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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for California on
Q: The custodian parent relocated from Oregon to California without filing with the court a change of address.

The custodian parent relocated from Oregon to California without filing with the court a change of address as prescribed by law, and I wasn't notified either. So it took me a year to locate them and got my ex served with Oregon court document to modify parenting time. She failed to respond and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In this situation, your first step should be to file for the enforcement of the parenting time as outlined in the default judgment. This action is necessary to legally assert your visitation rights. The court can then order the custodian parent to adhere to the agreed upon visitation schedule.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can I file for a court ordered paternity test in North Carolina if I'm in California?

My ex & I are both from California. She was cheating on me & ended up taking off with her ex husband, to North Carolina, while she was 7 months pregnant with my son & gave birth out there. For the past 5 months I've had no way to get a hold of her or contact her, she went... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In your situation, establishing paternity is a critical first step to address your concerns about your potential son. Under California law, as an alleged father, you have the right to petition for a paternity test to determine if you are the biological father of the child. However, since the child... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: TRO Against Husband Was Not Served, But Husband Appeared To Hearing!

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) with a minor child was granted against the husband. The wife’s attorney notified him via email. To prevent a continuance, the husband requested to be served three times. Simultaneously, he obtained all TRO documents from the court. He filed and served his... View More

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 21, 2024

You do not have to be served personally when, as here, you make a personal appearance in Court which has the legal effect of succumbing to the personal jurisdiction of the Court and waiving any rights you may have had to contest the Courts personal jurisdiction over you. You could have avoided... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: TRO Against Husband Was Not Served, But Husband Appeared To Hearing!

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) with a minor child was granted against the husband. The wife’s attorney notified him via email. To prevent a continuance, the husband requested to be served three times. Simultaneously, he obtained all TRO documents from the court. He filed and served his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Under California law, when a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is granted, proper service is typically required for the order to be enforceable. However, in your case, where the husband has actively participated in the process despite not being formally served, the court may consider this as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Judges forced child back to her abuser twice and limited my rights for trying to protect. There's proof of child abuse

Two judges in same county seem bias and are failing to protect . Lied to my child in remote hearing to get her back there,threatened me with child abduction unit and denied child counsel, she's being punished for speaking up and doesn't trust anyone now. Can anybody do anything? No legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Under California law, if you believe that a judge is acting with bias or failing to protect a child, there are steps you can take. Firstly, consider filing a complaint with the California Commission on Judicial Performance. This body investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and can take... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: In California does a male have the same rights to alimony and possessions if he is not working and she makes $100k+?

She went and filed before I did as I caught her cheating. She locked me out of the house, took all my clothes and left me with no phone or money or means to fix my vehicle that recently broke down. I have yet to respond. What do I do?

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 20, 2024

Yes. Alimony is assessed based upon primarily the requesting spouse's evidence of the need for the support and the other spouse's ability to pay the support. There may be other considerations depending on your circumstances. Whether she had the right to exclude you and remove your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: In California does a male have the same rights to alimony and possessions if he is not working and she makes $100k+?

She went and filed before I did as I caught her cheating. She locked me out of the house, took all my clothes and left me with no phone or money or means to fix my vehicle that recently broke down. I have yet to respond. What do I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 20, 2024

In California, the law regarding alimony and property division does not discriminate based on gender. As a male spouse, you have the same rights as your wife would in a similar situation. If you are not working and your wife is earning a significant income, the court may consider this disparity... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Rescheduling DVRO Hearing to an Earlier Date

I am currently restrained by a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that has been granted. I was not formally served, but I was notified twice that the TRO was granted. I went to the court to print out all the documents and then filed my response with the court.

1. Can I file form DV-115 to... View More

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 20, 2024

Without knowing any of the facts that led to the DVRO and not knowing the level of violence or what type of DVRO there could be extenuating circumstances that would make the typical general answers about DVRO inapplicable. Generally speaking, the responding party to a DVRO has the right to one... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Rescheduling DVRO Hearing to an Earlier Date

I am currently restrained by a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that has been granted. I was not formally served, but I was notified twice that the TRO was granted. I went to the court to print out all the documents and then filed my response with the court.

1. Can I file form DV-115 to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 20, 2024

Under California law, you have the option to file Form DV-115, the Request to Continue Court Hearing and to Reissue Temporary Restraining Order, to reschedule a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) hearing. This form is typically used to request a postponement of the hearing, but it can also... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can 1 beneficiary intentionally refuse to turn in his paperwork to prevent 2 other beneficiaries being paid annuniity

My brother convinced my sister to send her paperwork allowing an annuity to complete the payout of the account to 3 beneficiaries. I have turned in all my paperwork back in October 2023. My brother is holding back his and my sisters paperwork, with no clear reason. The plan has contacted him... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

Under California law, if a beneficiary intentionally delays the completion of required paperwork to hinder the distribution of annuity benefits to other beneficiaries, legal action may be taken. In your case, you can consider filing a petition in probate court for the enforcement of your rights as... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can 1 beneficiary intentionally refuse to turn in his paperwork to prevent 2 other beneficiaries being paid annuniity

My brother convinced my sister to send her paperwork allowing an annuity to complete the payout of the account to 3 beneficiaries. I have turned in all my paperwork back in October 2023. My brother is holding back his and my sisters paperwork, with no clear reason. The plan has contacted him... View More

Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 19, 2024

Probate Code Section 850 which allows for the court to provide relief when there has been an "abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship," including disputes between co-owners of property. If there is no legitimate reason for him to refuse to complete the paperwork, Section 850... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Divorce for California on
Q: Would an an ex-husband have a legal right to claim ownership after the death of his ex-wife (see addition details)

A man and women got married, she added his name to the title of her home. 22 years later the court grants her a divorce and awards her the home as her sole and separate property. 6 years later she died.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Based on the additional details provided, it does not appear the ex-husband would have a legal right to claim ownership of the home after his ex-wife's death. A few key points:

- When they divorced, the court specifically awarded the home as the ex-wife's sole and separate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Estate Planning for California on
Q: My grandmother has a will she's 91 and she wishes to add more family members do lawyers make house calls to help

Is it free for senior citizens

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Lawyers can make house calls to assist with legal matters such as amending a will, especially for senior citizens who may have mobility issues. However, whether this service is offered and any associated costs can vary depending on the law firm and the location.

While some attorneys may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I gain full custody of a child if the other parent has marijuana in the household?

I am a father with a child in the care of his mother in another county. The mother is suspected of drug abuse and grandmother habitually uses marijuana and leaves paraphernalia within child’s reach. Also prior criminal history of drugs, distribution of prescription narcotics, and domestic... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In California, the presence of marijuana in the household is not automatically grounds for changing custody. However, the court’s primary concern in custody cases is the child’s best interest, which includes ensuring a safe and healthy environment. If you suspect drug abuse or that the child is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I want to change the deed on my house to my son. My husband and I are not seeing eye to eye. How do I do this.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Here are the key steps if you want to change the deed to your house to transfer ownership to your son while your husband is still alive:

1. Consult with a divorce/family law attorney. Even if you are not getting divorced, transferring a jointly-owned house without your husband's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Will I be in trouble for withholding my son from visitation with his father after learning of abuse and filing w/ CPS?

My six-year-old son told me this week that his father had pulled him down from his top bunkbed and he fell on head/back on hard floor, then father punched him in chest and slapped him while using profanity toward him. I filed with CPS. His father has an extensive DV background with me, and one... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Under California law, the safety and well-being of your child is of utmost importance. If you have genuine concerns about your child's safety due to alleged abuse, you have the right to take steps to protect them. However, withholding visitation can be legally complex, especially if there is a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Father passed- has an estate of $8-$10M including stocks, bonds, properties, cash. Probate help. I'm just a beneficiary.

My brother is the trustee and is not cooperating with details and specific amounts. I am a 1/3 beneficiary, but my brother (other 2/3) has discretion of releasing payments to me. 15 months since the death is approaching, and my understanding is that I am entitled to receive interest on my 1/3 Trust... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jan 17, 2024

I'm sorry for the loss of your father. There are strict ethical codes for lawyers who represent Trustees. Those lawyers are not allowed to represent or advise any beneficiaries. Lawyers have a choice of representing EITHER the Trustee (but only in his capacity as Trustee) OR represent one or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Father passed- has an estate of $8-$10M including stocks, bonds, properties, cash. Probate help. I'm just a beneficiary.

My brother is the trustee and is not cooperating with details and specific amounts. I am a 1/3 beneficiary, but my brother (other 2/3) has discretion of releasing payments to me. 15 months since the death is approaching, and my understanding is that I am entitled to receive interest on my 1/3 Trust... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In a situation where you are a beneficiary of a trust, you have certain rights to information about the trust and your share of the estate. As a 1/3 beneficiary, you are entitled to know the details and specific amounts of the trust assets, including stocks, bonds, properties, and cash. The... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Juvenile Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: I seeking to sue the state of California.

I am a human trafficking victim and I reported human trafficking to the police. Cps took my children away and icnored my plea for help. This was in 2016. I am now estranged from my children because of this. Every lawyer I call bounces between family law and civil law. Which jurisdiction does a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 17, 2024

Suing the state of California for your situation involves a complex intersection of legal jurisdictions. Generally, cases involving allegations against state agencies, such as Child Protective Services (CPS), fall under civil law. This is because you're potentially dealing with issues of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: My ex says he's moving to Spain. He wants to take my older daughter and not the younger one. What should I do?

I don't want the kids to be split up, I want them to grow up together. My eldest just turned 13 and likes the idea of living in Spain, but I don't think she fully understands what it means to go live far away from her sister and her mother, indefinitely. I don't mind if my ex moves... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 16, 2024

He can't just move to Spain with one of your children. If he wants to relocate and to take one or more of your children with him, he will need a court order allowing him to do so. He'll need to seek an order modifying existing custody orders to include a move-away request. Before such... View More

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