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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Judge awarded restraining order today and I got papers from court do I need to serve the other party the final papers

Ok judge approved restraining order for me in court for 3 years. The clerk told me when handing papers to serve them to the other party is there a time you need to serve by? The other party is in jail for temporary restraining order violation how do I serve him in jail. And do I need to file any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

In California, once a restraining order is granted, you are required to serve the other party with the order so it becomes legally effective. There is usually a specific time frame to serve the papers, often before the next court date or within a set number of days after the order has been issued.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: During a divorce with a minor child involved, how can I restrict who my ex has over (overnight visits) while my child

is present. Especially if he lives in a 1 bedroom apartment with 1 bed. Can i add in the custody agreement that no third party can be around unless the other parent agrees?

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Mar 19, 2024

Usually, when a court is making a decision regarding custody, it's important that the involved minor child have his/her own bed, and ideally his/her own room. That's your first problem. Second, where significant others, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. are concerned, courts often make... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: During a divorce with a minor child involved, how can I restrict who my ex has over (overnight visits) while my child

is present. Especially if he lives in a 1 bedroom apartment with 1 bed. Can i add in the custody agreement that no third party can be around unless the other parent agrees?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

In California, when addressing the issue of overnight visitors in the context of a child custody agreement, you have the option to include specific stipulations regarding who can be present around your child during overnight visits. This can particularly address concerns where living arrangements,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Banking and Family Law for California on
Q: Ex has not turned off automatic monthly deposit to my bank. It’s not spousal or child support. Can he sue me for $ back?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 18, 2024

Under California law, if someone accidentally sends you money, such as through an automatic monthly deposit, they have the right to request the return of those funds. This principle applies regardless of the relationship between the parties involved. If your ex-partner has been making deposits into... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: My husband sold his house the owned during our marriage and put it in a joint checking account. My husband retired me?

If my husband put me on the deed during the sale. He got the money and put it in a joint checking. He retired me and I did not work. I found and bought great assets at action and we share a house. He is abusive and now the lawyer says that everything we bought with that money is his. I would have... View More

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answered on Mar 17, 2024

In California, assets acquired during a marriage are typically considered community property, meaning they are owned equally by both spouses. When your husband sold his house and placed the proceeds in a joint checking account, which was then used to purchase assets, this action likely constitutes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Awarded Alimony for life & will it stop if move in to boyfriend’s rented apt?

I've been granted lifelong alimony due to a lengthy marriage. According to my divorce decree, alimony ceases only upon remarriage or death. My concern is whether moving into my boyfriend's rented place would affect this arrangement. Renting in CA is expensive, so this seems like a viable... View More

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answered on Mar 17, 2024

Under California law, alimony is typically governed by the specific terms set forth in your divorce decree. If your agreement states that alimony only ceases upon remarriage or death, then cohabitating with a partner doesn't automatically end your alimony payments. However, the situation can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: how to rescind a notary for custody that didn’t state any dates or time or length of custody? Also, court never involved

The other party whom child is currently with is not compliant with verbal or written agreement of visitations and unresponsive to any messages or phone calls from counterparty

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 17, 2024

In California, if you're looking to rescind a notarized custody agreement that lacks specific dates, times, or duration of custody, and the courts were never involved, the first step is to consult with a legal professional. These professionals can provide advice based on your unique... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I get a new restraining order in N. California based on years past acts of abuse?

I would like to get a new restraining order, but there has been no contact with he perpetrator for two years because there was an active restraining order, but that expired last year.

Can I use past expired restraining orders and those past act of abuses stated in the expired restraining... View More

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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In California, you may request a new restraining order even if your previous order has expired and there has been no recent contact with the perpetrator. The court will consider your application based on the history of abuse, including acts detailed in previously granted restraining orders.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Do you have to respond to a restraining order hearing if you were never served in person and u r outside California ?

Court Claimed I Was evading service which is not true so he allowed service by mail. I did not attend the first hearing and that's why. As I was never served in person and I am located in another state. Got papers to a mail po box, is that a legitimate service ? I did not sign to anything, a... View More

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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In California, courts can permit service by alternative means (such as publication) under certain conditions, especially if they believe you are evading personal service. This kind of service typically requires the court to be convinced that reasonable efforts were made to serve you in person... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: What can we do

Two weeks ago Grandmother was diagnosed with cancer when being released from the hospital her daughter came and got her moved her into her house and took her phone not allowing anyone to visit or call her my mother who is her other daughter was the one listed on her bank.accounts and insurances as... View More

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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In California, if you're facing a situation where a family member is being isolated by another family member, there are steps you can take. First, it's important to communicate your concerns directly to the family member who is restricting access, if possible. Clearly express your desire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My husband kicked me out of the house and then changed the locks and then left town with all my stuff still inside?

My husband was abusive and this included financial abuse. He started a fight to kick me out of the house. The cops came and he left for 3-4 days they said. He came back to get me. He has changed the locks and the code to the garage. I am homeless and pennyless yet my house with all my stuff sits... View More

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answered on Mar 15, 2024

If you have been unjustly removed from your home, especially in cases involving domestic violence or abusive situations, you have rights that need to be addressed promptly. The law offers protections to ensure that individuals in such circumstances are not left without shelter or access to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can a non-custodial parent prevent summer extracurricular activities that the custodial parent has planned.

I have sole physical custody and joint legal custody and usually have my 13 year old daughter 90% during the summer. I am planning extracurricular activities for the summer for my daughter. My daughter and I have agreed on a community camp close to home with her friends and walkable (which is huge... View More

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answered on Mar 15, 2024

In California, if you have sole physical custody and joint legal custody of your child, you primarily determine where your child resides and the day-to-day activities. However, joint legal custody means both parents share decisions regarding significant aspects of the child's life, which can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for California on
Q: I asked my adult daughter to temporarily keep some cash safe for me. Instead she spent it. Was that a crime?

After failed efforts to transfer money from venmo to my bank, I asked my adult daughter if I could transfer the money to her venmo and then physically transfer the cash myself. She agreed but kept stalling for months. She finally confessed to spending my money and “promises” to pay me back... View More

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answered on Mar 15, 2024

Under California law, what your daughter did could be considered a crime, specifically misappropriation of funds or theft. When you transferred the money to her with the understanding that she would hold it for you temporarily, she had a legal obligation to keep that money safe and return it upon... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Y don’t attorney really investigate accusations from DCFS

If DCFS make accusations but twist everything around y do attorneys take their word for it not caring the mental damage it’s causing

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answered on Mar 15, 2024

In California, attorneys have an ethical duty to represent their clients zealously within the bounds of the law. However, when dealing with accusations from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), attorneys must navigate a complex web of legal standards, evidence, and procedural... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My daughter She has recently provided me with some videos (evidence) of her being abuses by her aunt a cpsworker glennco

She has been adopted in 2010 but now wants to live with Me She continues to run away

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter has suffered abuse. This is a very serious situation that requires immediate attention. Here are some steps you can take under California law:

1. Report the abuse: Contact the local police department or sheriff's office to report the abuse....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: What constitutes abandoned property in CA as in Stock market holdings?

My X spouse has not updated his new address on the joint account .Only I have.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

In California, abandoned property, also known as unclaimed property, generally refers to financial assets that have been left inactive by the owner for a specified period. This can include stock market holdings, such as shares or dividends, bank accounts, uncashed checks, and safe deposit box... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I was served with a DV restraining order by mail from California, due to court claiming I am evading service ????

I live in a different state and I just got documents in the mail with a notice of hearing of DV restraining order from California. Court claimed I am evading service on the 1st hearing, so they allowed the other person to serve me by mail. I need to dismiss or quash this as I am pretty sure the... View More

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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I understand that you are dealing with a complex legal situation involving a domestic violence restraining order filed against you in California, while you reside in another state. It appears that the court allowed the other party to serve you by mail, claiming that you were evading service.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Custody question.

Me and my ex have 50/50 legal and physical custody. On the order pursuant to child custody recommending counseling services signed by a judge. On number 3 ( TIME SHARE SCHEDULE) SECTION A) the children shall be with mother at all other times not specifically reserved for the other parent. SECTION... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2024

Based on the information you provided about your custody order, it appears that you and your ex have joint legal and physical custody, with a flexible time-share schedule that can be determined by mutual agreement. However, the order also states that the children shall be with you (the mother) at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for California on
Q: The mediator in my divorce is showing strong bias toward my husband. Is there anything I can do?

The mediator will not reply to my emails, including simple questions like “What is the status of the MSA?” He shows everything to my husband first, and only loops me in later (sometimes weeks or months later), and has taken no consideration of my side. At best, he is completely incompetent at... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2024

In California, mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties have the right to a fair and unbiased mediator. If you believe that your mediator is biased or not fulfilling their duties properly, you have several options:

1. Discuss your concerns with the mediator: If you haven't...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Child physical custody

Me and my ex have 50/50 legal and physical custody. On the order pursuant to child custody recommending counseling services signed by a judge. On number 3 ( TIME SHARE SCHEDULE) SECTION A) the children shall be with mother at all other times not specifically reserved for the other parent. SECTION... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In a situation where you and your ex have 50/50 legal and physical custody, and the court order states that the children shall be with the mother at all other times not specifically reserved for the other parent, you have the right to keep your son with you during the week, especially if his... View More

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