Family Law

Family law is the area of law that deals with a variety of matters governing the family relationship, including getting married, getting divorced, adopting a child, and establishing and modifying child support, child visitation and custody.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps are Necessary to Enter a Valid Premarital Agreement in California?
The California Uniform Premarital Agreement Act requires that premarital agreements be in writing and signed by both parties. In order to be valid, the agreement must be made … more
In California, Can a Spouse Give Up His or Her Right to Alimony in a Premarital Agreement?
Yes, California law allows spouses to include modification or elimination of spousal support in their prenuptial agreement. However, the law requires that the affected spouse be represented … more
What Is Community Property?
California law defines community property as any asset acquired or income earned by a married person while living with his or her spouse. Separate property is defined as anything acquired by a … more

Legal Articles

Common Law Marriage
It is possible to get married without saying “I do” – at least in a minority of states and the District of Columbia. Currently, 11 states and our nation’s capital, allow heterosexual couples to be considered married without a formal marriage license and without a formal ceremony if they meet the requirements for a common law marriage. States That Recognize Common … more
How to Avoid an Ugly Divorce
While a divorce clearly indicates that a couple no longer wants to be married, the process of getting divorced does not have to be ugly. Often, particularly if there are children from the marriage, it is important to keep things amicable because the divorced spouses must continue to communicate after the divorce is finalized. Just how that can be accomplished depends on the … more