Family Law Topics

Significant issues in Family Law

 

WHEN YOUR CLIENT COMMITS SUICIDE

WHEN YOUR CLIENT COMMITS SUICIDE

When your client commits suicide, what do you do? Anyone who has done family law for any length of time has experienced the concern and uncertainty that accompanies having a clinically depressed or otherwise unstable client. While attorneys have to maintain a degree...

read more
WHO WANTS TO BE A DIVORCE LAWYER?

WHO WANTS TO BE A DIVORCE LAWYER?

Indeed. Why would anyone choose to be a divorce lawyer? You see unhappy people at what is, for many of them, the worst moment of their life. Why would anyone sign up for that? Several years ago, a candidate for elective office in Ventura County referred to his...

read more
Why do Lawyers Talk That Way?

Why do Lawyers Talk That Way?

Every logophile has probably wondered ‘Why do Lawyers Talk That Way? ‘Cease and desist’ ‘Accord and satisfaction’ ‘Null and void’ ‘Give, devise and bequeath’ ‘Grant, bargain and sell’ Don’t they all mean the same thing? Why do you have to say it three times? Is it a...

read more
IS A COCKTAIL NAPKIN A VALID WILL?

IS A COCKTAIL NAPKIN A VALID WILL?

We are often asked to consult or co-counsel with attorneys who have unusual or complex cases they do not feel comfortable handling on their own. We have one colleague who handles only routine wills, trust and estates; whenever a matter threatens to turn into...

read more
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DATE OF SEPARATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DATE OF SEPARATION

The date of separation is important because it establishes the end date for the acquisition of community property. During marriage, both spouses’ earnings, and anything purchased with those earnings, are community property. Family Code section 771 provides that a...

read more
SOCIAL NETWORK POSTINGS – BEWARE!

SOCIAL NETWORK POSTINGS – BEWARE!

Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter, Match.com, eHarmony, etc. are very popular and are used to display personal information. These sites can contain very private and confidential information; information that could be used adverse to...

read more