Blogs

Til Debt Do You Part: The Unexpected Debt Consequences of Divorce in California
- by Ji Y. Park
No one wants to consider the debt consequences of divorce, yet at the same time, there are so many misconceptions about how it works. Here's what you need to know.

‘Tis The Season for Finding Agreement on a Holiday Visitation Schedule…or the Court Will Do it For You
- by Ji Y. Park
It’s that time of year when visitation schedules can get particularly tricky. Scheduling visitation with kids between their divorced parents can already be emotional—so how do you agree on a schedule when both parents want the child for Christmas or Thanksgiving?
Well, no one can promise that it is easy. But you’re not alone—there are multiple scheduling options for all kinds of ex-couples…even the ones that are far from amicable.

When it Comes to Alimony, Non-working Spouses Do NOT Get a Free Pass
- by Ji Y. Park
For some non-working ex-spouses about to receive alimony, the promise of easy street may seem within grasp. After all, once the alimony and/or child support payments are settled, that can replace one's ordinary income, right? One might never have to work again!
Not so fast, says the court.
If you refuse to work while actually being able, your alimony and/or child support payments could be impacted, and the court could intervene.

Can a Child’s Opinion Impact Custody Arrangements in California?
- by Ji Y. Park
When it comes to custody arrangements, parents often ask: does the child have a say at all in the custody decisions and schedule?
The answer is sometimes yes, but mostly no. Here are a few answers to common questions from parents regarding the role of a child’s preference. The answers are not always easy, but parents should know all the facts before going into the situation.

The Retirement Benefits of Divorce
- by Ji Y. Park
Though retirement may be the last thing you are thinking of when getting a divorce, it’s good to know that there may be some benefits that you accrued during your marriage.
Even if retirement is far off, the following benefits are worth investigating now for when the time comes.

What Makes a Fair Joint Custody Arrangement? There Are More Options Than You Might Think
- by Ji Y. Park
Divorce is tough on everyone involved, but if there are kids in the picture, it makes it all the more complicated.
Of all the sticking points in a divorce settlement, the parties’ custody arrangement for their kids can be the most contentious. Luckily, courts recognize how complicated it can be for parents leading two different and separate lives to also co-parent. There are many established options for how to divide custody time between parents.

In a Divorce Settlement, Can You Recoup Payments Made on a Home?
- by Ji Y. Park
When a marriage ends, it's always a difficult time, even in the most amicable situations.
The division of assets and debts can make it even harder, as no doubt each side has a different idea of what a fair deal is.
When it comes to dividing real estate, many might wonder what California law has to say about recouping payments made on a house purchased during the marriage. Can any of it be reimbursed? It turns out, under certain circumstances, the answer is yes.

Domestic Violence is Serious. Here’s What You Need to Know
- by Ji Y. Park
What is Domestic Violence?
We all may have a stereotypical picture of what domestic violence is in our heads, but the legal definition is actually broader than you might think. Yes, domestic violence can be battery, assault or sexual assault. But in California, other things can fall under the umbrella of domestic violence, including harassment, stalking, destroying personal property, disturbing the peace, or even indirect threats.
If you can show that any of the above is happening and that you have a “reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury,” the court will issue a temporary restraining order and possibly a permanent restraining order.