The Blog
Practical guidance on divorce, custody, support and life after family court, written in plain English by an attorney who tries these cases.
How to file a joint petition for dissolution or legal separation in Los Angeles County
Since January 1, 2026, spouses who agree can file one petition together instead of one serving the other. Here is who qualifies and how the process runs in L.A. County.
Read article →Evidentiary hearings in California divorces
When something can't wait for trial, the court holds a hearing to decide it. What these hearings cover, how to prepare, and why they matter more than most people expect.
Read article →How high-asset divorces differ from typical property division
Businesses, multiple properties, stock compensation and trusts change the math. What to expect when the estate is large and the characterization is contested.
Read article →How much does a family law attorney cost in California?
Hourly rates, retainers, flat fees and what actually drives the total. A candid look at the question every client asks first.
Read article →What are the grounds for divorce in California?
Irreconcilable differences, incurable insanity, and why "fault" rarely comes into it in a no-fault state.
Read article →Can a minor get a restraining order against a parent in California?
What the law allows, who can file on a child's behalf, and how the court weighs a child's safety against a parent's rights.
Read article →Can a child decide which parent to live with?
At what age a child's preference matters, how judges hear it, and why it is one factor among many.
Read article →What is verbal abuse, and does it count in family court?
Verbal and emotional abuse are harder to document than physical abuse. How courts treat them and how to build a record.
Read article →Factors used to determine spousal support in California
The Family Code 4320 factors, from the length of the marriage to each spouse's earning capacity, explained without the legalese.
Read article →Can you refuse to pay alimony?
What happens when a support order is ignored: wage garnishment, contempt, interest and the other tools courts use.
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