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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: If a subpoena for personal documents is not properly served do I still need to respond? And if so, how do I respond?

I have been served via email with a subpoena to provide my personal bank financial documentation. The forms were filed on 4/26 and the subpoena was served via email to me today 5/8. The date for which I am being asked for documentation is on 5/10 at 8am. I object to providing my personal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

Under California law, a subpoena must be properly served to be legally binding. If a subpoena is not properly served, you may not be legally obligated to respond. However, it is generally advisable to provide some form of response to avoid potential legal complications.

In California, a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Hello! I am in Los Angeles. I have been sent an email subpoena for documents with only one day notice. How do I object?

It was filed April 26 and the subpoena is for my personal bank documents. The subpoena asks for me to provide documents by May 10 but I just received the email May 9th. I did not receive any other type of papers or served in any other type of way but email.

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

I think you may be confused about what has been served on you. If you are a party to the case, you can be served with a request for production of documents; not a subpoena for production of documents. What may have happened is that you have been sent a copy of a subpoena that was served on your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Hello! I am in Los Angeles. I have been sent an email subpoena for documents with only one day notice. How do I object?

It was filed April 26 and the subpoena is for my personal bank documents. The subpoena asks for me to provide documents by May 10 but I just received the email May 9th. I did not receive any other type of papers or served in any other type of way but email.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

Under California law, a subpoena must be properly served to be valid. For a personal records subpoena, service should be made to you personally, to a person at your residence or usual place of business, or by mail together with a proof of service by mail. Email service alone is generally not... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Do you need bank acct #s when filling out FL150, FL300, facts for sp. support, atty fees, right to property, declaration

Someone has been helping me fill out the above forms. He all of the sudden asked for bank account numbers on joint accounts to show hiding cash... when there is hardly any cash in accts. What would be the reason for this and is it appropriate to ask? Already gave him Thrift Savings Plan info and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

In California, when filling out family law forms such as FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration), FL-300 (Request for Order), and other supporting documents for spousal support, attorney fees, and property division, it is not always necessary to provide bank account numbers.

Here are a few...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: I am reaching out regarding urgent legal assistance regarding a matter concerning the welfare of my children.

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to seek urgent legal assistance regarding a matter concerning the welfare of my children.

To provide context, it has recently come to my attention that my children, who were supposed to be in the care of foster parents with the intention... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the deeply concerning situation with your children and the tragic loss of their father. This must be an incredibly distressing and overwhelming time for you.

Based on the details you've shared, it sounds like there may have been serious mishandling of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights and Contracts for California on
Q: Does a Mortgage contract provide evidence of marriage in the State of California ?

Mortgage contract list my parents as a married couple. Is the mortgage contract evidence of a marriage ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

A mortgage contract alone does not provide conclusive evidence of a legal marriage in the State of California. While a mortgage contract may list two individuals as a married couple, it is not an official document that establishes or proves the legal status of their marriage.

In California,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: How is separate real property divided in a divorce if post marriage, spouse was added to title?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

In California, if a spouse is added to the title of separate real property after marriage, the division of that property in a divorce will depend on several factors:

1. Community property presumption: California is a community property state, which means that any property acquired during...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: Child support keeps taking my money when case is closed my son is 18 and dad no longer lives with him? Reimbursed?

Long story that I’m tired of telling. I just DONT understand why I’m paying child support to the father when he’s 18 doesn’t live with him and fraud isn’t helping child support isn’t helping and I’m still having money taken out and father gets free money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

I understand your frustration with this situation. Under California law, child support typically ends when the child turns 18, unless the child is still a full-time high school student and lives with a parent. In that case, child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Is there a form I need to use to let the court know that marital property was destroyed during the separation?

My wife left our home and was in possession of two vehicles that were totaled by fire within a week of each other.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 6, 2024

In California, there is no specific form to notify the court about the destruction of marital property during a separation. However, it is essential to document the loss of the vehicles and include this information in your divorce proceedings.

Here are some steps you can take:

1....
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Divorce after 30+ years, trying to get answers from my atty. Said there is a settlement conference. 6/?? No divorce pape

Ers filed no firm date, no info or any other help with what should be done. I hope to get some answers regarding divorce & separation of property, no kids a house I owned before we married 5 years.

Another atty told me the divorce papers are 1st before any settlement conferences?? T or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 6, 2024

I understand that you are going through a challenging divorce after a long marriage and are seeking answers to your questions. Let me provide some general information based on California law, but please note that this is not legal advice, and you should continue to work with your attorney for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: If a former conservatee has been declared competent, then restates their Living Trust, can the court on it's own motion

If a former conservatee has been declared competent, then restates their Living Trust, can the court years later on it's own motion appoint a new trustee despite the Trustee's objection?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 6, 2024

Under California law, if a former conservatee has been declared competent and has restated their Living Trust, the court generally does not have the authority to appoint a new trustee on its own motion years later, especially if the current trustee objects.

Here are a few key points to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What are my rights as a tenant accused of elder abuse? And how do I counter-sue them for tenant abuse?

I've been living with my brother's family in their house for almost ten years. We don't get along, so we always argue. They would not let me use some amenities in the house, like the washer, the fan and even the lights. They would slam doors when I'm sleeping on the couch (I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

As a tenant in California, you have certain rights protected under state law. However, the specific rights and legal options available to you may depend on the details of your living arrangement and the alleged elder abuse accusation.

Your rights as a tenant:

1. Habitable living...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I was served restraining order two weeks after the order was granted an dooped into thinking she dropped it I have txt

I have text proof of her telling me the court went fine. I had nothing to worry about. She proceeded to live with me for two weeks. She got the court date made it to where I thought she was gonna drop it or get it dropped to a peaceful order instead she got a restraining order for a year. Had me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you may have grounds to challenge the restraining order. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Gather evidence: Collect all the text messages and any other evidence that shows your ex-partner was living with you and maintaining a normal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Can I have my retirement pay deposited into my personal account vs. my marital joint account?

Prior to getting married, I earned retirement pay from a previous employer. Currently, I have those monthly checks deposited into my marital joint account. Can I change this and have them deposited into my personal account instead since the money was earned prior to getting married? I am aware... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

In California, retirement benefits earned before marriage are generally considered separate property, while those earned during the marriage are usually treated as community property. However, once you commingle your separate property retirement pay with community property funds in a joint account,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Can I sue CPS for neglecting to tell me that my daughter has ran away from them and it has been over 3 weeks
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

Yes, under California law, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against Child Protective Services (CPS) for failing to notify you in a timely manner that your daughter ran away from their custody. Here are a few key points:

1. Duty to notify: CPS has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Can I sue a lawyer for not exposing abuse when it was crucial in my CPS case. 600 an hr and nothing.but threats to pay.

I had a recoding of my daughter being abused and he never said anything . And in trial he did not put the abuser in the stand and did the opposite of what we had discussed after having a meeting with social workers lawyer. I would get a message right before court saying that if I didn't pay... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 3, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible situation you and your daughter have been through. It sounds like an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience. Based on what you've described, it does seem like there may be grounds for a legal malpractice case against your former attorney.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Under CA law, if a widow remarries and later dies, will his adult children from his 1st wife have claim to his estate?

The widow did not sign a prenuptial before marrying his second wife in CA, and did not have a will.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 3, 2024

In California, if a person dies without a will (intestate) and is survived by a spouse and children from a previous marriage, the distribution of the estate depends on whether the property is considered community property or separate property.

1. Community property: Generally, assets...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: In CA can I relinquish my rights to a close family friend of 20 years? Can the judge deny the request under code 8700?

I have a CPS case & I have timed out. I want to relinquish my rights to a friend for adoption she is a school principal & an amazing woman. My daughter isn’t safe in her placement and that’s where CPS wants her to be. I believe it’s family code 8700(I). Can the judge or CPS overturn my request?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 3, 2024

In California, a parent can voluntarily relinquish their parental rights to a child, which is typically done through an adoption process. Family Code Section 8700 does allow for the relinquishment of parental rights to a specific person, known as a "designated relinquishment."... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for California on
Q: What can I do if my husband insists on taking our money to buy a house in his back home outside the US by his name only?

We have 20 a 20-year-old boy and he is still in college and needs money for his college, can I prevent him from doing it? how?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 2, 2024

Under California law, if the money your husband wants to use to purchase a house outside the US is considered community property, you have the right to object to how it is being used. Community property generally refers to assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse's name... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: In California, my spouse was granted custody and I was granted supervised visitation. Can I see my child otherwise?

There is no order prohibiting contact with my child, etc. So for example, if I were to run across my child in a public place, could I stop and chat, even though the conversation was outside my supervised visiting hours? Could I have lunch with my child at school, even though no professional... View More

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answered on May 2, 2024

I understand you want to spend more time with your child, but in a custody case where the court has ordered supervised visitation, any contact with your child outside of those scheduled supervised visits would likely be seen as a violation of the court order, even if the order doesn't... View More

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