Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What do I need to evict an adult child from my house?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

In California, to evict an adult child from your home, you must follow specific legal procedures. First, provide a written notice to vacate, usually giving 30 days for the adult child to leave. This notice must clearly state the date by which they must vacate the premises.

If they fail to...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Hello question so we just found out my brother had a daughter through DNA and he want to pursue a relationship but mom

Wants to no communication. What steps should he talk there is DV that happened a couple years ago when they were together also? Just want any suggestions we can get to move forward with Court.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

In cases like your brother's, where there is a desire to establish a relationship with a child but the other parent is resistant, the legal process can be complex, especially with a history of domestic violence. It's important to approach this situation with sensitivity and legal... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: What can happen if I file for divorce and my spouse doesn't want to?

I plan to petition for divorce, but I worry that my spouse would be against it. We have no major assets, children, properties, or debts between us to fight over. I just don't think she would want to break up with me. What can happen if I proceed with my divorce petition but she disagrees in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

If you file for divorce in California and your spouse is opposed to the divorce, the process can still move forward. In California, only one party needs to want the divorce for it to be granted. This is due to the state's "no-fault" divorce laws, which means that a divorce can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can we file our marital settlement agreement along with the petition for divorce?

If we are already in agreement before we begin the divorce, can we already include the agreement along with the petition to speed up the process such that I no longer have to serve summons to my spouse and we don't have to wait for 30 days to pass before asking for a default?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 20, 2023

In California, you can indeed file your marital settlement agreement along with your petition for divorce. This step can be beneficial if you and your spouse have already reached an agreement on all relevant issues, including property division, child custody, and support.

Filing the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for California on
Q: Does my ex husband have to submit his W2 during the trial, for support orders to be made by the judge?

His numbers on his Fl150 we’re not correct and I pointed that out during trial, but the judge told me he didn’t have to look at that information i.e. the W-2

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In California, during a trial for support orders, it is common for both parties to provide financial information, including W-2 forms, to accurately determine income for support calculations. This information is typically required to ensure a fair and informed decision by the judge regarding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: Request to modify for CS, what is the chance the custodial parent(me) pays non custodial parent cs bc I make more $ ?

I submitted a modification and it got approved for review. Court hearing a few weeks.

Legal custody is 50/50, physical custody is suppose to be 80/20(me =custodial parent) Father was absent for a large portion of his parental time this year due to substance abuse issues.

Anyways... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In California, child support calculations primarily consider both parents' incomes and the time each parent spends with the child. Since you're the higher-earning parent and the primary custodian, there's a possibility that the child support arrangement could be adjusted in a way... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: How does the court carry out judgment for debt in divorce cases?

I am trying to go for a default divorce since we are in agreement and all that my spouse wants is for me to pay a particular debt to them. When I declare this debt that I will pay in my petition, will the court decide on the terms that I should pay this debt, such as a deadline? Will they enforce... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In California, when a debt is declared in a divorce petition, particularly in a default divorce, the court can formalize your agreement to pay the debt in the final divorce judgment. The terms of payment, such as deadlines and amounts, are usually based on the agreement between you and your spouse.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: How can a debt be declared in form FL-100?

Under spousal or domestic partner support in the divorce petition, I am not sure if debt can be considered as support. My spouse does not want spousal support from me, but they want to make sure that I pay my debt to them for a particular large expense. How should I declare this in the form?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In California, when filling out Form FL-100 for a divorce petition, debts are not typically declared under the section for spousal or domestic partner support. Instead, debts are usually addressed in a different section of the divorce proceedings.

For your specific situation, where you have...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I have a server serve my spouse the summons/response at the same time with my financial information?

In the divorce process, whether for a petitioner or respondent, I saw that a server may be needed twice. First, for serving the divorce papers and second, for serving the financial information. Is it possible to prepare the financial information beforehand such that the server may already serve... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Under California law, you can indeed serve the financial disclosures along with the divorce summons and petition, provided they are ready at the time of service. This approach can streamline the process, reducing the need for multiple service actions.

When preparing for service, ensure that...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I use an international address when filing my divorce papers?

In the middle of processing my divorce, I am still living with my STBX. I intend to go back to my home country as soon as I file the judgment form. Can I use my international address as the address for my return envelope?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

In California, you are permitted to use an international address in your divorce papers. When filing for divorce, it's important to provide an address where you can reliably receive court documents and correspondence. If you plan to return to your home country and will have a stable address... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: What to do about the financial information for divorce if I don't file taxes?

I recently immigrated to the US this year and have only had a part-time job so far. I've never filed taxes yet. In sharing my financial information with my spouse for the divorce process, is it okay if I don't have any tax returns to provide?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

In California, during a divorce, both parties are required to disclose all financial information, including income, regardless of whether they have filed taxes. If you haven't filed taxes due to recent immigration or limited income, you should still provide any relevant financial documentation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: I have a guardianship case which I am fighting to get my daughter back.I got approve for an apartment in a state where

I do not know anyone.My daughter is 11, will that hurt my case to not have a support system near?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

In California, when determining guardianship, the court's primary concern is the best interest of the child. While having a support system is beneficial, it's not the sole factor in these decisions. The court will consider various aspects of your situation, including your ability to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: Mom ordered sole legal/physical custody from her first husband, then files second action with 2nd husband for support..

Mother and father No 1. had child No 1. Mother files action and is awarded sole child custody and support. Mother has a 2nd child with father No 2. And Mother . Then Mother files an action on father No 2. for child custody and support of both child No 1 and Child No 2.

What are the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

In California, Father No. 2 has several options in response to a child custody and support action filed by the mother. First, he can respond to the custody action by filing his own petition for custody and visitation rights. California law prioritizes the best interest of the child, which includes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Need help splitting bank account assets when filing for divorce

Hi,

I'm 85 and considering divorce. Got married 8 years ago. My wife is from China and became US citizen about the same time we married. A couple of days after we married, we went to Social Security to register... Found out that my wife was entitled to benefits as a spouse and has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, community property laws typically view assets and debts acquired during marriage as jointly owned, regardless of whose name is on the account or title. This means that both spouses generally have equal ownership of these assets, including income earned during the marriage. Given the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Collections for California on
Q: CA Family Law/QDROs: Under what circumstances can I file an RFO to amend a QDRO to award me entire monthly annuity?

2022 CA Family Law Court Order ordered ex-spouse to pay X amount to me. Ex-spouse has not paid a penny/and informed me will not pay the debt. Ex resides in another state and has no assets in CA. That same court proceeding included dividing an annuity via QDRO. Debt owed by ex is substantial.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, amending a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to award the entire monthly annuity might be possible under certain circumstances, particularly if it's to enforce a court-ordered debt. To do this, you would need to file a Request for Order (RFO) with the court, explaining... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My home is owned jointly by myself, my husband, my daughter and her husband. My husband and I are divorcing.

I will be receiving the house in the marital settlement agreement. Do I need to file an interspousal transfer deed or a grant deed to reflect the 3 remaining joint tenant without triggering reassessment. I live in California.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, when transferring property due to a divorce, it is common to use an interspousal transfer deed. This type of deed is specifically designed for transferring property between spouses and can prevent the transaction from being considered a change in ownership that triggers reassessment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I sue my husband and his girlfriend for putting my property outside of the home my husband and I shared?

She is stopping me from talking with my husband about where we as a husband and wife.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, if your property was removed from your shared home by your husband and his girlfriend without your consent, you may have legal grounds to sue. As a community property state, assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered joint property.

If your joint property...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I sue my husband and his girlfriend for putting my property outside of the home my husband and I shared together?

The girlfriend is stopping me from communicating with my husband.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, you may have legal grounds to take action if your husband and his girlfriend have improperly handled or disposed of your property. California is a community property state, meaning that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered jointly owned. If your jointly owned... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I waive the Final Disclosure when I am filing my divorce before I request a default?

I read that financial information will not be filed with court and will only be shared with my spouse. When I read the steps for finishing the divorce in default, I saw that there is an option wherein the Final Disclosure can be waived (form FL-144). Are there only specific cases that this can be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, waiving the Final Declaration of Disclosure in a divorce is possible under certain conditions. The form you mentioned, FL-144, allows both parties to waive the requirement of providing a final declaration of financial information. However, this can only be done if both parties agree... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Health Care Law for California on
Q: In a marriage therapy, one partner opted out without notifying the other one

The partner opted out and ended up deserting. However it left the other one in a state of crisis and the mental health they would have relied on was part of the other partners insurance plan so the day before treatment. they received a email notifying services have been canceled indefinitely. That... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, the sudden cancellation of mental health services due to a partner's decision to opt out of therapy and terminate insurance coverage can create a challenging situation. While there isn't a direct legal remedy for the emotional impact of a partner deserting therapy, there... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.