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Navigating the Finer Points: When Does Child Support End in California?

February 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

If you’re a parent making child support payments, you’re likely wondering, “When does this financial responsibility come to an end?” According to California law, a parent’s duty to support their child continues until the child turns 18. It’s crucial, however, to be aware of significant exceptions. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore key scenarios where child support may end in California and how to end it.

The Child Gets Married

If the child gets married before turning 18, this event can lead to the termination of child support obligations. Marriage is considered a legal emancipation, indicating that the child is now assuming adult responsibilities independently. However, both married and unmarried parents should seek legal advice to formally address the conclusion of child support.

Related: Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of unmarried parents in California here.

Emancipation through Self-Support

An instance that might result in an early conclusion of child support, it’s if the child achieves self-sufficiency. Self-supporting, in this context, signifies the child attaining financial independence and no longer depending on parental financial aid.

For the court to acknowledge the child’s self-supporting status, the paying parent needs to furnish substantial evidence. It could be tax returns, bank statements, or showing that the child is independent for financial aid.

The Court Ends the Support or Custody Order

In some cases, the court may intervene to end child support or custody orders. This could be due to a change in circumstances, the child’s request, or other legal considerations. Parents must stay well-informed about any court decisions that might affect their child support obligations, especially when the child expresses a preference for a particular custody arrangement.

How Do I End Child Support?

Typically, to terminate child support, you must file a formal request in court known as a motion. You have to show the court or LCSA (local child support agency) that your child is self-supporting and is no longer reliant on parental assistance. Another important point is if you were the supporting parent but now have custody, file a motion to stop or seek support. Failing to modify the court order may let the other parent enforce it, even if your circumstances have changed.

Consult With Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates

We at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can help you understand your child support obligations or modify them. We will guide you in the termination process of your court order. Contact our office at (949) 951-9529 to ensure you are prepared for this legal transition. Let us assist you during these crucial moments.

The Importance of Estate Planning for Blended Families

October 17, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Estate planning is a critical aspect of securing your assets and ensuring the well-being of your loved ones after you’re gone. For blended families in California, estate planning takes on even greater significance due to the unique challenges they face. With complex family dynamics and legal considerations, it becomes essential for blended families to create a comprehensive estate plan that addresses their specific needs. In this month’s blog, we will explore the importance of estate planning for blended families in California.

information about estate planning

The Unique Challenges of Blended Families

Blended families, consisting of remarried or re-partnered individuals with children from previous relationships, have intricate family structures that require careful estate planning. In California, without a proper estate plan, the laws of intestate succession will govern the distribution of assets, which may not align with the wishes of the blended family. Estate planning allows blended families to designate beneficiaries, provide for their stepchildren, and ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, avoiding potential conflicts and legal complications.

Related: Learn more about how to set up a trust fund here.

Protecting the Interests of Stepchildren

One crucial aspect of estate planning for blended families is ensuring the financial security of stepchildren. Without a proper plan in place, stepchildren may be unintentionally disinherited, as the law does not recognize stepchildren as legal heirs. By including stepchildren as beneficiaries in your estate plan, you can protect their interests and provide for their future, ensuring they are not left vulnerable to financial instability.

Addressing Potential Family Conflicts

Blended families often carry a higher risk of family conflicts arising during the estate administration process. Disputes between biological children, stepchildren, and surviving spouses can lead to prolonged legal battles and strained relationships. Through estate planning, you can clearly outline your wishes, establish trusts, and designate responsible trustees who can ensure a fair distribution of assets. By proactively addressing potential conflicts, you can minimize the chances of disputes and foster harmony within your blended family.

Rely on Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates!

If you or someone you know wants to create an estate plan in California, call the local pros of Orange County, Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, for help. We will help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and ensure the protection of your loved ones. Visit our website at richardeyoungattorney.net or call us at (949) 951-9529 to schedule a consultation.

Protecting Your Business in a Divorce: Legal Strategies for Business Owners

September 25, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process for anyone, but it can become even more complex when you’re a business owner. Your business is not just a source of income; it’s your livelihood, your passion, and your investment. So, how can you protect your business during a divorce? In this month’s blog, we will explore some important legal strategies that business owners can implement to protect their businesses during a divorce.

Understanding Community Property Laws

In many states, including California, marital property is divided equally between both spouses during a divorce. This means that if you started your business during your marriage, it could be considered community property and subject to division. To protect your business, it’s crucial to establish that it is separate property. This can be done by providing evidence that the business was started before marriage or by having a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that clearly outlines the business as separate property.

Related: Learn more about the division of assets and debt in a divorce here.

Valuation and Buyout Options

When dividing assets in a divorce, the value of the business needs to be determined. This requires a thorough valuation process, which may involve assessing the business’s financial statements, assets, and future earning potential. Once the value is determined, there are several options for dividing the business. One option is for one spouse to buy out the other’s interest in the business. This can be done through negotiation or by using other assets to offset the value of the business. It is essential to consult with your business lawyer or with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your business interests are protected.

Related: Learn more about the things to consider before hiring a lawyer for your business here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, protecting your business during a divorce requires careful planning and proactive measures. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we understand the unique challenges that business owners face during a divorce. We provide personalized legal strategies to protect your business and guide you through the divorce process. Contact us at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website at richardeyoungattorney.net to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your business assets.

Can a Child Choose Custody?

June 6, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Many parents who have undergone a divorce have listened to their children expressing their desire to reside with the non-custodial parent. Though this is usually said in the heat of the moment, one question that frequently arises in such cases is: can a child have a say in deciding custody arrangements, and if yes, when? In this month’s blog, we talk about when a child can choose custody, exploring the relevant legal frameworks and shedding light on the associated intricacies.

Who Decides Child Custody?

Parents are used to making decisions regarding what is best for their children. However, if an agreement on child custody cannot be reached by the parents prior to appearing in court or during mediation, the ultimate determination of child custody is entirely at the discretion of the judge handling their case. Therefore, the judge will decide who won the custody battle.

Related: learn more about tips that help you to win a custody battle here.

When Can a Child Have a Say?

According to Family Code 3042, the judge does not view it as harmful for a child that passes 14 to express their custody preference. But this doesn’t mean that the child’s custodial preferences decide where they live and with whom. It’s important to understand that the judge doesn’t have to follow the child’s preference as they make the decision based on what’s in the best interest of the child.  

What if You Disagree with Your Child’s Preference?

You want what’s best for your child, but hearing that your child prefers to live with the other parent can be a heartbreaking moment. At the end of the day, custody is granted based on what the judge decides, but as your child age, circumstances may mean that these arrangements need to be altered. 

Get The Best California Family Law Representation!

If you’re a parent going through a divorce and you have a custody battle to win, call on Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates. We have extensive experience in family law, and we’ll help you obtain the best possible custody outcome for your case. Call Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates now at (949) 951-9529 to discuss your case.

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