Establishing paternity can be one of the most important steps a father takes to protect his parental rights. But what happens when a child’s mother refuses to cooperate with DNA testing? In California, a mother’s refusal does not necessarily prevent a man from pursuing legal recognition as a parent. Courts have procedures for resolving disputed…
A substantial year-end bonus can feel like a financial breakthrough. But for California parents and spouses going through divorce, it can also raise an uncomfortable question: Could one unusually successful year lead to years of higher child support or spousal support payments? California courts consider more than base salary when evaluating income. Bonuses, commissions, and…
For military service members and veterans going through divorce in California, retirement benefits can be among the most valuable assets at stake. After years of service, you may be concerned about how much of your military pension your spouse can receive, whether the court can divide future retirement payments, and what happens to your benefits…
Filing for divorce in California is an important first step, but it does not mean your marriage is legally over. Several procedural requirements must be completed before a court can issue a final divorce judgment. For husbands and fathers, the process may involve important decisions about property, finances, child custody, and support. Understanding what happens…
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most difficult situations can arise when one parent wants to move away with the children. A new job, remarriage, or family support may motivate the move. But for the other parent, relocation could mean longer drives, fewer visits, and major disruptions to an established parenting schedule. California…
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can both help California couples define their financial rights and responsibilities. However, signing an agreement before marriage is legally different from signing one after the wedding. Postnuptial agreements often face greater scrutiny because California spouses owe each other fiduciary duties that do not generally exist between unmarried partners. That distinction can…
Losing a job, experiencing a reduction in income, or taking on new financial responsibilities can make an existing child support order difficult to afford. Many California parents assume that if their financial circumstances change, a judge can later reduce the support they owed during those difficult months. Unfortunately, California law places strict limits on retroactive…
Filing for divorce in California triggers important legal restrictions before a judge holds a hearing or issues individual orders. These restrictions are called Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs). They are designed to protect property, insurance coverage, and children while the divorce is pending. Many people do not realize that ordinary financial decisions, such as selling…
Military pay can make a California child-support calculation more complicated than simply looking at the taxable wages on a service member’s pay statement. One frequent source of confusion is the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH. Since BAH is generally not taxable as ordinary income, a military parent may assume that California family courts will…
