There’s no question that “the experts” do not condone the type of spanking and corporal punishment that was more common in this country decades ago. But disagreements over how to punish children remain, especially in family law cases. A recent case called In re D.M. decided last week by the California Court of Appeal illustrates…
One thing that makes family law different from other areas of civil litigation is the ability of the judge to order one side to pay attorney fees for the other side simply because there is a disparity in access to funds. In plain English, a person with more money should not be at an advantage…
San Diego family law attorney Andy Cook talks about the impact a mental illness diagnosis could have on a child custody dispute in California divorce.
In California, if a person is ordered to pay child support to the other parent for a minor child, that obligation usually lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. The law also says that if the child takes forever to finish up high school, child support definitely ends…
San Diego family law attorney Andy Cook talks about how Facebook, Instagram & other social media posts could be used against you in divorce or child custody.
San Diego family law attorney Andy Cook talks about how grandparents can assert a right to visitation with their grandchildren in a California divorce.
If you’re considering a separation or divorce in California, you may be wondering what your monthly expenses and budget will look like after you separate your life and finances from that of your spouse. If you have agreed with your spouse that you will not be the parent with primary custody of your children, then…
A recent California Court of Appeals case from the Second District has clarified when separate property becomes community property, and when the community can expect to receive a portion of that property. In the case titled In re Marriage of Lafkas, John Lafkas had been a founding member of a partnership that held several pieces…
When a couple in California “separates”, it means that they stop accumulating community property and community debt. Also, the date of separation is an important barometer for spousal support. Often, orders require someone to pay based on how long the marriage was, from date of marriage till “date of separation”. But just what does it…
In a case certified for publication, San Diego’s Fourth District Court of Appeal has affirmed the decision of a now retired family law judge to grant a restraining order against a man who basically lost it after he found out that his former domestic partner had been unfaithful. According to the case, Altafulla v. Ervin,…
