Divorce

Navigating a divorce in California can be challenging, especially when dealing with Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs). An ATRO, or Automatic Temporary Restraining Order, automatically takes effect when a spouse files for divorce or legal separation in California. These orders are designed to maintain the status quo by preventing either spouse from making unilateral decisions about finances or property, thus safeguarding both parties and any children involved. In the state of California, ATROs cover various aspects of daily life during the divorce process. They prohibit spouses from moving out of…

In 2022, there were 673,989 divorces and annulments reported across the 45 U.S. states that report this statistic in 2022. During that same year, there were 2,065,905 marriages in the United States in 2022, reflecting a marriage rate of 6.2 per 1,000 people. In 2000, there were 944,000 divorces and annulments. The crude divorce rate was 4.0 per 1,000 population. By 2022, the crude divorce rate was 2.4 per 1,000 population, which is a significant decrease from the 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000. This trend points to a changing landscape…

Family Code 721 plays a crucial role in dealing with financial issues during divorce in California. This law governs how spouses must handle financial transactions between themselves and with third parties where both spouses' interests are impacted. It establishes that spouses owe each other important fiduciary duties, similar to those owed by trustees, ensuring financial transparency and fairness throughout the divorce process. These duties help protect spouses from financial exploitation while maintaining an equitable distribution of assets and debts during a divorce. Divorcing couples need to be aware of the…

The term gaslighting originates from the 1938 play and subsequent 1944 film "Gas Light," in which a husband manipulates his wife by dimming the gas lights and then denying any change, causing her to question her own perceptions. The term gaslighting now refers to a form of psychological manipulation where gas lights—manipulative tactics—are used to make someone doubt their own reality. Gaslighting is recognized as a powerful tool of control in emotional and psychological abuse within personal relationships, family dynamics, and workplace settings, contributing to the broader issues of domestic…

Property Division and Reimbursement Under California Family Code Section 2640 Property division can be one of the more painstaking and important aspects of a divorce in California. Generally, community property is eligible for distribution, and separate property is not. However, the lines can be easily blurred, which makes it challenging to determine whether a piece of property is community property or separate. California Family Code Section 2640 provides some guidance on how to navigate this gray area regarding community real estate and separate property funds. California Family Code Section 2640…

A common question divorce lawyers get from clients is, "If my wife filed for divorce, do I have to pay her support?" If your wife filed for divorce, she may be awarded alimony; it depends on the details of your marriage and divorce. This is also true in cases where a husband files for divorce and requests support; gender does not play a role in determining spousal support obligations in California. This means that either spouse in a divorce may be awarded support or obligated to pay support with no…

Navigating Complex Property Division in California Divorces Divorce cases are notoriously challenging to navigate because of the strong emotions and high-stakes nature of issues like child custody and property division. Separated spouses with a high net worth or extensive assets can face particularly difficult divorce cases, as can partners with assets like businesses and pensions that are complicated to divide. Having a divorce attorney with targeted experience with similar cases is an invaluable resource in complex divorces. If you expect to face challenges with property division during your divorce, contact…

10 Sneaky Divorce Tactics to Watch Out For in California Divorces can be emotionally, physically, and financially taxing, especially when the relationship ends on bad terms. With highly contentious divorces, you may want to be extra careful that your ex doesn't try to do things like hide assets or drain bank accounts. If you want a divorce attorney on your side to help you watch out for any sneaky divorce tactics like this, contact Sarieh Family Law. Our experience with complex divorce cases means we know what to look for…