNewsletter: Consider this scenario: My husband and I are getting ready to tell our 8 and 12 year-old boys that we’re going to split. He insists on telling them that I had an affair and that this whole thing is my fault. Even though I have met someone else, the marriage has been …
Yes, summer vacation is in sight. For separated families, no school can be a challenge. Custodial schedules frequently change, and extended vacation times for parents kick in. Keeping the kids pleasantly distracted can be challenging enough. Add divorce conflict to the mix, and summers can be downright distressing — for the parents and the kids. …
Under California law a long term marriage is one with a duration of ten years or more. In a long term marriage there is a presumption that there will be an award of spousal support from the higher earner to the lower earner. The follow-up presumption is that the longer the marriage the longer spousal …
From our eNewsletter: Remember to avoid saying things to your child like, “That (insert child’s negative behavior here) is just like your father.” This comment hurts your child at their core — it acknowledges their connection to their other parent while at the same time criticizes them for it. It does not assist them in …
Pursuant to California law judges must create child custody and visitation orders that serve the best interests of the children. Not what Mom wants, not what Dad wants, but what the children need. Family law attorneys spend a lot of time discussing the child custody and visitation process, and face challenges as parents try to …
There has always been debate about the ritual of marriage, the value of traditional marriage, and the need to return to the old institution of marriage, i.e., we married young, we married for life, wife raised the kids, and we stay married until we died. I call this the “Leave It To Beaver Marital Blueprint.” …
John Harding’s article Dumping The Banker’s Boxes appears in the premier issue of Family Lawyer Magazine. The online version can re read by clicking here. Please visit Hardinglaw.com for more information on John Harding and Harding & Associates Family Law.
Our friends Peter Walzer and Chris Melcher have a new website for their Woodland Hills, California family law firm. Click here for a visit. Of course, please visit Hardinglaw.com for more information on California family law.
From our eNewsletter. Divorce is often the most emotional time in a person’s life. It is also when permanent, life-altering financial decisions must be made. If you are in this situation then, naturally, you may be experiencing fear of the unknown. Fortunately, education helps alleviate that fear. By Sharon Numerow Here are the 7 most …
From our eNewsletter: A parenting plan might contain some or all of the following elements: The parents’ philosophy and attitudes regarding their care of the children An acknowledgment of responsibilities for the welfare of the children Daily decisions and more major ones that require consultation Where everyone will live What time or times the children …
In a 2-1 decision a three judge panel from the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit has ruled that California’s Proposition 8 ban on same sex marriage violates the 14th Amendment and is therefore unconstitutional. This is a decision that is going to create quite a buzz among legal scholars, on top …
John Harding will be featured at these upcoming Legal Education Programs and Speaking Engagements April 5, 2012 Introduction to Divorce Law Oakland, California LawReview CLE April 24, 2012 Introduction to Divorce Law San Diego, California LawReview CLE May 1, 2012 Introduction to Divorce Law Anaheim, California LawReview CLE May 3, 2012 Introduction to Divorce Law …
Lawyers are under a duty to discuss reconciliation and mediation with their clients. The court must be certain that there is no possibility of reconciliation before proceeding with a divorce petition. If both parties are certain that they want to proceed with the divorce, they have choices as to how they will proceed. You may …
From our eNewsletter A few months ago, we invited readers and our website visitors to submit their divorce-inspired stories to our divorce blog. Our goal was to help readers express themselves, heal some of their wounds, and connect with members of our community who are traveling on the path of divorce. Below, we’re pleased to …
From our eNewsletter: When it comes to establishing each parent’s individual roles and their levels of involvement, influence, and time spent with the children, the terms most discussed and debated are joint custody, sole custody, and visitation. Generally, physical child custody (whether sole, shared, or split) really comes down to the amount of time spent …
Family law court can be a confusing place, as can be the process by which family law judges can, or cannot, order things. Take child support for example. The court is supposed to determine how much time the child spends with each parent, put those percentages into a computer program along with how much income …
From our eNewsletter: This family lawyer presents eye-opening “real life” examples of how concealing information during divorce can backfire. By Joseph Cordell, Esq. We tell our clients that the most valuable thing they have in their case is their credibility — their credibility with their lawyer, with their children, with social workers or the GAL, …
From our eNewsletter: Here are the 7 most important factors to remember when negotiating a divorce settlement: 1. Money will Almost Always Become an Issue in Divorce You are probably thinking: “Is that supposed to be a secret? I knew that already!” Yes, that may be so — but you may also be underestimating how …