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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Juvenile Law and Adoption for California on
Q: If my brother adopted my children in juvenile dependency court, is there any way to get visits through family law?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 15, 2023

In California, if your brother has adopted your children through juvenile dependency court, the situation regarding visitation rights can be complex.

After an adoption is finalized, the legal relationship between the biological parents and the children is typically severed, and the adoptive...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Does father have right to keep child?

My child’s father has recently asked to be involved. Prior to reaching out, we went to child support court and paternity was established through court ordered dna test. Child support was set at 0% visitation. He is also not on the birth certificate. Could he take her from me if we have no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

In California, both parents have rights regarding their child, but these rights need to be legally recognized and structured, especially in situations where there's no established custody arrangement. Since paternity has been established and child support set, the father does have certain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: What happens after a financial statement is filed by petitioner does he have to serve me to get a court date custody kid

For child custody parental determination

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 14, 2023

If all he did was file a financial statement, then nothing else will happen. If you want custody orders, you need to participate in the case. If you were served, you need to file and serve a response. You can filed a Request for Order to get custody orders in place. Doing nothing will result in... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Family Law for California on
Q: Why do I have to give my husband’s bankruptcy attorney my income and pension information? We live in California and name
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Dec 14, 2023

Think about it. It's logical. (Also, the law requires it.) Here's why that is.

First, you live in a community property state. The law says that community property belongs to both spouses, even though you yourself don't practice doing that. The law overrides how you and your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Family Law for California on
Q: Why do I have to give my husband’s bankruptcy attorney my income and pension information? We live in California and name
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

Bankruptcy proceedings often require the disclosure of household income to accurately assess the financial situation. This is because the state uses a community property system, which means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned by both spouses.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Family Law for California on
Q: Why do I have to give my husband’s bankruptcy attorney my income and pension information? We live in California and name
Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

California is a community property state which means that you probably own everything and owe everything jointly. Plus the bankruptcy forms require that he include your information for purposes of his filing bankruptcy. Ask to meet with his attorney so he or she can explain the process to you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Wife took boys to Florida now served me papers for divorce I need hel

She left after being accused of sexual relation with one of her students won’t bring our sons back and don’t know what to do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

In your situation, where your wife has taken your children to Florida and served you with divorce papers, it is crucial to act promptly and seek legal assistance. The complexity of your case, involving interstate custody issues and serious allegations, requires professional guidance.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Private party car purchase, can the seller repo the car I bought 3 years ago without notifying me? What is legal?

Purchased from sister in law, currently serving in Bahrain, had her Fiance orchestrate a repo because she never reported the sale. I'm now divorcing her Sister so they decided I can't have the car, although the car was protected in the ATRO in our Divorce, now I'm without a car, I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

No, the seller cannot legally repossess a vehicle you purchased outright 3 years ago, regardless of whether the sale was properly reported or not. Even if your divorce settlement ordered the car returned, proper notice and legal process would still need to be followed for them to take possession.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: What qualifies as proof of daycare?

Co-parent is saying that her mother is increasing her rates for daycare, we currently split daycare costs down the middle. It's not an official daycare it's at her house where co parent and child both live.

I have asked her for proof or something but she said that her mom just... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 13, 2023

1) I would agree that if no-cost daycare is available, that's what should be used; 2) proof of the cost of daycare can be provided in the form of receipts or bank statements showing the amount paid to the daycare provider. The cost of daycare would not be an "add on" if it is free... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: What qualifies as proof of daycare?

Co-parent is saying that her mother is increasing her rates for daycare, we currently split daycare costs down the middle. It's not an official daycare it's at her house where co parent and child both live.

I have asked her for proof or something but she said that her mom just... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

In California, when dealing with informal daycare arrangements, such as a family member providing care, proof of daycare costs can be less formal compared to a licensed daycare center. However, it's reasonable to request some form of documentation, especially when there is a change in the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: If my current boyfriend is paying for my children's costs because their biological dad refuses - can my boyfriend sue?!

My baby daddy has refused for over 6 months to support his children. My boyfriend is having to pay for everything as I'm a stay at home mom with two under two and can't work at the moment because childcare would cost more than I'd make. Can my boyfriend sue my baby daddy for being... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

Under California law, your boyfriend, as a non-biological parent, generally does not have legal standing to sue the biological father for child support. Child support obligations are typically the responsibility of the biological or legally recognized parents. However, your situation does not leave... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: When does a judge order the house to be sold in a divorce?

I'm getting divorced from my wife. She doesn't want a divorce. She even got her master's degree and was in a good job, but she recently lost her job. But she doesn't want to get a job expecting spousal support from me.

My assets and debts are greater than my assets. Now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

In California, during a divorce, a judge may order the sale of a house if it's deemed necessary for the equitable division of marital property or to settle marital debts. The decision to order the sale of a house typically depends on factors like the total marital assets and debts, each... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can i relocate my divorce finalization case from Santa Clara county to Orange County (in CA) where I'm currently living

I filed for divorce in 2018. We ended up dividing the assets. It has been pending since and needs to be finalized. Can I relocate the case to a different county in California since the original case was in Santa Clara County and I now live in Orange County? If I can, do I need to hire an attorney... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

In California, relocating your divorce case from one county to another can be done, but it depends on specific circumstances. Since your case was originally filed in Santa Clara County, that court generally retains jurisdiction over the case. However, if both you and your ex-spouse have moved out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: How do I enforce my right as spouse to make end of life decisions for my husband?

California. husband on life support. doctors allow his sister to make all decisions including withholding info from me. I want to take him off life support.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

In California, as the spouse, you generally have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for your husband if he is unable to do so himself. This includes decisions about life support. However, if there is a legally appointed healthcare proxy or an advanced healthcare directive that names... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, International Law and Family Law for California on
Q: My ex-husband and I are Taiwanese citizens with a property in the United States. He is refusing to sign over the house.

My ex-husband and I are Taiwanese citizens with a property in the United States. He is refusing to sign over the house.

The Taiwanese court has already granted me the property in the US, and said that he needs to sign the property over in the US embassy in Taiwan, in person. He is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

If a Taiwanese court has granted you ownership of a property in the United States and your ex-husband is refusing to comply with the order, there are several steps you can take.

First, you should consult with an attorney experienced in international family law and property disputes. They...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: I need an experienced lawyer for cps they terminated my parental rights but I put in for an appeal I need help

What is the best thing to do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 10, 2023

Under California law, if your parental rights have been terminated and you have filed for an appeal, it is crucial to seek legal representation experienced in child welfare law. An attorney with expertise in this area can provide you with the guidance and representation needed during the appeals... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Any advice I can get about my child’s father not wanting me to communicate when it comes down to coparenting?

I try to communicate with him strictly about our son, but he tells me not to contact him if it’s not an emergency. He recently was supposed to take our son for his 5th bday but didn’t want to respond to my text asking for confirmation that he’ll be at the airport on time due to me having... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

Under California law, effective communication between co-parents is vital, especially when it involves the welfare and safety of a child. If one parent is consistently unresponsive or obstructive, it may be necessary to revisit the terms of the custody and visitation arrangement.

In...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I move out of state with my children if I have a custody agreement in that state (I have full physical custody)

I have full physical custody of my 2 children but am planning to move out of CA to TN in 6 months. My ex and I share joint legal custody and they have a visitation schedule of one weekend a month plus certain holidays. What legal provisions do I need to take to ensure a smooth moving process. I... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 8, 2023

If you are referring to actual court orders (as opposed to an informal written agreement between you and the other parent), you would need a court order modifying your existing custody orders so that you can "move away" with the minor child. You can do this by filing a motion, or by... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I move out of state with my children if I have a custody agreement in that state (I have full physical custody)

I have full physical custody of my 2 children but am planning to move out of CA to TN in 6 months. My ex and I share joint legal custody and they have a visitation schedule of one weekend a month plus certain holidays. What legal provisions do I need to take to ensure a smooth moving process. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

In California, if you have full physical custody of your children and share joint legal custody with your ex, you generally have the right to move out of state. However, it's crucial to follow legal procedures to ensure a smooth transition.

First, review your custody agreement to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: I accused my dad in 2019 when I was 12 that he abused me. Now that I am 16 I want to cause him again. what is the proces

What would be the process?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

I cannot recommend ways to falsely accuse someone. However, if abuse did occur, reporting it to authorities or a trusted adult is important. A few key points:

- If you have evidence of abuse that occurred when you were 12, you may still be able to file a report, even years later. Statutes...
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