Do I Have to Pay Child Support If My Ex Refuses to Work? Divorce can be frustrating, stressful, and expensive enough without having to shoulder more than your fair share of the financial load. In family situations, where children must be raised after the parents separate, fair outcomes should be sought that allow each parent to contribute to the healthy development and support of the child—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially. If one parent is paying child support, the other parent should not be entitled to quit work or become under-employed. Child support payments are the right of the child in California and should contribute towards the child's upbringing—not to support the custodial parent. This situation can be very frustrating for the parent paying child support—especially if he/she is also paying spousal support—but what does Californian family law say about this situation?

What are my rights if my ex has sole physical custody in California? Navigating child custody arrangements in California can be challenging, especially when one parent has sole physical custody and the other has joint legal custody. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to understand that, despite not having physical custody, you still play a vital role in your child's life. Knowing your rights under joint custody can help you remain actively involved in important life choices and ensure that your voice is heard. Learn more about what joint legal custody entails and why it is significant for your child's future and how The Sands Law Group can help you and your family make decisions that are in your children's best interests.

The California Divorce Process Divorce is difficult enough without having to deal with too many surprises in the legal processes and requirements for divorcing spouses. Familiarizing yourself with the standard steps in the California divorce process can help you prepare for what is around the corner, reduce stress, and improve the chances of a beneficial outcome for you and your children.

What are the rights of Unmarried Fathers in California? In California, the rights of unmarried fathers can be complex and often feel confusing or even unfair. If you're an unmarried father, you may worry about your ability to remain involved in your child's life, especially if you and the child's mother separate. The good news is that while the legal landscape may seem daunting, unmarried fathers do have rights—but they must take certain steps to protect them.

Retroactive Child Support in California Under Californian law, parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children from the moment they are born until they reach adulthood, which is considered to be 18 (sometimes called the "age of majority"). This obligation applies regardless of the legal custody arrangement between parents and even if no court order formally supports it. After separation or divorce, one parent usually pays child support to the other to contribute to the costs of raising the child. Sometimes, a parent is delayed from receiving support before a court order is issued and may be eligible for retroactive child support. When is retroactive child support applicable, how is this calculated, and is it mandatory in California?

How Long Do Spousal Support Payments Last in California? Spousal support (or "alimony" as it is sometimes referred to) can be awarded by a California court in divorce or separation cases if warranted. This type of support is paid from one spouse to another for a specific purpose. Its amounts vary according to multiple factors, most importantly the length of the marriage, the respective incomes and earning abilities of each ex-partner, and the quality of life they enjoyed as a married couple. Understanding how long spousal support payments typically last in California can help both parties prepare better for the future financial effects of a divorce.

How Long do you Have to be Married to Get Alimony in California Navigating the complexities of alimony can be challenging, especially in a state like California with its unique legal stipulations. At The Sands Law Group in Los Angeles, we understand the importance of clear and concise information when it comes to spousal support. A common question we receive is, "How long do you have to be married to get alimony in California?" While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the duration of your marriage plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility and the length of support you may receive.

What is a Custodial Parent in California? Unsurprisingly, perhaps, child custody is one of the main contentious matters during divorces in California. Neither parent generally wants to give up his/her rights to raising and spending time with their children so they must usually come to an agreement about sharing time and decision-making duties. Otherwise, the California courts will need to decide. The child custody decision-making process can involve considerable stress, time, and expense unless you understand your legal rights and responsibilities and receive the right legal guidance throughout.