Family Law

When someone inherits assets while married in California, questions often arise about whether those belongings belong to both spouses or just the individual recipient. In California, inherited property is generally regarded as separate from the assets shared by a married couple. However, this separation can change depending on how the inheritance is handled during the marriage. If the inherited items such as money, real estate, or possessions are mixed with jointly owned assets or used for the benefit of the marriage, they may lose their individual status. Understanding the rules…

What Legal Rights Do Grandparents Have in California in 2025? In California, grandparents’ rights have continued to evolve to reflect the complexities of modern family dynamics. As of 2025, state law recognizes that, under certain circumstances, a grandparent may have the legal right to seek visitation or even custody of a grandchild. These rights are not automatic, however, and the burden remains on the grandparent to prove that such involvement is in the best interest of the child. At Sarieh Family Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these cases require a…

Writing one's own prenuptial agreement in California is achievable and can be valid if handled with precision. Self-drafting a prenup is permissible, but it requires adherence to specific legal standards set by the state to ensure enforceability. These requirements include full financial disclosure, voluntary consent, and proper notarization. In California, the guidelines laid down by the state's family law dictate that a prenup should not involve duress or lack of fair representation. The Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA) outlines these requirements ensuring that agreements are made without any undue pressure.…

As a parent who wants to protect their child, being reported to Orange County Child Protective Services (CPS) can come as a shock, which can lead to anger and frustration. This is a situation that needs to be taken very seriously, as the potential consequences can be life-changing. Read on for what you need to know. What Should I Do if I've Been Reported to CPS? There are two immediate things that need to happen when you've been reported to CPS: Stay calm, as angry outbursts could be used as…

When parents decide to separate and divorce, the court will want them to draw up and present a parenting plan. This may sound daunting, and it can be; it requires patience and negotiation. But in the end, it helps prioritize what's right for the child. Read on to learn more. What Is a Parenting Plan? A parenting plan (sometimes called a custody and visitation agreement) is a document that details how the separated or divorced parents will allocate the rights and responsibilities involved in raising their children. If there are…