Articles Posted in Judgment

Should I Choose Mediation for My Divorce?

Should I Choose Mediation for My Divorce?Divorce in California can be extremely difficult. Whether the marriage lasted a few months or decades, there are a lot of emotions that can be involved during separation. When it comes to ending a marriage, there are many different options for carrying out the process. While it is common for each side to hire litigation and dispute items in court, mediation is another option that can be more peaceful and leave fewer scars.

Mediation is an opportunity for both of the divorcing parties to talk through their differences together and come to an agreement outside of the courtroom. If you are looking for a quick and easy divorce but still have some disputes about the divorce agreement, then mediation may be an option for you and your ex-spouse.
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Do I Need to Add a Moving Clause To My California Custody Agreement?

Do I Need to Add a Moving Clause To My California Custody Agreement?During a California divorce, it can be extremely difficult for couples to reach agreements on decisions related to the future of their children, such as issues related to child support, child custody, and visitation. This process can be emotionally distressing for both parties involved.

On top of that, the topic of relocation often arises, as some parents may wish to move cities or states based on new life prospects.

In particular, California offers many new opportunities across the state, and many prompt parents to want to move. When drafting and executing a custody agreement, it’s important to take this into account and consider adding a “moving clause” to the custody arrangement.

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Unpredicted Tax Implications of Social Security Benefits and Property Arrangements During Divorce

Unpredicted Tax Implications of Social Security Benefits and Property Arrangements During Divorce
If you are facing a divorce in California, you are likely primarily concerned about alimony payments, property division, and, if you have children, child support, custody, and visitation. However, there are many additional financial implications that should be considered. For example, there may be unintended consequences or unknown advantages, depending on how you classify the property settlement and spousal support, or alimony.

Therefore, when it comes to divorce, it can be highly advantageous to work with California lawyers who also have an extensive background in accounting. The family lawyers at Bickford Blado & Botros have an accounting background and can take into account all of your financial details to help you anticipate how to optimize your situation for the future.
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Child Visitation and Custody Arrangements for Parents With Young Children

Child Visitation and Custody Arrangements for Parents With Young Children

Couples getting divorced in California are likely thinking first and foremost about the impact their divorce will have on their children. Couples with young children will specifically have different aspects of family law to consider than those with older children, such as child visitation and custody arrangements.

While parents may be tempted to plan for the present moment, thinking only of the needs of their young children right now, it’s important to keep the future of the children in mind as well. Bickford Blado & Botros explains how couples can take into account the needs of their young children now while designing a custody and visitation arrangement that will continue to work for the children as they age into their teenage years.
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Post-Decree Modifications After a California Divorce

Post-Decree Modifications After a California Divorce

Life changes, sometimes quickly and often, and what once worked as an agreed-upon divorce term suddenly isn’t relevant to the lives of the family members anymore. Remarriages, a new job, relocations, a loss of a job, or any of dozens of other things that affect families can occur and change everything. In many cases, it is necessary to revisit post-decree terms of divorce and modify them to meet the current needs of the family. When an adjustment to an existing court order is needed, a court-ordered modification is necessary.

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California Adoption – What You Need to Know

Contesting a Prenuptial Agreement

Many couples planning to marry decide to sign prenuptial agreements, also called premarital contracts, prenups, or premarital agreements. These legally binding contracts outline each party’s provisions, assets, and debts, including educational debts, medical bills, financial accounts, etc. They also set out the rights and obligations of both parties going into the marriage.

The purpose of these agreements is to provide protection for both spouses if they divorce later on. They may address such issues as property division, spousal support, and other aspects of divorce. The main regard of a prenuptial agreement is financial protection, as it is typically an area of caution when one spouse has a significantly higher amount of money, assets, or debt going into the marriage. These are voluntary agreements that require full disclosure of all financials, and they must comply with California state law to be enforceable.

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How Can Parenting Be Handled After A Divorce

How Can Parenting Be Handled After A Divorce

Making arrangements for parenting after a divorce is finalized is a significant decision. The effects will determine much of the parents’ lives moving forward, and of course, it will have a tremendous impact on the child. It’s important that a parenting plan for handling parenting be thorough and consider a wide range of factors and concerns. A lawyer who’s dealt with similar situations before can help make sure that parents are addressing sometimes forgotten issues and concerns. The lawyer can also help ensure that the plan put together is something that a judge will recognize as being in a child’s interest.

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How Can a Parent Lose Custody of Their Child?

How Can a Parent Lose Custody of Their Child?

Custody is a challenging aspect of family law, as parents want a connection with their children, and children want a connection with their parents. Generally, the courts try to honor those desires for connection in their custody rulings. They want to give parents as close to even roles in their child’s life as possible. However, the guiding principle of the courts is the child’s interests. This means that there are some things a parent may do which are considered so harmful to the child’s welfare that custody must be taken from the parent. If issues like this are a concern with either yourself or the other parent, it’s important to talk with an experienced child custody attorney who can help you understand your options.

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When Can Your Child Decide Which Parent to Live With

When Can Your Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

Divorces and separations are challenging for everyone, but they often have a unique impact on the children who are involved. Every state has different guidelines surrounding the preferences of a child in court and when they can be honored. Whether the relationship between a child and one of their parents is broken or a child truly wishes to live with the other parent, you may be wondering when your kids are legally allowed to choose where to live.

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Understanding Ex Parte Child Custody Orders

Understanding Ex Parte Child Custody Orders

Ex parte proceedings, also called emergency proceedings, are filed when an immediate decision needs to be made in a family law case because of an emergency situation. An ex parte order is an emergency and temporary order. They may be necessary in divorce proceedings, child custody determinations, and domestic violence cases.

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