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Questions Answered by Tobie B. Waxman
2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Is it legal for my ex-husband to refuse and deny me to see my kids because he doesn't like where I live.

My kids are 13 and 10 there's no custody arrangement him and I are still legally married and I also have a protective order on him and he's pretty much telling me that I can't be a part of my kids life unless I move where he wants me to move or move in with him I have a protective... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 9, 2024

In the absence of any court orders, you and the other parent can pretty much do whatever you want and live wherever you want. If you want to get control over the situation you will need to file for divorce and concurrently file a request for order to get interim custody and support orders in place.

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4 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: How do I provide ex's lawyer legal grounds for issues - negotiating a divorce settlement - Im not a lawyer

Divorce is in California a 50/50 state. The issues are all financial. No kids. I can provide factual grounds but I don't feel like I can interpret the family law codes accurately and Im afraid my ex's attorney will trap me (for lack of a better word) for using an incorrect code. Can I... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 8, 2024

You ex has an attorney. So should you. "California is a 50/50 state" is not a correct statement of the law and the fact that California is a community property state won't necessarily explain how the assets and debts should be divided. A factual ground for why something may or may... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for California on
Q: Due dates in respect to hearing on demurrer, when motion for leave to file amended complaint is needed. California.

In California Superior Court. Defendant responded to Plaintiff's Complaint with Demurrer and Motion to Strike,

requesting the Court not to allow plaintiff to amend complaint. Hearing on demurrer/motion to strike is scheduled.

In such situation:

What is deadline for... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 3, 2024

In such a situation, you would oppose the demurrer and motion to strike and ask that in the alternative, if the court is inclined to grant (aka "sustain") the demurrer that the court give you leave to file an amended complaint. You do not need to file a separate motion asking for leave... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Does the same judge decide about the finances as the custody in a family law case

Another question is it easy or impossible to fire a temp judge even after he has .ade two judgements

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 2, 2024

I notice your question is posting from Nevada. In California, the case is assigned to a specific courtroom. The case stays there for all purposes and with the same judge assigned to that courtroom. The same judge will decide all issues pertaining to your filed family law case. No, you cannot... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Family Law for California on
Q: Ok, just how much does interest percentage of an inherited home does a divorcing spouse own after a short 6 years...

The wife made no payments or contributions during the 6 year marriage. The house was 100% inherited during the marriage but there was a refinance due to owing half the value to a sibling after parents died. House was in a living trust and the money for buyout was deposited into the trust, so the... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 27, 2023

The community's interest in this property results from mortgage payments made DURING the marriage. The community acquires an interest in the property when the community makes the mortgage payments. If mortgage payments you made after you inherited the property, came from your earnings during... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: What happens after a financial statement is filed by petitioner does he have to serve me to get a court date custody kid

For child custody parental determination

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 14, 2023

If all he did was file a financial statement, then nothing else will happen. If you want custody orders, you need to participate in the case. If you were served, you need to file and serve a response. You can filed a Request for Order to get custody orders in place. Doing nothing will result in... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: What qualifies as proof of daycare?

Co-parent is saying that her mother is increasing her rates for daycare, we currently split daycare costs down the middle. It's not an official daycare it's at her house where co parent and child both live.

I have asked her for proof or something but she said that her mom just... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 13, 2023

1) I would agree that if no-cost daycare is available, that's what should be used; 2) proof of the cost of daycare can be provided in the form of receipts or bank statements showing the amount paid to the daycare provider. The cost of daycare would not be an "add on" if it is free... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I move out of state with my children if I have a custody agreement in that state (I have full physical custody)

I have full physical custody of my 2 children but am planning to move out of CA to TN in 6 months. My ex and I share joint legal custody and they have a visitation schedule of one weekend a month plus certain holidays. What legal provisions do I need to take to ensure a smooth moving process. I... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 8, 2023

If you are referring to actual court orders (as opposed to an informal written agreement between you and the other parent), you would need a court order modifying your existing custody orders so that you can "move away" with the minor child. You can do this by filing a motion, or by... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I wish to divorce my husband but he's not willing. Where or how do I start?

I need a low cost lawyer that can help me.

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 5, 2023

You do not need his permission or consent to proceed with a divorce. You can file the petition and have him served. If he does not respond, you can proceed by default. In terms of finding a "low cost lawyer" - "low" is in the eye of the beholder. You'll need to make... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for California on
Q: California, Family Law. The minute order stated that the court adopted the Family Court Services Recommendations

Judge adopted the Family Court Services Mediation Recommendation and ordered the Recommendation attached to the minute order . Unfortunately the FCS Recommendation never was attached ...... what options are available to force the court to attach the FCS Recommendation to the minute order?

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 5, 2023

Just call the courtroom's clerk and let him/her know that the attachment was missing. You also have the option of obtaining a copy of the stipulated agreement from your mediation and drafting your own Findings and Order After Hearing. But first, just call the clerk. That may resolve your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can you file for spousal support after case closed
Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 1, 2023

Depends on what you mean by “case closed”. Dismissed? Or are you now post judgment? If judgment has been entered, whether you can now ask for support depends on what your judgment says. Was support waived? Was the issue of support reserved? Have an attorney review the terms of your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Do we still need to fill out financial forms since my husband and I have come up with our own divorce agreement?

I am represented by an attorney and my husband is representing himself.

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Nov 9, 2023

Before any judgement can be entered by the court, there must be a declaration filed with the court stating that each party served at least there "preliminary declaration of disclosure". There is a Judicial Council form that can be used however, for waiving financial disclosures. Both... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: I was coerced into signing divorce papers. How hard is it to contest a divorce judgement?

He signed our house over to his brother. Lied about the worth of our company. He made me give him custody of our kids. He also started paying me from the company so it would look like we made the same money. We still lived and work together. Now he wants me to move out after leaving me with... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Nov 9, 2023

"forced" ?? How? There are ways to set aside a judgment when there is proof of fraud, duress, and/or various other statutory grounds. There is a time line (deadline) for seeking such a set-aside. You should consult with an attorney to find out if you have sufficient evidence to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: California divorce and debt exceeding assets in one persons name. Can I get a judgement against him saying he owes me?

Our credit card debt is in my name only. I have someone who will pay it off for me but I want to get some kind of judgement that shows he owes me for his half. He does not have any money now but will sometime in the future. Is it possible to get a judgement against him in the divorce?

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Nov 3, 2023

Debts incurred during the marriage are community debts, regardless of whose name is on the account. Debts acquired and/or incurred at any time from date of marriage to date of separation are considered debts of the community which are then shared 50/50 between the spouses. The court however, can... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: where do I file my request for order? The county my childs residency is established? Or where temp order is?

Is it appropriate for a superior court judge outside of county where childs established residence is to grant a request for emergency temporary custody orders, ex parte? What constitutes an emergency in this situation? And where should I file my DVRO? In my county where child was removed from? Who... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Nov 3, 2023

It sounds like you already have an open/existing case. You say "where temporary order is" - that tells me you have an existing court order. If not, and there is no open case, i.e. no one has filed anything related to this child, then you file in the county where the child lives. You... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Which State has Custody Jurisdiction

Mom and Dad’s divorce was finalized in Alaska back in 2022 (dissolution w/ minor). Mom and child moved to California and have been here for one year. Mom would like to file a Motion to change custody orders. Would she need to file the motion in California or Alaska ?

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Oct 23, 2023

Mom probably should have filed a request to modify custody in the Alaska case before moving to California. Assuming Mom had Dad's permission to move with the minor to California, Mom should now file a motion in Alaska requesting change of venue to California.

4 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can a hospital/surgeon be sued for medical negligence?

My aunt was operated in April for a bypass surgery and another heart complication, the combined surgery lasted for about 5 hours. The surgeon and team left a sponge behind. The negligence was detected 3 days later when an X-Ray was done. They had to re-open the incision (around 12 inch) to take out... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Oct 10, 2023

Yes, your Aunt can sue for the negligence resulting from leaving behind a surgical sponge. This is what is known as a "retained foreign body" case. It's not clear from your question whether the subsequent complication had anything to do with the retained sponge. That's... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: what can/should I do when my ex has disappeared with my two small childern without any communication

my ex is mentally unstable and she has had two children removed from her custody in the past. she is making false, unfounded claims of domestic violence and took my children while violating a t.r.o. and i havent been able to get in contact with her for almost 4

months

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Oct 9, 2023

Contact the District Attorney's child abduction unit in your city/county. File a parentage action (I'm assuming your ex is not your spouse?) and request custody orders and concurrently file an ex parte application to get immediate/emergency orders for custody, no visitation, and for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: court ordered payments and bankruptcy in california

If the court orders my ex to pay me past due child support (already court ordered), past due unreimbursed medical and dental (already court ordered), sanctions, and lawyer fees...and then my ex goes and files for bankruptcy.....does the bankruptcy wipe out the money that would be due to me? That... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Oct 4, 2023

Under bankruptcy laws, most non-secured debt may be eliminated if you file Chapter 7; child support is the exception to that rule. Whether you are behind one payment, or a full year's payment makes no difference, child support payments must continue even if you file for bankruptcy protection.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I filed for divorce; will the court handle all proceedings automatically?

I recently submitted form FL-100 along with other required documents to initiate a divorce. Based on the 2013 FCCRC regulations, the court should conclude the divorce process within 18 months. If neither party takes further action:

(1) Will the court automatically schedule hearings for... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Sep 27, 2023

Absolutely not. It is up to you and the other party to take whatever steps are necessary to move your case forward and to its conclusion. There is no automatic anything and you should certainly have no expectation that the matter will conclude on its own or "automatically" within 18... View More

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