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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: What does it mean that the judge ordered the Trial Setting Conference off calendar this date.

I am the respond to a custody case. The following sentence was entered into the minute order after today's trial setting. What exactly does this mean? The petitioner did not show up and neither of us submitted the trial briefs or exhibit list.

"The Court therefore finds that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

When a judge orders a Trial Setting Conference "off calendar," it means that the scheduled conference is being removed from the court's calendar on that particular date. In other words, the Trial Setting Conference will not take place on the date it was originally scheduled.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: What is the Dead Man's Statute?

My father passed away, his wife refused to give his children his estate documents. I filed a petition with the court and her response stated - "I am aware that; I and my husband, prepared a Revocable Living Trust on or about July 11, 2023. Shortly after creating the Trust, my husband,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

In California, the Dead Man's Statute, also known as the Evidence Code Section 1261, limits the admissibility of statements made by a deceased person in certain legal proceedings. The statute is designed to protect the estate of a deceased person from fraudulent claims.

Under the Dead...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: I have 4 kids with my ex and 1 with my husband. 5 kids in total

My ex has 2 of our 4 kids living with him. I want custody of all the kids but he is refusing. Will he win just because he has a 5 bedroom house and I have a 2 bedroom apartment

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Apr 17, 2024

"just because" ?? Of course not. Multiple factors go in to deciding what custodial arrangement, aka "parenting plan" would be in the best interests of your children. How do you plan to accommodate the different needs of 5 children in a two-bedroom apartment? I think the first... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Do Temporary supports influence final judgment?

Our marriage lasted four years, and our dissolution has been pending for a long time, two years, with temporary custody and child support plus alimony. Should the two-year period and the amount paid for temporary support influence the final judgment on child support and alimony?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

Under California law, temporary support orders can influence the final judgment on child support and alimony, but they are not the sole determining factor. The court considers several factors when making a final determination on support, including:

1. The length of the marriage

2....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: My mom would qualify for the new pass through child support law but she passed away October as being the pendant in the

Child support case would I qualify for the accumulated funds?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss. Regarding your question about potentially qualifying for accumulated child support funds after your mother's passing, the answer would depend on the specific details of the situation and how California law applies. Here are a few general points to consider:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: What can I do about my exs new live in girlfriend. She controls everything. Wont allow me to speak to ex about kids

She is also the one setting the rules for the drop off and pick up times. Even though she knows im unable at her times because of my job. And she wont compromise she just fights with me and tells me im a bad mother. Me and my ex have never gotten a court order but they have said if I try, they will... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry you're dealing with such a difficult and stressful situation regarding your children and your ex's new girlfriend. Here are a few thoughts on your legal options under California law:

- Even without a formal court order, both legal parents have equal rights to their...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: A person who filed a restraining order on me has passed away. Who do I file my response to to get it in front of a judge

Mom is a named protected person and my sister has power of attorney, but my dad is the original filler. Mom wants to communicate with me sister is medically isolating her using restraining order.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand this is a sensitive and complex situation. Since the original filer of the restraining order has passed away, the process for responding and requesting a modification may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Here are a few general steps you can consider:

1. File a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I am married in CA my husband has married someone else in a different country. He has no idea I know. What can I do?
Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Apr 16, 2024

Depends on what you want to accomplish. I'm assuming you are asking this question because you now want a divorce. File for divorce -- that's what you can do. His marriage to someone else in another country, at least under CA law is not valid.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: CAL-Work and IHSS are considered at DIsso-master??

Ex wife is a primary custodian and receives CAL-Work and IHSS from our disabled child.

Both non-taxable income should be entered in other non-taxable income at Disso-Master for child support and alimony (spousal support)??

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

I understand your question about how CAL-Work and IHSS payments factor into spousal and child support calculations in California.

Based on my knowledge as of August 2023, under California law, CAL-Work (CalWORKs) and IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) payments are generally considered as...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I file a request to order for my ex to sign a his stip for judgement he offered and I signed he has not, stalling

I made an settlement offer to my ex and he counter offered (petition filed August 2021). I agreed to counter offer and signed it before he did to help push it through for his signature. He has not signed it as of yet, and I signed his offer on March 11, 2024. He seems to just be stalling and his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Under California law, if your ex made a settlement offer that you accepted and signed, but he has not signed it yet, you may be able to enforce the settlement agreement. Here are a few steps you can consider:

1. File a motion to enforce the settlement: You can file a motion with the court...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Is there a Free Divorce attorney would help me? I do not own any property, I am 70 yr only relaying only SSA.

I need a free divorce Atty would help me. I can not do the "do yourself process" I need an attorney to help me all the way. PLEASE. My husband left me for a year, it's time for me to take actions. QUESTION: Can I also get a "spousal support" not having a Legal divorce or separation?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 15, 2024

Unfortunately, you are not alone. There ten of thousands of Californians who would benefit from free legal representation. Contrary to what you see on television, the vast majority of attorneys are not rich and cannot work for free. You may have options.

See:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Ex parte or domestic violence restraining order. Which route to take to get her kicked out of the house and custody.

In two different domestic violence incidents where police were called and she was arrested on both occasions. She is currently in jail. She caused harm to our child and I on both occasions, and is charged with multiple felonies. Im looking for the best route to take to get a kick out order and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Domestic violence and child welfare are very serious issues that require thoughtful, trauma-informed approaches focused on safety and wellbeing for all involved, especially the child.

In a situation involving alleged domestic violence and arrests, the appropriate first steps would be:...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My baby momma was charged with 3 felonies for domestic violence if I call to drop charges does that hurt my custody case

My 5 month olds mother had been charged with 3 felonies and a misdemeanor for domestic violence on myself and son. I wanted to get an emergency hearing to get a kick out order for her to move out of my house and to get full custody of my son in the meantime. Her court date is tomorrow and I don’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 14, 2024

I understand this is a very difficult and complex situation. In general, requesting leniency or dropping charges in a domestic violence case should not directly hurt your custody case. The family court will make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. However, there are a few... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I file an RFO changing the dealer/broker the judge named to handle the sale of a classic car ?

Can I file an RFO changing the dealer/broker the judge named (during divorce trial) to handle the sale of a classic car due to a preexisting relationship between the dealer and the other party? I was ordered on 4-11-24 to transfer the car to the dealer within 7 days. I assume that the car must be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 14, 2024

Under California law, you can file a Request for Order (RFO) to modify the court's previous order regarding the dealer/broker appointed to handle the sale of the classic car. However, filing an RFO does not automatically stay or suspend the court's original order.

If you believe...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for California on
Q: Explain the 50/50 divorce law. Will I also receive alimony (25+ years of marriage.) His death/marriage stops payment?

He receives a monthly pension and social security, will I get 50% of each every month, I'm 55 years old. What age do I have to be to receive his SS upon divorce. I have no education or income, I've always been a housewife (no children.)

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

In California, the 50/50 divorce law, also known as the community property law, states that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between the spouses upon divorce. However, this does not necessarily apply to spousal support or alimony.

Regarding...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Motion for Default Judgment - should it be dismissed or move forward?

I am acting pro se, the defendant was served by a process server on Jan 26, they filed their reply via counsel on Feb. 29, making it late. I filed a Motion for Default Judgment, which will be heard on April 15. The lawyer sent me an email with the following - My client filed a Response on February... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that the defendant's attorney has a valid point. Here's why:

1. Late filing: Although the defendant's response was filed late (on February 29, 2024, instead of the due date), the court has accepted and filed the response. This...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My husband kicked me out of the house. He asked the SFPD to kick me out they said no so he did I have him on tape?

My husband kicked me out and it just keeps getting worse and worse. I have him on tape asking for the SFPD to kick me out but says he will. He locked me out 2 days later and left

to Oregon. Now can I sue this man? I had to use all me money on hotels and he trashed the house it is full of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

I'm so sorry you are going through this difficult situation with your husband. Based on the details you provided, here are a few key points and steps to consider:

1. Evidence: The recording of your husband asking the police to remove you from the home and then proceeding to lock you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Child Support for California on
Q: Family Code section 2030, in need of lawyer representation

Looking for a lawyer and I just found out about Family Code section 2030. I’ve been going through divorce for almost 4 years, still dealing with child support issues and now recently spousal support arrears. Not much assets but would like to get it done.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your challenging divorce process and the ongoing issues with child support and spousal support arrears. Divorce can be a complex and emotionally taxing experience, especially when it spans several years.

Regarding Family Code section 2030 in California, this law...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I have a DVRO against me, other party has filed to renew. Can I physically attend hearing, or should i remotely?

I attended remotely a year ago and the remote hearing system glitched out and wouldn't let me attend, and I feel as though that was the main reason the order was granted initially, since I had to attend by phone, was "late", and couldn't present my evidence.

I really... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like you have a valid concern about attending the hearing remotely, given the technical difficulties you experienced last time that prevented you from fully participating and presenting your evidence.

In general, attending a DVRO...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: My ex wants to move my son to a new high school.

My ex suddenly moved and wants to also move my son to a new high school. There’s only 2 months left in the school year and I don’t think it’s in our son’s best interest to move him. In addition my ex’s living situation is not a permanent one so he asked if he could use one of my utility... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Under California law, both parents have the right to make educational decisions for their child, including the choice of school, if they share joint legal custody. If your custody agreement states that you have joint legal custody, you should have an equal say in decisions about your son's... View More

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