At Pakpour Banks LLP, we understand that facing a divorce can feel like navigating a storm without a map. When your future feels uncertain, your first consultation with an attorney can help you begin to take back some control. Preparing the right questions to ask a divorce lawyer at a consultation is one of the most powerful first steps...
Continue ReadingYour child is everything to you. You want to keep them safe. You want to make sure they are surrounded by good influences, developing bonds with healthy adults who love them and support their growth. But sometimes the person who may be most detrimental to your child is their other parent. So you’re wondering: Can one parent keep a...
Continue ReadingMoving out during a divorce is a significant choice and can have legal and personal consequences. Whether making the move is a mistake depends on your priorities. The decision may be more complicated if you want to keep the home post-divorce, want primary custody of children who have lived there, or are concerned about the financial implications of having...
Continue ReadingYou’ve worked through the emotional and logistical shifts of ending a marriage. You finalized a custody agreement, made tough financial decisions, and started reshaping your daily life. But one question still nags at you: Does divorce affect credit score? It’s not just about closing accounts or starting fresh. For many in California, building financial independence after divorce has a...
Continue ReadingMaybe you’ve spent years building a life and a home with your spouse. Now, you’re facing the possibility of divorce. If this isn’t the life you imagined, you’re not alone. Many older adults are experiencing what is known as “gray divorce.” What is a gray divorce? The term refers specifically to divorces between adults who are 50 or older. ...
Continue ReadingDivorce can often be a long, drawn-out, emotionally taxing process. Part of that also comes from still having to be married to the person you are trying to divorce. Another reason is that the spouses are trying to work through many issues related to property and child custody. While a California divorce takes a minimum of six months, many...
Continue ReadingProof of service is a document that confirms you have officially delivered legal papers, such as complaints or motions, to the other party involved in a civil case, excluding the initial summons. This document verifies that the court’s procedures have been followed and ensures that the other party is aware of the legal actions being taken. Proof of service...
Continue ReadingDivorce is not just the end of a marriage; it’s the beginning of a new financial reality. This transition can be particularly complex in California due to the state’s community property laws, which aim to divide assets and debts equally. The process of separating shared finances—like joint accounts, investments, and property—can feel overwhelming. Understanding the financial impact of divorce...
Continue ReadingYes, California is a 50/50 divorce state. Under California’s community property law, any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally between spouses during a divorce. This means property like homes, income, or vehicles purchased while married are considered jointly owned and divided 50/50 unless a legal agreement (like a prenup) states otherwise. However, assets owned...
Continue ReadingCourt orders are slightly more powerful than the paper they are printed on. However, when someone fails to comply with a family court order, you can take steps to hold them accountable, such as how to hold someone in contempt of court. While no one can technically force someone to comply with a family court order, the lack of...
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