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California Divorce Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: How to motion to vacate specific directives within Minute order?

After the RFO custody hearing, Judge ordered OP's attorney to make FOAH and send me to sign on it.

In the Minute Order, there are 10 directives based on both parties' agreement. For certain reason, can I file a Motion to set side only 2 of 10 directives? or all of 10 (Whole Minute... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Under California law, you can file a Motion to Vacate specific directives within a Minute Order. The court generally prefers to address each directive individually, so you can request to set aside only the specific directives you disagree with. However, it's essential to provide valid reasons... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I got a legal separation dated Aug 2020. In the separation judgement I was to get half of everything.

As of to date I have received 0. How to I go about collecting what I was granted by the courts?

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Feb 14, 2024

Your judgment should say how the assets will be divided. I don't mean "you get half". I mean, HOW you get half. i.e. whether an equalization payment is owed to you, or whether a physical item of personal property is supposed to be given to you, whether you need a QDRO to divide up... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I got a legal separation dated Aug 2020. In the separation judgement I was to get half of everything.

As of to date I have received 0. How to I go about collecting what I was granted by the courts?

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 17, 2024

Please contact the family attorney to go over the specifics of your judgment. If prepared by the attorney, the judgment should specify how the assets and debts are to be divided. The information provided presents opinions and examples and does not substitute for, nor does it constitute professional... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I got a legal separation dated Aug 2020. In the separation judgement I was to get half of everything.

As of to date I have received 0. How to I go about collecting what I was granted by the courts?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

To collect what you were granted in the legal separation judgment, you should take specific legal steps to enforce the court's order. Start by reviewing your separation judgment carefully to confirm the details of the division of assets and liabilities, including your entitlement to half of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I have been living separately from my husband for over 10 years due to DV. If I file for divorce does he get alimony?

I got a restraining order when I fled domestic violence 10 years ago, but never filed for divorce because it was too stressful. I just got a large insurance pay out and he says he is entitled to half, I haven’t seen him in 10 years. Is this true because we have been leagally married this whole... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, if you file for divorce, the court will consider various factors when determining whether to award alimony, also known as spousal support. These factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, their standard of living during the marriage, and any... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I have been living separately from my husband for over 10 years due to DV. If I file for divorce does he get alimony?

I got a restraining order when I fled domestic violence 10 years ago, but never filed for divorce because it was too stressful. I just got a large insurance pay out and he says he is entitled to half, I haven’t seen him in 10 years. Is this true because we have been leagally married this whole... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Feb 12, 2024

Probably not. The passage of time without him receiving financial support from you is relevant to whether he needs it now -- 10 years later. It is unlikely the court would grant such a request from him if he made one after you file for divorce.

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I have been living separately from my husband for over 10 years due to DV. If I file for divorce does he get alimony?

I got a restraining order when I fled domestic violence 10 years ago, but never filed for divorce because it was too stressful. I just got a large insurance pay out and he says he is entitled to half, I haven’t seen him in 10 years. Is this true because we have been leagally married this whole... View More

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 17, 2024

In general, separation and divorce do affect the insurance payouts if you share policies. Please discuss your particular facts with a family law attorney. Restraining orders have time limits unless you obtain a permanent one. The information provided presents opinions and examples and does not... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can NC parent be held in contempt if only making part of CS payments that were ordered in CA

Ex spouse was ordered to pay $3,122 a month in CS and $2,607 a month in SS with a 3 month acceleration clause on arrears.

This year I was only given $12,000 total in small amounts periodically, often going 1 or 2 months with nothing. Ex seems to think that as long as he makes any payment no... View More

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 17, 2024

Please talk to a family law attorney before considering any contempt actions. There are specific elements that a charging party must prove to establish contempt. Additionally, there are many defenses which may or may not apply. The information provided presents opinions and examples and does not... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can NC parent be held in contempt if only making part of CS payments that were ordered in CA

Ex spouse was ordered to pay $3,122 a month in CS and $2,607 a month in SS with a 3 month acceleration clause on arrears.

This year I was only given $12,000 total in small amounts periodically, often going 1 or 2 months with nothing. Ex seems to think that as long as he makes any payment no... View More

Robert P. Taylor
Robert P. Taylor pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 9, 2024

Generally, for a parent to be found in contempt for failing to pay child or spousal support, the court must find that the parent had the ability to do so and willfully didn't. Contempt is what we call a quasi criminal proceeding that requires proof of intent. If someone is ordered to pay... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can NC parent be held in contempt if only making part of CS payments that were ordered in CA

Ex spouse was ordered to pay $3,122 a month in CS and $2,607 a month in SS with a 3 month acceleration clause on arrears.

This year I was only given $12,000 total in small amounts periodically, often going 1 or 2 months with nothing. Ex seems to think that as long as he makes any payment no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

No, that is generally not true under California law. Making only partial child support payments that fail to meet the full monthly amount ordered by a California court could potentially subject your ex spouse to contempt charges.

Even if a parent lives out of state, such as in North...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for California on
Q: What should I do if the attorney change the settlement agreement after I signed it?

I made the mistake of using a divorce attorney who is a friend of the family. At least he was supposed to be a friend of the family but he’s done nothing for me except run legal bills. I hired one attorney, and suddenly there are three showing up at court with me All billing. we’re going on... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Feb 9, 2024

I am sorry for your issues.

Something sounds amiss. It may in fact be exactly what you say and it may in fact

be a misunderstanding on someone else's part? Your part even? IF you have

proof of what you signed and you call that to the attention of your attorney and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for California on
Q: What should I do if the attorney change the settlement agreement after I signed it?

I made the mistake of using a divorce attorney who is a friend of the family. At least he was supposed to be a friend of the family but he’s done nothing for me except run legal bills. I hired one attorney, and suddenly there are three showing up at court with me All billing. we’re going on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

This situation raises several concerns about potential ethical violations and questionable conduct by your attorneys. Here are the steps I would recommend taking:

1. Review your retainer agreement and all billing statements for irregularities. Dispute any unfair fees in writing.

2....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Curious: Can a final judgment be made on the first hearing of divorce that was delayed if it's been 6 months?

Now that my brother has pulled the plug on a short term marriage (6 yrs), his lawyer told him his inherited house is still his but he may have to pay a percentage of the community property (his pay check) used towards a refinance to pay out my half of that house. His lawyer had the first hearing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

In California, a final judgment in a divorce case can indeed be issued at the first hearing, especially if the case is uncontested and all necessary paperwork and agreements between the parties are in order. However, whether this happens depends on the complexity of the case, the completeness of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Collections for California on
Q: What costs can be in CA After Judgment form MC-012? CA Legal fees to domesticate in FL? FL legal fees to pursue debtor?

I have a CA Family Law Court Order that ex-spouse owes me a large sum of money. He has made no payment on the debt. He resides in Florida. Can my CA legal fees to turn the Order into a Judgment in order to domesticate it in Florida be included in MC-0112 memorandum of costs?

Can Florida... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

Under California law, when seeking to turn a Family Law Court Order into a Judgment (MC-012), certain costs can be included in the MC-012 memorandum of costs. These costs typically encompass fees related to the court process, such as filing fees, service of process fees, and court reporter fees,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce, Civil Litigation and Collections for California on
Q: Does "(ccp:685.010-685.110) 685.010. (a) Interest accrues at 10 percent per annum" apply to Family Law Orders?

After divorce, I filed an RFO resulting in a Court Order that ex spouse pay me $200K+.

For purposes of calculating rate of interest on an unsatisfied debt, does the same rate apply to Orders as for Judgments as delineated in CA Codes "(ccp:685.010-685.110) 685.010. (a) Interest... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

In California, the interest on judgments, including those from family law orders, generally accrues at the statutory rate specified in the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Section 685.010(a), which is 10 percent per annum. This applies to the principal amount of a money judgment that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I feel I signed divorce papers under duress, and found out later that he had lied about his income and was working

Under the table for previous employer, and the cash was not reported to me or the IRS and also in good faith we discussed a lump some at the end to help me . My question is, would I be able to take legal action against him for lying about his financials coercing me to sign papers that were not in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

Under California law, if you believe you signed divorce papers under duress and your spouse concealed income, you may have legal options. You can seek to set aside the divorce judgment based on fraud or duress. If it can be proven that your spouse intentionally hid income and misled you, it may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I purchased a car with my wife and now we are divorcing. She is hiding the vehicle, can I do anything?

Our names are posted on the lease, she's hidden the other fob and does not allow me access to the vehicle. She wants me to sign over rights to her so she can have the vehicle free and clear. I would rather us get rid of the vehicle all together and allow her to finance her own vehicle in her... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

In California, you have legal options to address this situation. Since your name is on the lease and you have ownership rights, you can request that the court issue orders during the divorce proceedings regarding the vehicle. You do have a right to access the car, so you should not be denied use of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I Bring an Attorney to an RFO Custody Mediation Meeting?

I have filed a Request for Order (RFO) for custody modification in Los Angeles County.

Ahead of the RFO hearing, a mediation has been scheduled two weeks prior to the custody hearing.

If I hire an attorney, can my attorney accompany me to provide coaching or listen to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

In California, during a custody mediation meeting that is part of an RFO (Request for Order) process, it is generally permissible for you to have your attorney present as a support or advisor. Your attorney can provide coaching, listen to the mediation, and offer guidance during the process, even... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I Bring an Attorney to an RFO Custody Mediation Meeting?

I have filed a Request for Order (RFO) for custody modification in Los Angeles County.

Ahead of the RFO hearing, a mediation has been scheduled two weeks prior to the custody hearing.

If I hire an attorney, can my attorney accompany me to provide coaching or listen to the... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Feb 1, 2024

Anytime someone files a RFO related to custody, the court automatically schedules a mediation. This is a free service provided by the LA superior court. The parties attend WITHOUT legal counsel. Parties are not permitted to bring an attorney with them to these mediations. You of course are free... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Hello! I wanted to get advice on my current situation. I have filed divorce from my husband and i am just waiting

For the Declaration for Default/Uncontested Judgment. I have been told by the county of contra costa where i have filed that it may take 6 more months to reach verdict. We do not have kids and do not have any assets/properties to divide. I am planning on buying a home soon and i want to know if... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

In California, properties acquired after separation but before the divorce is finalized can sometimes be considered separate property. However, this can depend on specific circumstances and interpretations of the law. Since you separated in 2022 and plan to buy a new home before your divorce is... View More

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