Short answer: Browse recent family law and estate planning articles from LegalDocsA2Z.
LegalDocsA2Z Blog
Browse recent articles from LegalDocsA2Z.
How California Courts Value a Spouse’s Business in Divorce
2026-05-14
Learn how California courts value a spouse’s business in divorce, including community property, goodwill, Pereira and Van Camp, and forensic accounting.
Divorcing a small business owner
2025-03-08
Key issues when divorcing a small business owner in California, including valuation, income, hidden assets, financial statements, discovery, and support.
Hiding money in divorce
2024-12-13
Learn how hidden money and assets may be investigated in a California divorce using financial records, discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting.
House owned before marriage
2024-11-10
Learn how California divorce law may treat a house owned before marriage, including separate property, community contributions, tracing, and reimbursement.
Probate Notice in Newspaper
2024-11-10
Learn why probate notice may need newspaper publication in California, how publication fits into probate procedure, and common notice considerations.
Divorce Pretrial Procedures
2024-11-10
Learn the steps leading to a California divorce trial, including discovery, settlement efforts, pretrial conferences, evidence preparation, and trial issues.
What is probate bond
2024-11-10
Learn what a California probate bond is, why a court may require one, who pays for it, and when a will or court order may affect the bond requirement.
Proving cohabitation to stop alimony
2024-10-10
Learn how cohabitation may affect California spousal support and what evidence may help establish shared residence, finances, expenses, and household conduct.
Heggstad Petition
2024-10-10
Learn how a Heggstad petition may ask a California probate court to confirm property as part of a trust when title or transfer documents are incomplete.
How to prepare for divorce
2024-10-10
Prepare for a California divorce by organizing financial records, identifying assets and debts, considering custody, disclosures, support, and settlement goals.
Irrevocable trust
2024-10-10
Irrevocable trust – what is it? Irrevocable trust is a type of trust that cannot be modified or terminated by the grantor, once it has been created and funded.
Probate Lawyer
2024-09-25
Orange County probate guidance for petitions, estate administration, creditor issues, wills, heirs, property transfers, court procedure, and distributions.
California Paternity Law
2024-09-07
Learn how California parentage cases can affect legal parentage, child custody, visitation, child support, parental rights, and related court orders.
Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney
2024-09-07
Compare a power of attorney and durable power of attorney in California, including durability after incapacity, authority granted, and estate-planning uses.
Estate Administration
2024-09-07
What is estate administration? [sc_fs_faq html="true" headline="h2" img="" question="what is estate administration" img_alt="" css_class=""]Estate administratio
Probate Documents
2024-09-07
Learn about common California probate documents and court forms used to open and administer an estate, give notice, inventory assets, and request distribution.
Probate Fee Calculator
2024-09-07
Understand California statutory probate attorney and personal-representative fees and how fee calculations relate to the value of the probate estate.
Child Custody Evaluator
2024-08-11
Learn what a child custody evaluator does in California, how a custody evaluation may work, what information is considered, and how reports affect court cases.
Do I have the right to know where my child is during visitation?
2024-08-11
[sc_fs_faq html="true" headline="h2" img="" question="Do I have the right to know where my child is during visitation?" img_alt="" css_class=""] Generally yes,
Signs of a Bad Custody Evaluation
2024-08-11
Learn potential warning signs in a California child custody evaluation, including incomplete investigation, unsupported conclusions, bias concerns, and errors.
Grandparents visitation rights in California
2024-08-11
Learn when grandparents may request visitation in California and how courts balance parental rights, family relationships, and the child’s best interests.
How Much is Child Support in California
2024-08-08
Learn how California guideline child support is calculated using parental income, parenting time, tax factors, deductions, and other legally relevant inputs.
How to win a domestic violence case
2024-08-08
Learn about evidence and preparation in a California domestic violence restraining order case, including declarations, witnesses, records, and court hearings.
Transfer of property between spouses and divorce
2024-08-08
Learn how deeds, transmutation rules, fiduciary duties, undue influence, and community-property principles may affect property transfers between spouses.
How to prove alcoholism in custody cases
2024-08-08
Learn what evidence may be relevant to allegations of alcohol abuse in a California custody case, including records, testing, witnesses, and safety concerns.
How can i get my husband out of the house if he refuses to leave
2024-08-08
Learn when a spouse may seek exclusive use of the family home in a California divorce, including domestic violence, custody, property, and temporary orders.
How to prove emotional abuse
2024-08-08
Learn what types of evidence may help document emotional abuse in a California family law case, including communications, witnesses, records, and patterns.
Documents for Divorce
2024-08-08
Learn which California divorce documents may be needed to start a case, respond, disclose finances, address custody and support, and obtain judgment.
Preparing for divorce in California
2024-08-08
Learn practical steps before filing for divorce in California, including financial records, property and debts, custody planning, disclosures, and budgeting.
Child support information
2024-08-08
An overview of California child support, including guideline calculations, income, parenting time, add-ons, modification, and financial disclosure.
Community property vs Separate property
2024-08-08
Learn the difference between community and separate property in California divorce, including premarital property, gifts, inheritance, and tracing.
Who gets the dog in a divorce in California?
2024-08-07
Learn how California courts may address pet ownership and care in divorce, including agreements, Family Code considerations, and the animal’s well-being.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost
2024-07-24
Learn what affects the cost of a California divorce, including contested issues, attorney time, court filings, experts, discovery, mediation, and settlement.
REASONS A JUDGE WILL CHANGE CUSTODY
2024-07-24
Learn circumstances that may support a California custody modification, including changed conditions, safety, relocation, stability, and the child’s needs.
California Palimony
2024-07-24
Learn what “palimony” means in California, how claims between unmarried partners differ from divorce, and why agreements and property ownership matter.
RIGHTS OF A NON CUSTODIAL PARENT
2024-07-24
Learn about a noncustodial parent’s rights in California, including parenting time, information, decision-making orders, enforcement, and custody modification.
FL-180 Judgment
2024-07-24
Learn what California form FL-180 Judgment is used for, how it fits into a divorce judgment package, and common sections that must be completed correctly.
FL-110 Summons
2024-07-24
Learn what California form FL-110 Summons does, how it is issued and served, and why its automatic restraining orders and response deadline matter.
Divorce with agreement
2024-07-24
[sc_fs_faq html="true" headline="h2" img="" question="What is a divorce with agreement?" img_alt="" css_class=""] A divorce with agreement is uncontested divorc
Is my marriage falling apart?
2024-07-24
Is my marriage falling apart? Is my marriage falling apart? - frequently arising in people’s mind question. Unfortunately, marriages are not always as happy as
Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Orange County
2024-07-24
Learn how an Orange County uncontested divorce lawyer can help with agreements, disclosures, required forms, filing, judgment preparation, and avoiding delays.
DIVORCE MEDIATION TIPS
2024-07-24
Prepare for California divorce mediation by organizing finances, identifying priorities, considering settlement options, and planning for negotiation.
Risks of sponsoring an immigrant and divorce
2024-07-23
Learn how divorce may affect Form I-864 financial sponsorship obligations, what can end the obligation, and why immigration and family-law issues may overlap.
Why do you need a Russian speaking lawyer?
2024-07-03
Why do you need a Russian speaking lawyer? Whether you reside in Russia, or the USA, or any location where you simultaneously have both English and Russian spea
Children’s Rights in Divorce
2024-07-03
Children’s Rights in Divorce material presented in this blog has more psychological aspects handling divorce with children rather than legal. This article is no
Spousal abuse in immigration cases - Psychological evaluation
2024-07-03
In this blog post we will discuss the legal background of spousal abuse petition in immigration cases, types of abuse and challenges in Psychological evaluation
Ground for divorce and legal separation
2024-07-03
Ground for Divorce and Legal Separation Dissolution and legal separation are two common types of marital actions that couples take. In this post, we will discus
How to end sponsorship of immigrant
2024-07-03
How to end sponsorship of immigrant How to end sponsorship of immigrants is the most frequently asked question when a visa petitioner is divorcing the immigrant
How to Split Stocks in a Divorce
2024-07-03
How to Split Stocks in a Divorce It is not an easy or straightforward process to determine how to split stocks in a divorce. Stock options are the most challeng
Divorce in Orange County and COVID-19
2024-07-03
Divorce in Orange County and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has equally affected every sector, and with the closure of Orange County Courts until at least March
Child custody in divorce and coronavirus
2024-07-03
Child Custody in Divorce and Coronavirus Coronavirus is everywhere and it has impacted almost everyone’s life. From international travel bans, school closures t
Emergency Custody
2024-07-03
Learn when a parent may request emergency child custody orders in California, what ex parte relief is for, and what evidence may support an urgent request.
Advice for divorce from Orange County Family Law Attorney
2024-07-03
Orange County family law attorney- Advice for Divorce If you were to ask an experienced Orange County family law attorney for the most important piece of advice
Divorcing Narcissist Husband
2024-07-03
Divorcing Narcissist Husband - Top Tips Divorcing narcissist husband can be a traumatizing experience. Narcissists are extremely sensitive and react with anger
How to get child support arrears dismissed
2024-04-16
Learn how California child support arrears are treated, when balances may be disputed or adjusted, and why past-due support generally requires careful review.
Child custody in California if I lose my job
2024-04-16
Learn how job loss may affect a California child custody case, including housing stability, parenting ability, child support, and modification requests.
When a Teenager Doesn't Want to Visit Their Non-Custodial Parent
2024-04-14
Learn what may happen when a teenager refuses visitation in California and how age, maturity, custody orders, safety, and modification may matter.
When are children old enough to decide who they want to live with?
2024-04-08
Learn how California courts consider a child’s wishes in custody cases, including age, maturity, best-interest factors, and the court’s discretion.
How Social Media Facebook Posts Affect Your Child Custody Case
2024-04-08
Learn how social media posts, photos, messages, and online conduct may become evidence in a California child custody case and affect credibility.
Divorce process following green card marriage.
2024-04-08
Learn how divorce after a green card marriage may overlap with California family law and immigration concerns, including conditional residence and support.
What to do before filing for divorce?
2024-04-08
Learn what to consider before filing for divorce in California, including legal-help options, documents, finances, court forms, service, and case preparation.
How Much does a Divorce Cost
2024-04-08
A practical look at California divorce costs, including filing fees, attorney fees, document preparation, contested litigation, and lower-cost divorce options.
How to start a divorce?
2024-04-08
Learn the first steps to start a California divorce, including residency, the petition and summons, filing, service, financial disclosure, and next steps.
what is a retainer fee and do you need an attorney of record?
2024-04-08
What is a retainer fee? You are probably here because you searched for " what is a retainer fee ". A retainer fee is payment made to an attorney to begin his wo
Pension and divorce - Divorce Pension Calculator
2024-04-08
Learn how pensions may be divided in a California divorce, including the time rule, community property, plan information, QDRO issues, and survivor benefits.
Low Cost Divorce
2024-04-08
Explore lower-cost California divorce options, including self-representation, document assistance, uncontested cases, mediation, and limited attorney help.
COURT ORDERED SPOUSAL SUPPORT NOT PAID
2024-04-08
Learn possible California enforcement options when court-ordered spousal support is unpaid, including arrears, interest, income withholding, and court remedies.
How to Split Assets in Divorce
2024-04-08
Learn how California divorce property division works, including community and separate property, valuation, tracing, debts, retirement, homes, and settlement.
California common law marriage – Myth and Reality
2024-04-08
California generally does not create common-law marriages, but couples may still have property, contract, support, or out-of-state marriage issues to consider.
Happy divorce
2024-04-08
Happy divorce may sound absurd to some people, but there are many Google searches for the phrase " happy divorce ". From my communication with clients through
Spousal Property Petition
2024-03-30
Learn how a California spousal property petition may transfer property to a surviving spouse without full probate and what court filings may be required.
Business in Divorce
2024-03-18
Learn how a business may be treated in California divorce, including characterization, valuation, community contributions, income, goodwill, and buyout issues.
Marriage Fraud OR Bad Marriage?
2024-03-18
Bona Fide Marriage and Consequences of Marriage Fraud Getting married to a U.S citizen is one-way Immigrants can get a legal permanent resident status in the U.
Divorce financial disclosure
2024-03-18
Learn about California divorce financial disclosures, including income, expenses, assets, debts, preliminary declarations, service, and disclosure obligations.
Deposition Objections in California
2024-02-14
Learn about common deposition objections in California, including form, privilege, scope, harassment, and how objections differ from instructions not to answer.
How to Get Custody of Special Needs Child
2024-02-14
Learn how California custody cases involving a special needs child may address care, education, medical needs, routines, services, and stability.
Annulment of Marriage in California Based on Fraud – "Solely to Obtain Immigration Status"
2024-02-14
Learn how alleged immigration-related marriage fraud may be raised in a California annulment case and why proof of fraud and intent matters.
Minors Counsel
2024-02-14
Learn the role of minor’s counsel in California custody cases, when a court may appoint counsel for a child, and how the child’s interests are represented.
How is an LLC treated in a divorce
2024-02-14
Learn how an LLC may be characterized and valued in a California divorce, including ownership, community contributions, income, and operating agreements.
Divorce Settlement
2024-02-14
Learn what a California divorce settlement may address, including property, debts, custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and judgment.
Child support when unemployed
2024-02-14
Learn how unemployment may affect California child support, including income, earning capacity, job loss, modification requests, and existing orders.
Divorce Trial Preparation
2024-02-14
Prepare for a California divorce trial by organizing exhibits, witnesses, financial evidence, custody evidence, motions, deadlines, and a clear presentation.
How to win a relocation custody case
2024-02-14
Learn factors relevant to a California move-away custody case, including distance, parenting history, stability, reasons for the move, and proposed schedules.
Parenting plan
2024-02-14
Learn what to include in a California parenting plan, including schedules, holidays, transportation, communication, decision-making, and dispute resolution.
Alimony in Divorce
2024-02-14
Learn how temporary and long-term spousal support work in California divorce, including income, need, ability to pay, duration, and statutory support factors.
How to prepare for trial
2024-02-14
Learn how to prepare for a California family law trial, including evidence, exhibits, witnesses, testimony, deadlines, court procedures, and disputed issues.
When is probate not necessary and how does a California small estate affidavit help?
2024-02-14
Learn when a California small estate affidavit may be used instead of formal probate, what property may qualify, and what documentation beneficiaries may need.
Removing marital property before divorce
2024-02-14
Learn why moving, transferring, or hiding marital property before a California divorce can create disclosure, fiduciary-duty, tracing, and sanction issues.
HOW TO WIN CUSTODY BATTLE
2024-02-14
Learn how to strengthen a California child custody case with evidence of parenting, stability, safety, communication, compliance, and the child’s needs.
How to avoid paying spousal support
2024-02-14
Learn factors that may reduce or end California spousal support, including income, need, duration, cohabitation, self-support efforts, and changed conditions.
What is community property in California?
2024-02-14
Learn what counts as community property in California, how it differs from separate property, and how assets and debts may be characterized in divorce.
Can a Mother keep the child away from the father
2024-02-14
Learn when one parent may restrict contact in California, how custody orders and safety concerns matter, and what a parent can do if parenting time is denied.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in California
2024-02-14
Learn how long a California divorce may take, including the six-month minimum waiting period, service, disclosures, agreements, contested issues, and judgment.
Why People Divorce?
2024-02-14
Why People Divorce? You will find hundreds of articles that talk about the general reasons why people divorce. Extramarital affairs, conflict, money issues – yo
What happens to the house in a divorce?
2024-02-14
Learn how a family home may be handled in California divorce, including community and separate property claims, buyouts, sale, reimbursement, and mortgage.
Military pension in divorce
2024-02-14
Learn how military retirement may be divided in a California divorce, including community property, federal rules, service overlap, and survivor-benefit issues.
Hiding Assets in Divorce
2024-02-14
Learn how hidden assets may be uncovered in California divorce through disclosures, discovery, subpoenas, financial tracing, and forensic accounting.
How to Win Divorce
2024-02-14
Learn practical ways to prepare for a contested California divorce, including evidence, disclosures, custody issues, negotiation, discovery, and trial.
Father not paying child support what can I do?
2024-02-14
Learn possible California enforcement options when a parent is not paying child support, including arrears, wage withholding, contempt, liens, and court action.
Divorce and Bankruptcy
2024-02-14
Divorce and bankruptcy-general introduction “ Divorce and bankruptcy ” is a very general topic including many issues. In this article we address some of those i
Divorce Before Green Card Interview
2024-02-14
EFFECT OF MARITAL TERMINATION (I) Divorce Before Green Card Interview- Potential for Loss of Immigration Status Divorce before green card Interview may lead to
ATROs: Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders
2021-01-30
Learn what California Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) restrict after divorce begins, including property transfers, insurance, and children.
FL-170 Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution
2021-01-17
Learn how California form FL-170 is used in default and uncontested divorce cases, what declarations it contains, and how it fits into a judgment package.
FL-160 Property Declaration
2020-11-26
Learn how California form FL-160 Property Declaration is used to list separate, community, and quasi-community property, debts, values, and proposed division.
FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts
2020-10-14
Learn how California form FL-142 is used in divorce financial disclosure to list assets and debts, values, dates acquired, and supporting information.
FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration
2020-09-24
Learn how to complete California form FL-150, including income, expenses, employment, assets, deductions, and the financial information courts use for support.
FL-115 Proof of Service of Summons
2020-09-18
Learn how California form FL-115 documents service of the summons and petition, who completes it, what information is required, and when it is filed.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, contact a qualified attorney.