In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025. We honor the legacy of Dr. King and his commitment to equality, justice, and service.

Parents of children with special needs often face high costs for therapy, even with insurance. California law requires both parents to share reasonable uninsured healthcare costs as part of child support. Disputes may arise when one parent refuses to pay, leaving the other to seek court enforcement and provide proof of the treatment's necessity. To ensure reimbursement, parents should maintain detailed records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and payment documentation. Courts can enforce payment and may award legal fees if costs were unjustly withheld. In some cases, this obligation extends beyond age 18 for children with lifelong disabilities. Learn more:

We are delighted to announce the ascension of Kristi Freas to the role of Lead Paralegal at Hoover Krepelka, LLP. Our team warmly embraced Kristi’s return in 2024 as a Senior Paralegal, remembering her as a Legal Assistant at HK in 2016. With over 20 years of impressive legal experience, including a decade of dedicated service in family law, Kristi’s expertise and dedication have already made a significant impact. Kristi’s exceptional knowledge, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence have enriched both our team and the client experience. In her new role as Lead Paralegal, she will continue to guide and inspire our team while upholding the highest standards of service. Please join us in celebrating Kristi’s well-earned ascension and in expressing gratitude for her invaluable contributions to our firm’s ongoing success. We are proud to have her leadership as we move forward together.

We are excited to welcome Legal Assistant, Andrew Holt, to Hoover Krepelka, LLP! Andrew is a University of Oregon alumnus, earning a BA in Political Science with a minor in Business. His professional background includes valuable experience at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, CA, where he also served on the Board of Directors and volunteered with Youth Golf through the PGA TOUR Junior League. Andrew brings additional legal experience to our team, having worked as a Law Clerk, and is passionate about giving back to the community. He previously volunteered with FOOD For Lane County, supporting food and clothing donation efforts to help those in need. Outside of work, Andrew is a dedicated sports fanatic who enjoys keeping up with both professional and college teams. He also has a passion for exploring historical landmarks around the Bay Area, including old bars, military installations, and sites that have shaped the region’s rich history. We’re confident Andrew’s unique combination of experience, dedication, and diverse interests will make him a fantastic addition to our team. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!

The devastating fires in the Los Angeles area have left countless families displaced and communities in need of urgent assistance. For those of us watching from afar, it’s natural to feel at arm’s length when we’re not in the immediate vicinity of the devastation. However, distance doesn’t diminish our ability to make an impact. Here is a comprehensive list of resources (

High-conflict divorces are especially challenging when custody disputes involve a child with serious mental health issues, as the legal process can risk exacerbating the child’s condition. In California, custody decisions prioritize the child’s best interests, focusing on each parent’s ability to provide stability and support. Courts rely on assessments by mental health professionals to evaluate the parents’ suitability and determine custody arrangements. An experienced family law attorney is essential to navigating these complex cases and ensuring the court has the necessary information to make an informed decision. Learn more:

Divorce can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal growth and new beginnings. Many individuals find empowerment and happiness after divorce, especially when they recognize an unhealthy marriage. It allows for reinvention, whether through education, career changes, or pursuing long-held goals. Effective co-parenting and financial independence are possible with open communication and control over finances. Red flags indicating that divorce may be approaching include infidelity, financial disagreements, and abuse. Infidelity, affecting 20-40% of marriages, often leads to divorce, as do financial disputes or abusive behavior. While California’s no-fault divorce law simplifies proceedings, issues like abuse or hidden assets may affect the outcome. Hoover Krepelka, LLP offers guidance through this challenging period, helping individuals navigate the process with confidence and emerge stronger. Learn more at:

Hoover Krepelka, LLP is excited to support the incredible team behind Ruby Rae Productions' Copacabana, a short film shot right here in San Jose at the historic Corinthian Grand Ballroom. This project is more than a film—it’s a celebration of diversity, education, and women’s empowerment in the arts. Why we’re supporting Copacabana: Empowering Women in Film: The production team boasts 68 talented individuals, with 44 women on board and 14 of 16 departments led by women, challenging industry norms. Investing in Education: The Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship, funded by this project, will support a San José State University Film and Animation student’s tuition. Championing Diversity: With 85% of the cast and crew identifying as minorities, Copacabana is making strides toward greater representation on the big screen. We’re proud to help bring this vision to life as the team moves into post-production. Their commitment to inclusion and opportunity in the arts aligns with our values, and we can’t wait to see Copacabana light up the festival circuit! Catch a behind-the-scenes look on NBC Bay Area:

In a high-conflict divorce, where every decision that must be made to separate a married couple’s future legally becomes a vicious battleground dragged out through endless court hearings, the stress and uncertainty weigh on everybody involved. The damaging effects can have a lasting impact on even the most mentally healthy adult. However, when such a divorce involves a custody dispute over a child who has a serious mental health issue, the stakes become even higher. Will the legal process of deciding who should have legal and/or physical custody of the child exacerbate their mental illness? And how can the court determine who will be best suited to support the child’s mental health when the parents can’t find any common ground? Click here to learn how courts handle high-conflict custody disputes when a child has severe mental health issues.

Parents who have a child with special needs or a mental illness know that the costs ofcustody of providing effective therapy to support their mental well-being can be staggering. Even when health insurance coverage is available for appropriate services, co-pays and deductibles can add up to significant out-of-pocket costs. This situation is daunting enough when co-parents are on the same page regarding their child’s needs. However, when an ex-spouse refuses to pay for a child’s mental health cost, the other parent can be left with mounting bills and a sense of despair. In California, parents have the right to pursue reimbursement in court if their ex fails to pay the share of such expenses they’re responsible for, but they should be prepared to make the case that the care provided was necessary for the child’s well-being. Click here to learn how an experienced family law attorney can help dispute custody of decisions and provide essential guidance in presenting a thorough and effective argument.