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California Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I’ve been married 38 yrs. My husband has all assets in his name including bank. What do I do? Where do I start.

I have little to no money. I do not receive much social security. $400 month. My name is on our property along with his but that is all. Our property is paid off and we have no debt. My husband collects money from the V.A. Monthly plus extra because we are married. He recently had our Federal taxes... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Under California law, you are entitled to a fair share of the marital assets, even if they are in your husband's name. Community property laws dictate that assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered joint property, meaning you have rights to a portion of them. This includes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I move out of state if I have sole custody

My child father have supervise visit and have to do other tasks in order to visit our son for more than an hour. Since all he does is pay child support and does not visit can I move out of state without it being an issue with the court system?

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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Under California law, if you have sole custody, you generally have the right to move out of state with your child. However, you must notify the other parent and the court of your intention to relocate. The other parent has the right to contest the move if they believe it will negatively affect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: If I am renting and a judge orders the house I rent to be sold after a divorce in california, can they make me move out

Can they make me move out immediately if I have already paid the rent?

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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Under California law, if a judge orders the house you rent to be sold after a divorce, you do not have to move out immediately, even if you have already paid the rent. As a tenant, you have rights that protect you from sudden eviction.

The new owner of the property must honor your existing...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: Is there a legal way to find out if a domestic partner of 13+ years working undercover ?

I heard comments from the community.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Finding out if your domestic partner of 13+ years is working undercover can be a delicate matter. You might consider discussing your concerns directly with your partner, as open communication can often resolve uncertainties. If your partner is indeed working undercover, they may be limited in what... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: What do I do when my 14 year old won’t get on the plane to go back to his father? California case.

Today he found out that, even though his father promised him, he could live here and go to school and will not be with his sister anymore. His father sought to take him back and the judge ruled in his favor on case las (burgess , California “detriment”) As soon as he found out, he destroyed the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

Under California law, when a child refuses to return to a parent as ordered by the court, it's essential to address the situation calmly and legally. Since the court has ruled in favor of the father, you are legally obligated to comply with the court's decision. If your son is refusing to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Regarding "client trust accounts" set up in divorce situation by one attorney representing the other.

I'm in middle of divorce. Mediation fell through. My spouse has an attorney now advising her but not officially representing with substitution of attorney with the courts. I am not represented. The attorney representing her proposed moving the funds from the sale of our family home from escrow... View More

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answered on Jul 19, 2024

Under California law, the proposal to move the funds from the sale of your family home into a "client trust account" managed by your spouse's attorney raises concerns about impartiality and security. Client trust accounts are typically used to hold funds on behalf of a client, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Let's say someone was hit with a temporary domestic violence restraining order by false accusations but the restrained..

person discovered why the protected person actually filed the TRO. The discovery is that the protected person realized they would be in hot water if they did not have an excuse for not showing up to work on time or at all the particular day they filed and went ahead and called into work claiming... View More

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answered on Jul 19, 2024

Under California law, you can potentially gather information from the employer of the person who filed the TRO to understand if they called in with claims related to domestic violence. One way to do this is through a subpoena, which is a legal document that can compel the employer to provide... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Filing for divorce after living in another country for over a year.

Wanted to file for divorce. Originally a California Resident, but lived in Mexico for over a year. She is in a mental health facility, and had taken the children and CPS had to remove the children from her. She tried to get me arrested with false accusations. I want to get divorced as soon as... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jul 12, 2024

You will need to meet the residency requirements in order to file for divorce (i.e. six months.) False accusations, CPS involvement and mental health issues don't change that requirement. There may be options depending on all the facts.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I will be filing for divorce in a couple of weeks. When should we separate our finances?

Our separation date on form is March 2024

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jul 8, 2024

Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide you any guidance. You have determine your separation date was in March and you will be filing for divorce next week. That's not much to go on. You both have an obligation to protect your property and disclose its whereabouts until everything is final.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: What is rule 65 in divorce?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 3, 2024

Rule 65 typically refers to a federal rule of civil procedure related to injunctions and restraining orders. However, in the context of divorce in California, there isn't a specific "Rule 65" that's commonly referenced.

In California divorce proceedings, there are some...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Education Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Hi, Im trying to hire an attorney for a Cross Complaint Case that is made against me and my family

My son was in an altercation at school with a student that was calling my son racial slurs. My son lost his temper and him and the boy got into a fight. The boy family is taking the school and me and family to court claiming my son attacked the boy. The boy continued to call my son racial slurs... View More

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answered on Jul 2, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, here are some steps you might consider taking:

1. Seek legal representation: It's crucial to find an attorney who specializes in both family law and civil litigation, preferably with experience in cases involving minors and school-related...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Extension of divorce proceeding from infliction of severe emotional distress/gross adultery to get prof. validation/supp

Family member, people from church and sexual contact with acquaintances, employer, ad infinitum

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

I understand you're asking about extending divorce proceedings related to emotional distress and adultery in California. This is a sensitive situation, so I'll provide some general information:

In California, divorce proceedings can potentially be extended if there are...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: My son and his ex have verbal agreement for child support and joint custody mom refuses to let him have his visitation.

He pays 150 a week and has proof of paying but mom won't let him see her now that he has a new relationship

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answered on Jul 2, 2024

In California, child support and visitation rights are separate issues. Even if your son is paying child support, the mother cannot legally withhold visitation unless there's a court order permitting it. Your son has the right to see his child according to the agreed-upon custody arrangement,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for California on
Q: can you be deposed twice in family law court and what is the civil law specifically to use to respond

I was deposed in this case in 2017 over finances. Now I have been served with documents of production of text messages and questions regarding people I have talked to

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answered on Jul 1, 2024

In family law cases in California, it is possible to be deposed more than once. However, there are some limitations and considerations:

1. Multiple depositions: California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 2025.610 allows for a person to be deposed more than once in the same action, but with...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Child Support for California on
Q: My ex wife is been verbally abused to are kids and specially to me I have domestic violence on her can you help me?

Stop working her own business once I got an attorney accuse me of breaking the window on her truck claims that i quit my job to not pay child support and she only accepts deposits debt the rest cash only I can’t proof her income what can I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a complex and difficult situation involving your ex-wife, children, and various legal issues. Let me break down the key points and offer some general guidance:

1. Verbal abuse: If your ex-wife is verbally abusing you and your children, document these...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Family Law for California on
Q: What began as a runaway teen turned into abduction when she returns home. How do I get the police to make arrest?

My daughter ran away, but upon returning home the following day my son's ex manipulates her by saying she was not allowed to come back home. She tells my child if someone sees her cps and police will be called to take her away. The ex girlfriend then relocates her to another location,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

1. Document everything: Compile all evidence, including witness statements, timelines, and any communication with the ex-girlfriend. This documentation will be crucial for any future legal action.

2. Escalate within the police department: Request to speak with a supervisor or the chief of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: My husband filed for divorce with the wrong date of marriage. I filed a response with the correct date of marriage.

Does he need to file an Amended Petition or can we wait for the judgment paperwork. We are in agreement in everything except the wrong date of marriage that he wrote on the Petition. What does he need to do?

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, here's what you should consider:

1. Correcting the error: While it's important to have accurate information in your divorce documents, minor errors like an incorrect marriage date can often be corrected without filing an Amended...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Im an umarried mother from california theres no custody order if we go to texas can fathers family kidnap my child

I am unmarried mother the fathers name is on the birth certificate however there is no custody order and I have taken care of my child from the start. I pay the bills I handle school and I handle all appoinments no one knows of the father in this regard. However he needed a place to stay and he... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation and some key points to consider:

1. Legal custody status:

Without a formal custody order, as an unmarried mother in California, you likely have presumptive full custody of your child. However, since the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: I am going through a child custody case with a DVRO against me. Am i allowed a Public Defender ?

Can i request that a person be appointed to represent the children's best interests?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

To answer your questions:

1. Public Defender for child custody cases:

In general, you are not automatically entitled to a public defender in a child custody case, as these are typically civil matters, not criminal ones. Public defenders are usually appointed for criminal cases where...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: If cps has custody of a teen, who They have no control over, if something happens to teen ,can cps be sued

For letting teen live in unlicense homes, cps dont even know who, teen lives with or where teen is living at, if something happens to this teen while teen is still under cps and is still a minor, can the parent sue cps if harm comes to this child while they are out therr in the streets without... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

I understand you're asking about a complex legal situation involving Child Protective Services (CPS), custody of a teen, and potential liability. Let me break this down:

1. CPS custody: If CPS has legal custody of a teen, they generally have a duty of care towards that minor....
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