Encino Family Law Blog

Military divorces may effect eligibility for benefits

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in military divorce on Friday, September 21, 2018.

Americans know to thank members of the armed forces for their service, while many military spouses do not even get thanked for their support. Marriage to a military officer or serviceman can be a difficult ordeal, with people often feeling they are sharing a loved one with a geopolitical climate out of their control.

Long absences, limited benefits and other side effects of the military lifestyle can take their toll on a relationship. Military spouses may also feel emotional complications beyond the usual overtones of divorce because separating from someone defending his or her country can separate a person from a community as well.

What can I expect from a California divorce?

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in divorce on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Few events are harder to deal with in life than divorce. Even when separating spouses are in agreement on key issues, the legal complexity and emotional toll can be unexpectedly high. This is one reason that divorcing people are often well advised to retain a lawyer to look out for their interests.

California law helps outline several of the legal processes and decisions to be made. They also describe who can apply for and receive a divorce in the Golden State.

Who can apply for a divorce in California?

Can I relocate with my child after the divorce?

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

When a couple gets a divorce or separates, it naturally changes the family dynamic. Many parents consider relocating, whether to begin a new job or a new chapter in life. A judge cannot force a parent to stay in the state, however, they will alter the custody to serve a child's needs.

Cases that require divorce modification often have the potential to reopen old wounds and revisit hostilities that were present during the divorce process. California prioritizes the best interest of the child when making these changes.

Technology to simplify a co-parenting arrangement

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in child custody on Monday, August 20, 2018.

Co-parenting with a former spouse brings a whole new set of challenges to a relationship that’s potentially already fraught with negativity and tension. During and after a divorce, co-parents need to focus their time and energy to maintain stability and consistency for their children.

To facilitate this level of communication between co-parents, technology can be a useful tool. New websites and apps for your phone exist for the sole purpose of assisting co-parents in maintaining a shared parenting schedule and duties. With the school year starting back up, now may be an ideal time to try out some of these tools for your co-parenting arrangement.

Choosing a power of attorney after divorce: 3 qualities

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

People who purchase car insurance normally don’t expect an accident anytime soon. Similarily, people don’t always enter a new health insurance plan and anticipate illness. Estate planning exists for these very reasons. Wills and trusts are important provisions for mapping out your future, and a reliable power of attorney is no exception. However, you may not know what to do next if your ex-spouse is your power of attorney.

Financial literacy may become concern after filing for divorce

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in divorce on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Many people, including some in California, lack the financial literacy that could help them in many areas of life. Commonly, when people are married, they allow one spouse to handle the finances while the other has little or nothing to do with expenses. While this arrangement may seem fine for a time, it can be jarring after filing for divorce.

After divorce, individuals will likely become responsible for their own financial well-being. In a recent survey involving divorced or soon-to-be divorced women, participants indicated how finances were handled while married. Apparently, 23 percent of women in the age range of 18 to 54 allowed their husbands to have financial control. With women in the 55 and over age range, only 18 percent allowed their husbands to solely handle their finances.

Can you modify a child support agreement later?

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC on Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

During divorce proceedings, one of the most contentious issues that often comes up relates to child support and custody. Both state and federal laws mention that both the father and mother are responsible for the fiscal well-being of any children they share. The law states child support must continue until the child graduates from high school and is at least 18 years old, or when the child turns 19 and either joins the military or marries.

A couple may divorce when the child is still fairly young, and a person's financial situation can change greatly over the course of a decade. It is possible to request a modification of child support payments as long as there is a significant change in circumstances.

Prenups may help with property division later on

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in property division on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Before entering into a marriage, it is important to consider a number of different aspects of life and the future. This step includes considering the potential for divorce. It is possible for California residents to prepare for divorce, and property division in particular, before they even get married.

A prenuptial agreement is a type of legal contract that more people are entering into before getting married. Individuals considered part of the millennial generation are especially seeing the benefits of these agreements. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers showed that over half of the attorneys that participated in the survey had clients of the millennial age looking for information on and requesting prenuptial agreements.

How to protect your privacy during divorce proceedings

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC on Thursday, July 5, 2018.

Divorce proceedings can be long and intensive. The state of California offers numerous resources so that people can become more informed about annulments and spousal support.

However, one aspect of the process many people overlook is how much privacy they lose. News of the divorce will spread quickly throughout your respective families as well as the businesses you work for and community organizations. Fortunately, there are ways to keep certain matters private.

Lack of closeness in marriage could lead to the divorce process

On behalf of Pedrick Law Group, APC posted in divorce on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

Intimacy and closeness are a substantial part of relationships. While they are likely not what the entirety of the relationship revolves around, issues can still come about if these areas are lacking in any marriage. It is also possible for a lack of intimacy to indicate additional issues that have California individuals considering the divorce process.

For most people, intimacy is about connection. When individuals no longer connect with their spouses, that feeling of closeness and the attention that was gained from one another may dissipate. Parties may find that they no longer have the emotional support they once had and need, and they may also feel that their relationship no longer brings physical comfort or closeness either. Feeling shut out from a spouse or a mutual shutting out of each other does not signify a healthy relationship.