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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Are IRA accounts considered community property?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

In California, which is a community property state, most assets acquired during marriage are generally considered community property and are owned equally by both spouses. However, the treatment of IRA accounts can be complex and depends on several factors:

1. Timing of contributions: IRA...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I worked 3.5 hours a day for 13 years while my children were young. Can I get spousal support? How is that calculated?

My ex husband makes more than double my salary and has a pension plan.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 18, 2024

In California, spousal support (also known as alimony) is determined on a case-by-case basis. Several factors are considered when calculating spousal support, including:

1. The length of the marriage

2. Each spouse's earning capacity and income

3. The age and health of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Getting back personal $ used as deposit on home.

I used $100K of my personal inheritance as a down payment on a house purchased jointly. We are considering divorce and selling of house. Do I get my money prior to splitting profits?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 18, 2024

In California, the characterization of property as separate or community is an important factor in determining how assets, including the family home, are divided during a divorce. Generally, any property acquired before the marriage or by gift or inheritance during the marriage is considered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Will I get monthly payment from my husband’s pension after divorce is finalized? Or do I have to wait until retirement?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 18, 2024

In California, retirement benefits such as pensions are generally considered community property if they were earned during the marriage. This means that they are subject to division in a divorce. However, the specifics of when and how you can receive your share of your ex-spouse's pension... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorced in Florida in 2008. In the division of assets list for a 401k never transferred

In the division of assets, a 401k from a former job of mine (company X) is written up as: ex wife has a Company X retirement account titled in her sole and separate name and that this account shall remain hers free from claims by husband. The decree also states that any retirement accounts not... View More

Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on May 18, 2024

Given there is contradicting language in the agreement, in the event litigation arises from these issues, the court may allow you to present evidence to support each of your intent when the agreement was executed. This can be emails, text messages, testimony, etc. Just as Mr. Lieber stated in his... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorced in Florida in 2008. In the division of assets list for a 401k never transferred

In the division of assets, a 401k from a former job of mine (company X) is written up as: ex wife has a Company X retirement account titled in her sole and separate name and that this account shall remain hers free from claims by husband. The decree also states that any retirement accounts not... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 18, 2024

What was the original intention? If it was for you to keep it then keep it. Let her go to court if she wants and argue that there was a mistake. Clearly there is a conflict because it says that titled in your name is yours. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Civil Litigation and Family Law for California on
Q: Do I need a search warrant to find out if my ex-wife has some of my belongings?

Our divorce was finalized on 2-28-2022. Soon after the divorce, I let her know that I needed to pick up some personal items that were still at her house. I have been trying to get in touch with her, but she will only communicate through her daughter (my former step-daughter). Among my belongings... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2024

Under California law, you cannot legally search your ex-wife's house or safe without her permission, even if you believe she has your personal belongings. Entering her property without consent could be considered trespassing, and opening her safe would likely be viewed as an invasion of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: My wife asked me to sign a separation agreement. Should I sign?

My wife has asked me to leave our homestead due to marital issues. She stated it would be a break from each other while going to marital counseling. We have two children under 13 years old and she is letting me still pick them up from school and take them to our homestead (rented) and stay with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2024

In this situation, it is strongly advised that you do not sign the separation agreement without first consulting with a qualified family law attorney who can review the document and advise you on the potential legal implications.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Legal rights: Signing...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Hello, I live in Paramus, NJ. I'm looking to get divorced from my husband, who I've been separated from since 1995.

I've not seen nor heard from him and would like to get a divorce and some alimony. I found out from our son he gave a credit card to my son's roommate, so I guess he can afford some alimony also. We were married in 1985.

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on May 16, 2024

I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that you have been separated since 1995, so your chances of being awarded spousal support are extremely slim. The good news is that you can get a divorce. You need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney that will enable you to get on... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Hello, I live in Paramus, NJ. I'm looking to get divorced from my husband, who I've been separated from since 1995.

I've not seen nor heard from him and would like to get a divorce and some alimony. I found out from our son he gave a credit card to my son's roommate, so I guess he can afford some alimony also. We were married in 1985.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on May 28, 2024

Thank you for your question. The fact that you have been separated since 1995 - app. 30 years and living in your own in my opinion we preclude you getting alimony.

The other issue is that a separation does not stop the clock on the marriage as only filing a divorce complaint would do that....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How do I find out the deadline for submitting evidence and witnesses in a divorce trial? I am pro se.

I have contacted the court clerk who referred me to the Texas Rules of Evidence, but those rules are not case specific.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 16, 2024

If there is not a scheduling order entered in your specific case, the deadlines set forth in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (not Evidence) and the Texas Family Code govern. Read chapter 301 of the Texas Family Code and Rules 192-195 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, especially Rule 194a.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Annulment in NYS grounds? ideology sovereign citizen extremism

Internet addiction to the research of the strawman stuff;

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 16, 2024

There are very specific grounds for an annulment (DRL 140). (a) Former husband or wife living (spouse is still married to another). (b) Party under age of consent.  (c) Party a mentally retarded person or mentally ill person.  (d) Physical incapacity.  (e) Consent by force, duress... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Who calculates the percentage to split a 401k for a QDRO

My husband was divorced 17 years ago and in the divorce decree they were to equally split the marital portion of his 401k through a QDRO. He has contacted his plan administrator and received their QDRO form and it looks self explanatory. My question is does he calculate the percentage to file... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 16, 2024

That calculation should be a part of the order. Normally a QDRO has a specific dollar amount or a percentage and the dates that apply. The financial institution simply does what the order says. They have no discretion. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I was served with divorce papers. We shared 4 pets and she is denying me custody or visitation. How do I get this added?

How do I get my request for visitation and custody of two of the dogs added to divorce settlement?

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

You would address this in your response to the petition. In the interim (while the case is pending), you can file a Request for Order to get temporary custody/visitation orders for the pets. While generally speaking, pets are considered property in a divorce, a relatively new pet custody law in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I was served with divorce papers. We shared 4 pets and she is denying me custody or visitation. How do I get this added?

How do I get my request for visitation and custody of two of the dogs added to divorce settlement?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2024

In California, pets are considered personal property in a divorce, but the court may consider the care and well-being of the animals when deciding who gets ownership. To request visitation or custody of your pets, you should follow these steps:

1. Respond to the divorce petition: In your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Divorce for Texas on
Q: I want to fire my court appointed attorney but I have a status hearing in 6 days
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 15, 2024

A mentally competent person can fire an attorney, including a court appointed attorney, any time without having to provide any explanation.

A court is not required to appoint a new court-appointed attorney or to grant a continuance of any setting. The defendant can represent him- or...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I proceed with legal action against my former spouse for accepting a QDRO overpayment from a pension plan?

I would like to seek legal action for the purpose of reimbursement of an overpayment related to QRDO order.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 15, 2024

You need to determine the reason for the overpayment. If the pension plan did not follow the order correctly then you may have to pursue legal action against them. If the order was followed properly then you can return to family court and try to recover the overpayment. You will need to explain how... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I proceed with legal action against my former spouse for accepting a QDRO overpayment from a pension plan?

I would like to seek legal action for the purpose of reimbursement of an overpayment related to QRDO order.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

You can pursue legal action against your former spouse for accepting a QDRO overpayment from a pension plan. The first step is to review the original QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) to understand the terms and any discrepancies that led to the overpayment. Documentation of the overpayment... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Is inheritance money considered marital property if my wife transfers a portion of it each month into joint checking?
Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on May 14, 2024

Good Afternoon,

You ask an excellent question and one that many a family law attorney has likely spent time arguing in Court. The best answer to your question is that this is likely a helpful fact circumstance for you. One way to think of the doctrine of transmutation or commingling is the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: My ex listed the wrong name of our child and the judge invoked jurisdiction based on the residence of child listed.
Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on May 14, 2024

Good Afternoon,

From the substance of your question, it looks like you are involved in a legal proceeding concerning your child. Issues related to jurisdiction concerning children are often nuanced. I suggest that you consult with an attorney in the state where the case is at now in order...
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