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Stay-at-Home Mom Divorce Rights in California

November 4, 2024 / / 0 Comments

You have devoted much of your married life to caring for your family and home. Now, as your marriage ends, you may feel uncertain about the next steps. As one of the 24% of American mothers who prefer to stay home, you’re likely facing questions like, “How should I approach divorce as a stay-at-home mom?” or “Will I qualify for child support?” This month’s blog will outline your rights and make the divorce process less daunting.

Child Custody: Maintaining Stability for Your Children

In California, courts prioritize the well-being and stability of children in custody decisions. As a stay-at-home mom, you likely have a strong bond with your children and have been their primary caregiver. California courts often favor arrangements that support the existing family dynamic, which may work to your advantage if you have been the primary caregiver.

Remember that courts also encourage shared custody when both parents are fit, so be prepared for a parenting plan that allows your children to spend time with both parents.

Alimony: Financial Support for a Fresh Start

Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be crucial for stay-at-home moms after a divorce. Since you’ve focused more on household responsibilities, your earning capacity may be limited compared to your spouse. Courts consider your standard of living when determining alimony, and in your case, you require financial support to regain independence.

However, keep in mind that alimony is not always awarded in California, so working closely with a knowledgeable family law attorney is essential.

Property Division: Protecting Your Fair Share

California is a 50/50 state, meaning marital assets and debts are typically divided equally. This rule applies to assets acquired during the marriage, including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and even retirement accounts. For a stay-at-home mom, it’s essential to understand your entitlement to shared property, especially if you didn’t directly contribute financially. Even if you haven’t worked outside the home, you’re still entitled to a portion of these funds.

Career Re-entry and Vocational Training Support

You can start by looking for community resources or educational programs that align with your interests. Here are some suggestions for laying the groundwork for a return to work:

Seek Professional Help

At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we’re dedicated to helping you secure your future as you embark on this new chapter. Our experienced team can guide you through your options for child custody, spousal support, and property division. If you have questions or inquiries, contact us at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website at richardeyoungattorney.net.

Is It Worth Changing Court Orders?

October 9, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Court orders often seem like a permanent solution to legal disputes. However, in reality, they are more flexible than they appear. Especially in family law, where circumstances evolve, these orders can change over time. Whether it’s a custody arrangement or visitation schedule, life’s changes demand a closer look at whether these rulings still make sense. But is it worth the effort to modify a court order? In this month’s blog, we’ll talk about when it makes sense and when it might not.

When Should You Consider Changing a Court Order?

There are situations where changing a court order isn’t just worth it, but necessary. Most commonly, these changes occur in family law when child custody ends or spousal support needs adjusting. Let’s break down the most common reasons and steps involved in modifying court orders.

  1. Significant Life Changes

A key reason to seek a court order modification is a substantial change in circumstances. If someone’s income has significantly decreased or a parent relocates, for example, continuing with the existing order may no longer make sense. Courts are generally willing to listen when the original situation has shifted dramatically.

2. Modifying Your Parenting Plan

Modifying a parenting plan is one of the simpler changes to make in Family Court. If you and your ex-spouse see eye to eye, you can both submit an updated parenting plan for the court to approve and have the Judge sign off on it. Here’s how the process works.

However, if you and your ex don’t agree, things can get more complicated. Instead of just filing paperwork, you’ll need to request a court hearing. In this case, it’s a good idea to contact your Lake Forest divorce attorney for guidance.

The Legal Process of Modifying Court Orders

While it may seem daunting to change a court order, it’s not as difficult as many believe. The court’s intention, after all, is to protect your children. That being said, the court must be convinced that the change is both necessary and in the best interest of any children involved. Additionally, the individual requesting the change must present evidence to support their case to ensure smoother sailing later.

Related: Learn more about how unfit parenting is defined here.

Is It Worth It?

The question remains: is it worth changing a court order? In many cases, the answer is yes—especially when the current order no longer fits life’s reality. However, it’s important to weigh the potential costs when changing or reducing custody-related conflicts. Battles over modifications can take a toll on all parties involved, so hiring a seasoned Lake Forest family law attorney is necessary.

Allow Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates to Help You

If you’re facing a situation where modifying a court order is necessary, contact Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates at (949) 951-9529 for expert assistance. Court order modifications are often kept under the radar, but they are a crucial part of ensuring that legal arrangements stay relevant as life changes. Let us help you!

Is Alimony Always Awarded in a California Divorce?

August 2, 2024 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to spousal support or alimony, the question of whether it is always awarded in a divorce or not frequently comes up. In California, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. It’s not a given that alimony will be awarded in every case. Instead, it’s a decision made based on several factors and circumstances unique to each marriage. In this month’s blog, we will walk you through how alimony works in California.

Alimony concept. An envelope with cash on a table.

The Basics of Alimony in California

Alimony is intended to provide financial support to a spouse who may need it following a divorce. The idea is to ensure that both parties can maintain a standard of living reasonably close to what they enjoyed during the marriage. However, alimony isn’t automatically granted; it’s subject to judicial discretion and evaluation of multiple factors.

When considering spousal support, California courts look at the length of the marriage, the earning capacity, and the needs of each party. They also use phrases like “reasonable period of time” and “reasonable” to determine how long a supported spouse might need to be supported. 

Related: Learn more about alimony and child support here.

Temporary vs. Permanent Alimony

In California, there are different types of alimony that can be awarded: temporary and permanent. Temporary alimony, often referred to as “alimony pendente lite (APL),” is support awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability until the divorce is finalized. This type of support aims to keep things as stable as possible during a tumultuous time.

Permanent alimony, on the other hand, is awarded as part of the final divorce decree. However, the term “permanent” can be misleading because it doesn’t necessarily mean lifetime support. Instead, it can last for a specified period, particularly in marriages of shorter duration. For longer marriages, there’s a greater likelihood that support will be awarded for an extended period, but even then, it’s subject to modification.

Alimony sign on a black piece of paper and money.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

Circumstances can change, and with them, so can alimony arrangements. In California, either party can request a modification of alimony if there’s a significant change in circumstances. This could include a change in income, employment status, or even the financial needs of the recipient. Additionally, factors such as the remarriage of the recipient or the death of either party can influence the division of retirement accounts and the termination of related alimony payments in a California divorce.

Related: Learn more about how the division of retirement accounts works in a California divorce here.

Conclusion

This process can be stressful and confusing, but Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates is here to help. We help you whether you are the paying party or the receiving party. Our lawyers represent clients in Lake Forest, CA, and other communities throughout Orange County. Call us at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website at richardeyoungattorney.net to schedule a consultation.

Financial Considerations in Family Law: Understanding Alimony and Child Support

July 5, 2023 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to family law matters, financial considerations play a significant role in ensuring the well-being of all parties involved. Two essential aspects that require careful attention are alimony and child support. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we understand the complexities surrounding these matters and strive to provide expert guidance and support to our clients in Lake Forest, CA, and beyond. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of alimony and child support, shedding light on their purpose, calculation methods, and the importance of seeking professional legal assistance.

What is Alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is the financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce or separation. It aims to maintain the financial stability of the recipient spouse, especially if there is a significant disparity in income or one spouse was financially dependent on the other during the marriage. Determining the amount and duration of alimony involves considering various factors, such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

Related: “When It Is Time to Speak To a Divorce Lawyer”

What is Child Support?

Child support, on the other hand, is the financial contribution made by one parent to the other for the benefit of their children. It is intended to cover the children’s basic needs, including housing, food, education, and healthcare. The calculation of child support is typically based on state guidelines that take into account factors such as each parent’s income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Ensuring the fair and accurate determination of child support is crucial in preserving the best interests of the children involved.

Related: “Can a Child Choose Custody?”

Seek Professional Help

Navigating the financial aspects of family law can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we have extensive experience in handling alimony and child support cases. We are committed to providing personalized guidance and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. If you require assistance with understanding or resolving issues related to alimony or child support, please contact us at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website. We are here to help you protect your financial rights and ensure the well-being of your family.

Alimony Explained

November 12, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Alimony, also commonly known as spousal support, is a form of financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after the marriage has legally ended. Alimony is enforced by federal law and is in place to acknowledge that in marriages where a spouse forfeits a career to manage the household, the couple is essentially splitting essential family duties based on nonmonetary contributions that have to be equally considered. To learn more about the ins and outs of alimony, continue reading our blog!

Who Qualifies for Alimony?

The whole objective of alimony is to provide “reasonable and necessary” support upon divorce or separation. In order to qualify for alimony one must show the court that he or she needs financial support and that the other spouse has the economic means necessary to provide it.

What are the Stipulations of Alimony?

  • It must be requested during the divorce, not after
  • It will have to be forfeited in the event of remarriage and at the request of the ex-spouse
  • Couples who agree on alimony terms can resolve this matter outside of the court, however alimony can only be legally enforced when ordered by a court or if there’s a written agreement
  • Failure to pay alimony payments can result in a motion for contempt to be filed, and if approved, can lead to other means of enforcement including wage garnishing

What is the Legal Process?

Immediately upon agreeing to divorce any individual seeking spousal support must come forward and file a motion for it. A spouse can ask the judge to make a spousal support order as part of divorce, legal separation, annulment or a domestic violence restraining order.

If the couple cannot agree to this arrangement or to a fair monthly amount, a judge will decide if the individual is indeed entitled to the alimony, and if so exactly how much. Alimony will either be granted indefinitely or for a limited amount of time depending on the couples current and future circumstances.

Final Thoughts

An expert family lawyer will be able to provide end to end legal services for divorcees and those trying to navigate alimony, child support, custody and other legal cases. Learn more about the expert team at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, our convenient services, free consultations and much more on our website or by giving us a call at (949) 951-9529. We have proudly served countless families in the Orange County community with their alimony, divorce, custody, and bankruptcy cases since 1974.

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