Family Law Blog

Divorce mediation is often the most affordable way to end a marriage, but many couples want to know exactly what it will cost. The divorce mediation cost depends on your mediator, your case, and how many issues you need to resolve. Mediation lets two spouses work with a neutral divorce mediator to reach agreement, usually […]

One of the most common questions people ask when a marriage ends is whether they can start dating during a divorce in California. The short answer is yes — there is no law that prohibits it. But while dating is legal, the timing and circumstances of a new relationship can ripple into your case in […]

If you are facing the end of a marriage, one of the first questions on your mind is almost certainly about money: how much does a divorce cost in Orange County? The honest answer is that it depends on your circumstances, but you do not have to settle for a vague estimate. This guide breaks […]

Want to move out of state with your kids after a divorce? In California, you may need the court’s permission first. A long-distance move is one of the most contested issues in family law, and getting it wrong can cost you custody. These disputes are known as move-away cases. This guide explains how California courts […]

Worrying about how you will afford a lawyer is one of the most common concerns at the start of a divorce — especially if your spouse controls most of the household income. The good news is that California law does not require the lower-earning spouse to simply go without representation. Here is a thorough look […]

When parents separate, few questions feel more urgent than how custody will be decided. In California, custody is not about rewarding one parent or punishing the other — it is about what arrangement serves the child. Courts apply a single guiding standard, the best interests of the child, and weigh a set of practical factors […]

California changed how child support is calculated. If your information is from before September 2024, your number may be wrong. A major overhaul updated the formula for the first time in decades. This guide explains how child support is calculated in California, what the new law changed, and why an existing support order may be […]

Can you make your spouse move out during a divorce? Usually not, unless one important thing is true. In California, both spouses generally have the right to stay in the family home until a court says otherwise. This guide explains who has the right to live in the marital home during a divorce, when a […]

When a marriage ends, one of the most important early decisions is how you will actually get divorced. In Orange County, most couples choose between two paths: divorce mediation or litigation. Each has real advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your level of conflict, your finances, and whether children are involved. This […]

If you and your spouse agree on the major terms of your split, you may be wondering whether you really need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Orange County. The short answer is no — California does not require you to hire an attorney to end a marriage. But “not required” is not the […]