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California Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: If we agree verbally on a child visitation schedule can he just default to the MSA when he feels like it?

My kids have been used to a half-week schedule as verbally agreed for over a year. He forced me to go back to the MSA (week-on-week-off) schedule even though the kids don't want it. His actions were a result of me quitting my job and being supported by my new husband. I was helping split the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

In California, when a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is in place, it generally governs child visitation schedules unless both parties agree to a different arrangement. If you've had a verbal agreement that deviates from the MSA, it's important to know that such agreements are often... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: If we agree verbally on a child visitation schedule can he just default to the MSA when he feels like it?

My kids have been used to a half-week schedule as verbally agreed for over a year. He forced me to go back to the MSA (week-on-week-off) schedule even though the kids don't want it. His actions were a result of me quitting my job and being supported by my new husband. I was helping split the... View More

Padideh Seyed Jafari
Padideh Seyed Jafari
answered on Jan 25, 2024

Verbal agreements regarding child visitation are not legally binding unless formally incorporated into a court order or a revised Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA).

However, In any legal action involving children, the court will consider the best interests of the children above all else....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: My niece n nephew have custody of there younger siblings my niece gave them to my nephew but is keeping there money what

She gave them to her brother he was cleared to keep them but she is keeping the kids money and will not budge is there any advice u can give me he would file the paperwork to switch the payments to his name but if he does it will put a hold on the payment for 2months they have been struggling to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

In California, when a custodial change occurs, it's important to update the appropriate agencies about this change, especially regarding financial matters like child support or benefits. If your nephew has legal custody of his siblings, he should be receiving any funds allocated for their... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Wife and I are divorcing, I set up a meeting with realtor to meet at house and wife will not allow me to be there.

There was no abuse of any kind. Unless her cheating. But I have never done anything. So we both our on deed , I still all her bills. And want to be there with realtor to protect my investment. We are splitting everything 59-50. Can I legally go with realtor?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

Under California law, if you are a co-owner of the property and there are no court orders restricting your access, you generally have the right to be present during meetings with the realtor regarding the sale or appraisal of the property. This is true even during divorce proceedings, as both... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Wife and I are divorcing, I set up a meeting with realtor to meet at house and wife will not allow me to be there.

There was no abuse of any kind. Unless her cheating. But I have never done anything. So we both our on deed , I still all her bills. And want to be there with realtor to protect my investment. We are splitting everything 59-50. Can I legally go with realtor?

Padideh Seyed Jafari
Padideh Seyed Jafari
answered on Jan 25, 2024

Generally, if both you and your wife are on the deed, you both have equal ownership rights to the property. This typically means you both have the right to be present at the property and to make decisions about its sale or other significant matters related to it. However, if there is any court... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: cps interviewed me and asked what medication i was taking they wrote it on the report and filed it and its public rec.

i read that there is times were they have you sign your rights over example hippa rights i have not signed anything is this allowed ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

Under California law, Child Protective Services (CPS) is required to maintain confidentiality of certain records. This includes medical information obtained during investigations. However, there are exceptions where such information can be disclosed to relevant parties, like courts or law... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: The grandmother of my child is custodial guardian as a third party can she child support me

Even tho the mother tried to child support me but was denied since I had receipts of Al the things I provide such as clothes, food, school supplies etc. can they try to child support me again and how can I prevent them from getting any money from me

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 24, 2024

In California the court ordered guardian has the right to seek support from the child's parents. Money you spend for the needs of your child can be used as offsets. Adoption would end your parental rights and all financial liability.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: The grandmother of my child is custodial guardian as a third party can she child support me

Even tho the mother tried to child support me but was denied since I had receipts of Al the things I provide such as clothes, food, school supplies etc. can they try to child support me again and how can I prevent them from getting any money from me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

If the grandmother has legal guardianship of your child and physical custody, she may be able to pursue child support from you as the parent. Some key considerations:

- Legal guardianship often grants the guardian rights like a parent, including the right to decide where the child lives and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: DV-115 request for continuance of DVRO hearing?

DVRO (TRO granted) hearing scheduled in 1.5 weeks. I am a petitioner and want to know what would happen if I file a DV-115 form to request a continuance of the hearing.

(1) Do I have to serve the DV-115 form to the respondent, so that the respondent will have a chance to respond?... View More

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 24, 2024

If you are the person who is restrained and this is your first continuance, the Court will grant your request because you have the right to one continuance of the initial hearing. If you are the person who filed the DV100 and obtained the DVRO, you will be required to make a showing of "good... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: DV-115 request for continuance of DVRO hearing?

DVRO (TRO granted) hearing scheduled in 1.5 weeks. I am a petitioner and want to know what would happen if I file a DV-115 form to request a continuance of the hearing.

(1) Do I have to serve the DV-115 form to the respondent, so that the respondent will have a chance to respond?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

1) Yes, if you as the petitioner file a request for continuance (form DV-115) to postpone the DVRO hearing, you must provide copies to the other party (the respondent). The instructions for form DV-115 state that you must have someone mail a copy of the filed DV-115 to the respondent and any other... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: When making financial decisions does person with power of attorney HAVE to show that document?

I'm involved in a domestic violence dispute with a temporary restraining order and the daughter and granddaughter of the person that owns the establishment I am in says they have power of attorney to make financial decisions when I asked to see those documents they refuse. Can they do that legally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In matters involving financial decisions and the use of a Power of Attorney (POA), it is generally reasonable to request to see the POA document to verify the authority of the person claiming to act on behalf of the principal (the person who granted the POA). This is especially pertinent in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: When making financial decisions does person with power of attorney HAVE to show that document?

I'm involved in a domestic violence dispute with a temporary restraining order and the daughter and granddaughter of the person that owns the establishment I am in says they have power of attorney to make financial decisions when I asked to see those documents they refuse. Can they do that legally?

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 24, 2024

If the power of attorney gives them authority to handle real estate business, the power of attorney should be recorded. I would recommend that you contact the owner/ landlord directly and get a copy of the power of attorney from that source. Be sure to read it carefully to be certain that it... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Need help with a Grand Theft / Robbery discovered this past week. ≈ $7500 value. A fence seems to be involved, too.

My soon-to-be-ex stole property from my home [in contention].

Background: She claims / her excuse is that she cannot afford her expenses due to injuries she sustained in a bike crash 2/2023 and a post-flight PE that supposedly left her neurologically injured and "unable to work".... View More

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 24, 2024

Grand larceny for property valued over $950. It would not be a robbery because robbery requires a taking of property of another through force.

If ownership of the property is not in dispute and you can prove your ownership, have you considered reporting it stolen and/or asked the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Need help with a Grand Theft / Robbery discovered this past week. ≈ $7500 value. A fence seems to be involved, too.

My soon-to-be-ex stole property from my home [in contention].

Background: She claims / her excuse is that she cannot afford her expenses due to injuries she sustained in a bike crash 2/2023 and a post-flight PE that supposedly left her neurologically injured and "unable to work".... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

Under California law, grand theft occurs when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. Since the estimated value in your case is around $7500, it would likely be classified as grand theft. This is a serious offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: my husband and i filed for divorce together and requested no spousal support nor retirement exchange i make more money.

we are selling our marital home and spitting it 50/50 I'm also giving him a additional 10,000. everything is noted signed and initialed in our MSA and divorce paperwork. will the judge kick it back and still make me give him spousal and my retirement (Solano county California) even though... View More

Padideh Seyed Jafari
Padideh Seyed Jafari
answered on Jan 25, 2024

I Agree with the above answers. In California, courts generally respect the autonomy of divorcing parties to make their own agreements about property division, spousal support, and retirement accounts, as long as the agreements are not egregiously unfair or one-sided, and both parties entered into... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: my husband and i filed for divorce together and requested no spousal support nor retirement exchange i make more money.

we are selling our marital home and spitting it 50/50 I'm also giving him a additional 10,000. everything is noted signed and initialed in our MSA and divorce paperwork. will the judge kick it back and still make me give him spousal and my retirement (Solano county California) even though... View More

Robert P. Taylor
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

You are adults free to split your marital estate as you wish. It does not have to be 50/50. However, you need to make sure your MSA is drafted right. You need to make sure the pension plan or retirement accounts are listed with specificity, otherwise you may have trouble with your pension plan or... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: my husband and i filed for divorce together and requested no spousal support nor retirement exchange i make more money.

we are selling our marital home and spitting it 50/50 I'm also giving him a additional 10,000. everything is noted signed and initialed in our MSA and divorce paperwork. will the judge kick it back and still make me give him spousal and my retirement (Solano county California) even though... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In California, during a divorce, the judge typically respects the agreements made between spouses, especially when it comes to spousal support and the division of assets, as long as the agreement is fair and both parties have entered into it knowingly and voluntarily. If you and your husband have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: After 40 years of marriage, my husband left to live with his partner's wife. He has been gone for 18 years.

In 2002,he had just sold his business for two million dollars. So had his partner. He left in 2008 .He gave me the house, and $300,000. He took the money. He said that it was an equal split. I was a dummy and trusted him, and did not get all this on paper. Now he says he is broke, and will not sign... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

It sounds like you're facing a complex and difficult situation. Given your circumstances, it's essential to seek legal advice from a family law attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options regarding the division of assets and potential spousal support, especially... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I live with my mom for 60 years. She passed away 2020 I have lived there after her passing. I had a stroke I’ve been in

The hospital for 12 month I was told my brother changed the locks on me We both are on the deed he does not live thee what can I do because I’m coming home what rights do I have

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Under California law, if you are a co-owner of the property as indicated by your name being on the deed, you have equal rights to access and use the property. Your brother, as a co-owner, does not have the right to unilaterally change the locks and deny you access to the property.

In this...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: Does employment affect child custody?

I intend to pursue custody of a child living in another county. I am currently paying child support based of my income. I have to opportunity to attend school and pay from savings. Ideally, I would like quit my job and pursue college full time. Would this affect a decision in court for custody?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In California, when determining child custody, the court primarily considers the best interests of the child. This includes assessing factors like the health, safety, and welfare of the child, along with the nature of the relationship each parent has with the child.

Your employment status...
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