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Legal Blog

The Firm's Legal Blog

California family law articles written by attorney Denise Furubotten, Esq.

Child Custody

At What Age Does Child Support Stop in California?

At what age does child support stop in California? Learn when support ends, the high school exception, and how to end an

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Agreements

Why Get a Prenuptial Agreement in California? Benefits and Common Misconceptions

Learn why a prenuptial agreement makes sense in California, what it protects, and what the common misconceptions are. No

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Divorce

Business Valuation in California Divorce — How Your Business Gets Divided

Learn how California courts value a business in divorce, the difference between enterprise and personal goodwill, and ho

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Child Custody

California Child Support Laws — Parent Guide | Furubotten Law

A complete guide to California child support laws including how support is calculated, add-ons, duration, and modificati

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Family Law

California Family Law Updates 2026

Key California family law updates for 2026 affecting divorce, child support, custody, and domestic violence proceedings.

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Divorce

California's 6-Month Divorce Waiting Period — What It Means and How to Use the Time

California's mandatory 6-month divorce waiting period starts from service, not filing. Learn what it means, when the clo

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Property & Assets

Cryptocurrency and Divorce in California — How Bitcoin and Crypto Are Divided

Learn how California courts divide Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets in divorce. Valuation challenges, hidden

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Child Custody

Can You Change a Custody Agreement in California? What the Law Requires

Learn what legal standard California courts apply to change a custody agreement, what changed circumstances mean, and ho

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Child Custody

Move-Away Cases in California — Can You Relocate With Your Child After Divorce?

California move-away cases are among the most complex custody disputes. Learn the LaMusga standard, how sole vs joint cu

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Child Custody

At What Age Can a Child Choose Their Custody Arrangement in California?

Family Code 3042 lets courts consider a child's custody preference but does not give children a choice. Learn how age an

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Child Custody

Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With in California?

When a teenager refuses to go to the other parent in California, courts face a real dilemma. Learn what Family Code 3042

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Child Custody

How to Modify a Child Custody Order in California — Step by Step

A step-by-step guide to modifying a California child custody order. The RFO process, mediation requirements, and what ha

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Child Custody

Child Custody During Summer Vacation — Your Rights and Options in California

Learn what your rights are when your parenting plan is silent on summer, how to modify for summer break, and what courts

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Child Custody

Child Custody Schedules by Age California | Furubotten Law

Learn what child custody schedules by age California courts prefer, from infants through teenagers. Furubotten Law serve

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Divorce

Cryptocurrency and Divorce in California — How Bitcoin and Digital Assets Are Divided

Learn how California courts divide cryptocurrency in divorce, how hidden crypto is discovered, and how valuation volatil

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Child Custody

10 California Child Custody Myths That Could Hurt Your Case

Believing common child custody myths in California can damage your case. Learn what the law actually says about maternal

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Divorce

What Happens to Investment Properties and Vacation Homes in California Divorce?

Learn how California courts divide vacation homes, rental properties, and investment real estate in divorce — valuation,

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Divorce

Divorce as a Business Owner in California — What You Need to Know

Business owners face unique divorce challenges including business valuation, goodwill analysis, and income calculation.

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Divorce

How to Negotiate a Divorce Settlement in California — Strategy and Process

Learn how California divorce settlement negotiations work, when to settle vs litigate, and the strategic factors that de

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Family Law

Divorcing a Narcissist in California — What to Expect and How to Protect Yourself

Learn what divorcing a narcissist in California involves — the litigation tactics, how courts respond, and strategies th

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Family Law

Do California Courts Favor Mothers Over Fathers in Custody Cases?

California custody law is gender-neutral but fathers still face real challenges. Learn what the law says, what courts ac

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Child Custody

When Can You Modify Child Support in California? The Complete Guide

Learn when California courts modify child support, what qualifies as changed circumstances, and whether a judge can deny

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Child Custody

Modifying Child Custody in California — When You Need an Attorney

Learn when you need an attorney for a California custody modification, the risks of self-representation, and what a fami

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Divorce

Does Filing for Divorce First Give You an Advantage in California?

Filing for divorce first in California gives the petitioner some strategic advantages but no legal edge on property, sup

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Child Custody

Gender-Neutral Custody in California — What the Law Says and What It Means

California eliminated gender preferences in custody decades ago. Learn the legal history, what replaced the tender years

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Divorce

Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in California?

Filing first in a California divorce has strategic implications for ATROS, venue, and temporary orders. Learn what petit

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Divorce

Grounds for Divorce in California

California recognizes only irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce. Learn what this means and how fault may st

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Divorce

Family Code 1101 — What Happens When Your Spouse Hides Assets in California Divorce

Learn what California courts do when a spouse hides assets in divorce. Family Code 1101 doubles the asset award, and per

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Divorce

High-Asset and High Net Worth Divorce in California — Strategies and What to Expect

High net worth divorce in California requires specialized strategy. Learn how forensic accounting, business valuation, a

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Divorce

High-Asset Divorce in California — Strategies That Protect Your Interests

High net worth divorce in California requires forensic accounting, expert valuation, and strategic litigation decisions.

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Child Custody

Holiday Custody Schedules in California — How to Plan and What Courts Require

Learn how California parenting plans address holiday custody schedules, what courts order when parents disagree, and how

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Family Law

Temporary Court Orders in California Divorce — How to Get One and What They Cover

Learn how temporary restraining orders, custody orders, and spousal support orders work during a California divorce. The

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Property & Assets

How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in California Divorce — QDRO Guide

Learn how 401k, pension, IRA, and CalPERS accounts are divided in California divorce. What a QDRO is, how it works, and

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Domestic Violence

How Domestic Violence Allegations Affect Child Custody in California

Family Code 3044 creates a presumption against custody for domestic violence perpetrators in California. Learn how it wo

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Child Custody

How California Courts Handle Child Custody — The Complete Process

Learn the complete California custody court process from petition filing through final order — mediation, evaluation, he

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Divorce

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay?

Manhattan Beach and South Bay divorces involve high-asset estates and LA County courts. Learn what affects the timeline

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Child Custody

Child Support Modification Timeline California | Furubotten Law

How long does child support modification take in California? Learn the timeline, process, and effective date rules. Furu

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Divorce

How to File for Divorce in Orange County, California — Courts, Forms, and Fees

A complete guide to filing for divorce in Orange County Superior Court — which courthouse, what forms, filing fees, and

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Divorce

How to Protect Your Assets in a California Divorce — Legal Strategies That Work

Learn the legal strategies that genuinely protect separate property in a California divorce — and what crosses the line

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Child Custody

How to Prove Parental Alienation in California | Furubotten Law

Learn how to prove parental alienation in California, what evidence courts require, and what remedies are available. Fur

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Property & Assets

Red Flags Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets During Divorce

Learn the behavioral warning signs that a spouse may be hiding money or assets in a California divorce. What to document

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Divorce

Divorce Settlement in California — Every Issue You Need to Resolve

A complete guide to the issues that must be resolved in every California divorce settlement — property, support, custody

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Property & Assets

Marital Property vs. Separate Property in California — Key Differences

Learn the difference between community property and separate property in California, how commingling works, and how tran

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Divorce

How to Prepare for Divorce in California — A Practical Guide

A practical guide to preparing for divorce in California — what financial records to gather, what accounts to protect, a

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Child Custody

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case in California — What Judges Look For

Learn how to prepare for a California custody case — what evidence courts find compelling, common mistakes that hurt par

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Divorce

How to Protect Your Assets in a California Divorce — Legal Strategies That Work

Learn the legal strategies for protecting separate property, documenting your assets, and complying with California law

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Divorce

Real Estate and Investment Properties in California Divorce

Learn how the family home, vacation properties, and investment real estate are divided in California divorce. Tax conseq

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Family Law

California Divorce Residency Requirements — What You Need to Qualify

California divorce requires 6 months state residency and 3 months county residency. Learn the exceptions, military rules

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Divorce

How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in California Divorce — QDRO Complete Guide

Learn how 401(k), pension, IRA, and other retirement accounts are divided in California divorce. What a QDRO is and why

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Divorce

Same-Sex Divorce in California — How It Works and What to Expect

Learn how same-sex divorce works in California, community property for couples married before 2008, domestic partnership

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Child Custody

Joint Physical Custody in California — How It Works Day to Day

Learn how joint physical custody actually works in California — logistics, school enrollment, daily decision-making, and

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Divorce

Should You File for Divorce Before Your Spouse? What to Consider

Deciding whether to file for divorce first in California involves financial preparation, account protection, and strateg

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Child Custody

Signs of Parental Alienation — How to Recognize It Before It Gets Worse

Learn the early warning signs of parental alienation in California. Behavioral red flags, what children say and do, and

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Child & Spousal Support

Spousal Support in High-Asset California Divorces — What Courts Really Award

High net worth divorce spousal support involves complex income analysis, marital standard of living evidence, and execut

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Divorce

Stock Options, RSUs, and Deferred Compensation in California Divorce

Learn how stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation are divided in California divorce. The Nelson/Hug formula, vest

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Child Custody

Summer Custody Schedules in California — How to Plan Summer Parenting Time

Summer custody schedules in California require specific planning separate from the regular parenting plan. Learn what wo

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Family Law

Stock Options, RSUs, and Deferred Compensation in California Divorce

Learn how stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation are divided in California divorce. The Nelson/Hug formula and w

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Family Law

The California 10-Year Marriage Rule — What It Really Means for Spousal Support

The California 10-year marriage rule affects spousal support duration, not divorce itself. Learn what it really means, w

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Property & Assets

Trusts and Divorce in California — How Living Trusts Affect Your Case

Learn how California courts treat revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and inherited trust assets in divorce. Tr

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Divorce

Domestic Partner Dissolution in California — Different from Divorce in Key Ways

California domestic partnership dissolution follows similar rules to divorce but with key differences. Learn about simpl

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Divorce

Trusts and Divorce in California — How Living Trusts Affect Your Case

Learn how California courts treat living trusts, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and inherited trust assets in divorce

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Divorce

Uncontested Divorce in California

Learn how uncontested divorce works in California, what is required, and how to complete the process. Furubotten Law ser

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Child Custody

What Can Be Used Against You in a California Custody Battle

Learn what evidence courts use against parents in California custody cases — social media, texts, criminal history, pare

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Family Law

Debt and Divorce in California — Who Pays What and How It Works

Learn how California divides community and separate debt in divorce, how to protect your credit, and what indemnificatio

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Divorce

What Documents Do You Need to File for Divorce in California?

A complete checklist of documents needed to file for divorce in California — Judicial Council forms, financial records,

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Child Custody

What "Best Interests of the Child" Really Means in California Custody Cases

The best interests of the child standard under Family Code 3011 is the foundation of every California custody decision.

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Family Law

What Happens If Your Spouse Refuses to Sign Divorce Papers in California?

A spouse cannot legally prevent a California divorce by refusing to sign papers. Learn how default divorce works and how

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Child Custody

Sole Legal Custody vs. Joint Legal Custody in California — What Is the Difference?

Learn the difference between sole and joint legal custody in California, when courts award each, and how legal custody d

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Divorce

What Is Legal Separation in California and Is It Right for You?

Legal separation in California lets couples live apart with court orders but stay legally married. Learn who benefits fr

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Family Law

What Not to Do When Your Spouse Files for Divorce in California

Being served with a California divorce petition triggers urgent legal obligations. Learn what mistakes to avoid in the f

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Child Custody

When to Establish a Custody Arrangement in California — Before or After Divorce?

Custody arrangements should be established at the start of separation, not at final judgment. Learn why temporary orders

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Property Division

Divorce as a Business Owner

Dividing your property in a California divorce can be complicated even if you have relatively straightforward property and assets. As a community property ...

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Divorce

Are You Unsure About Your Divorce Case?

Some people go through phases where they fight with their spouses and want to end their marriages, so they might file for divorce. Once the divorce is in p...

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Divorce

Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce?

In the big picture, no, it does not matter who files divorce first. However, if you take a deeper look, you’ll find that there are some advantages to being...

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Divorce

California Has a Divorce Waiting Period

While Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, and Virginia have no divorce waiting period at all, all...

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Divorce

First Steps to File for Divorce in 2022

Once the holidays are over, and things go back to normal, many people decide it is time to file for divorce. Whether you held out during the holidays knowi...

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Divorce

Factors that Might Complicate Your Divorce

Getting divorced is always complicated – at least emotionally. Ending a marriage can be stressful, even if you know it is the right thing to do. In some ca...

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Divorce

What is No-Fault Divorce?

The way in which couples divorce has evolved with time, and in the modern world, it can be a relatively simple process compared to the divorce cases of the...

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Divorce

Residency Requirements for a California Divorce

Going through a divorce in any state can be stressful and confusing, and beginning the process in the right court will ensure that you don’t have to double...

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Divorce

Many People File for Divorce Right After the Holidays

For some, the holidays are a magical time of vacation from work and giving and receiving gifts, while for others, it is a stress-laden time for financial, ...

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Divorce

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Manhattan Beach California?

The decision to get divorced is hard enough, and when it seems to drag on forever, the hurt and associated pain is also extended, and this is not always ne...

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Divorce

Should You File for Divorce Before Your Spouse?

When a marriage has reached the point where divorce is the appropriate course of action, it can be difficult to decide how to begin. If you have decided to...

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Divorce

Unsure About Your Divorce Case?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Oct 11, 2021|Divorce,Legal Separation...

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Divorce

Divorce Negotiations

When two people decide to get divorced, it is often because they are having trouble agreeing on certain issues in their lives. They then face the conundrum...

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Divorce

Are You Considering Divorce for 2021?

2020 was a difficult year for most people, whether it was challenging financially, emotionally, or both. Families felt a lot of pressure, and marriages wer...

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Divorce

Preparing for a Divorce Case

Most people do not get married while anticipating a divorce case down the road. However, many people might have a feeling that divorce is in their future b...

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Divorce

What is Legal Separation?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Oct 28, 2021|Legal Separation...

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Divorce

Benefits of a Premarital Agreement

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|May 3, 2021|Premarital Agreements...

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Child Support

Do You Need a Child Support Modification?

Millions of people have been furloughed or lost their jobs since March of 2020, and the financial struggles continue for both households and businesses. If...

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Divorce

The Role of a Successor Trustee

Trusts are legal instruments that can benefit people as part of an estate plan. When you create a living trust, you will serve as the trustee while you are...

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Child Custody

Summer vacation may complicate custody exchanges

During the school year, custody exchanges can be a relatively simple matter. Many parents have agreements that allow one parent to drop the children off at...

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Divorce

The unique challenges of same-sex divorce in California

Same-sex divorces have become more common in the years since the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage. While California was one of the first states...

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Divorce

3 things to expect during a Long Beach divorce

Deciding to end a marriage is a significant life transition. You may worry about where you must file or how the state treats your hard-earned assets. You w...

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Property Division

Can you divide crypto assets during a divorce?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Mar 18, 2026|Division of Assets...

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Divorce

Does filing for divorce first in California give you an advantage?

Deciding to end a marriage is a heavy burden that often comes with more questions than answers. You might worry that waiting for your spouse to act could l...

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Property Division

Hidden assets in California divorce and why they matter

Financial transparency plays a critical role in a California divorce. Property division and support discussions rely on complete and accurate disclosure of...

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Divorce

How do California courts handle child custody and best interests?

California courts focus on your child’s well-being when they make custody orders. If you understand what judges look for, you can prepare better and set re...

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Divorce

What happens if one spouse refuses to sign divorce papers?

People preparing for divorce often brace themselves for conflict with their spouses. Those with minor children may fret over the possibility of custody arg...

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Domestic Violence

How can domestic violence allegations impact California divorces?

Domestic violence is one of the more common reasons that people file for divorce. Those who have experienced spousal abuse may want to sever their ties and...

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Child Custody

Does gender matter in California custody decisions?

Many parents worry that California courts give one parent an edge in custody cases. You may hear stories from friends or online groups and wonder if gender...

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Child Custody

Debunking common myths about child custody in California

As a parent going through a divorce or separation, you will likely encounter a lot of misinformation about child custody. Friends, family and even online f...

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Child Custody

Holiday co-parenting tips

The holiday season is a time of joy, but for co-parents, it can also bring unique challenges....

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Child Custody

Preparing for Your Child Custody Case in California

Going through achild custodycase can be a stressful and emotional process. It’s important to be prepared and informed to ensure the best outcome for you an...

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Divorce

What Does the “Best Interests of the Child” Mean?

The law protects the interests of children in many ways, and one way is by setting standards for child custody arrangements. The standard in California is ...

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Child Custody

Child Custody Over Summer Vacation

If you have a school-aged child and share custody with your ex, their summer vacation from school can be a complicated time. If both parents work and your ...

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Child Custody

What is Legal Custody of a Child?

Child custody in California is divided into two categories: legal and physical custody. Physical custody refers to where a child will live, but what does l...

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Divorce

Can Your Child Choose Where They Live?

When you are facing a custody determination, your child might have opinions about where they want to live. Will the court listen to your child? How much do...

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Divorce

What is no-fault divorce in California?

If you plan to end your marriage in California, you do not have to prove wrongdoing. Understanding no-fault rules may lower conflict and help you plan your...

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Divorce

How a temporary court order can protect you during divorce

Divorce often takes time because parents face property questions, support issues and parenting responsibilities that require careful planning. It is unhear...

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Divorce

What documents do you need to get divorced in California?

Going through a divorce in California is never a simple process. It marks a significant life change, and handling the paperwork can feel overwhelming. A su...

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Divorce

The California 10-year rule: What it really means

A “10-year” marriage in California can change how courts handle spousal support. You should understand what changes and what does not before you negotiate ...

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Divorce

How are retirement accounts divided in California divorces?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Dec 1, 2025|Division of Assets...

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Property Division

Divorce and property: What should I do with my vacation home?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Nov 11, 2025|Division of Assets...

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Divorce

Taking inventory before your California divorce filing

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Nov 6, 2025|Division of Assets...

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Property Division

Marital property vs. separate property in California

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Mar 11, 2025|Division of Assets...

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Property Division

Is Your Spouse Concealing Assets?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Mar 31, 2022|Division of Assets,Divorce...

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Property Division

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Jul 1, 2021|Division of Assets...

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Property Division

How To Know If Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets

On Behalf ofFurubotten Law, APC|Feb 5, 2020|Division of Assets,Divorce...

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Property Division

High-asset divorce in California: Strategies that work

Untangling a high-asset marriage in California can feel like closing a complex deal under pressure. Clear steps and the right experts may protect wealth an...

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Divorce

Same sex divorces in California

Divorce brings its own challenges, but same-sex couples in California face unique legal issues. One major concern is how courts treat long-term relationshi...

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Divorce

How to file for divorce in Orange County

Divorce can be stressful, but understanding the process can help you prepare emotionally, financially and legally for what’s ahead. If you are considering ...

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Divorce

Can You Move With Your Child?

In a nutshell, yes, a custodial parent might be able to move with a child. There are some important requirements and limitations, however, as well as many ...

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Child Custody

Child Custody Modifications

Yes, you can modify a California child custody agreement if circumstances dictate it. Even if both parents agree to the adjustment, a judge still needs to ...

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Child Custody

When Do You Need to Determine a Custody Arrangement?

There are many different scenarios in which two parents will need to determine how to divide child custody. While custody is often associated with divorce ...

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Child Custody

Custody Battles Over COVID-19 Vaccines

When two parents share legal custody of their child, they share the responsibility of making important decisions for the child. Such decisions might involv...

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Child Custody

Do the Courts Favor Mothers or Fathers in Custody Decisions?

There was a time – decades ago – when courts assumed that it was best for a child to live with their mother if the parents separated or divorced. Fortunate...

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Child Custody

Can You Modify Your Custody Agreement?

The process of going through a divorce can be stressful and tolling on your life, given the demands of the process and emotions involved. When you have com...

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Child Custody

Can Your Child Choose Their Custody Arrangement?

Custody cases can be difficult, as parents might have to put their relationships with their children in the hands of the court. Courts must consider many f...

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Child Custody

Sharing Physical Custody of Your Children

If two parents get divorced or otherwise decide to live apart, they each have the right to see their child and spend physical time with them. In most cases...

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Child Custody

Signs of Possible Parental Alienation

Child custody battles can be stressful, especially if one parent tries to gain a wrongful advantage over the other. This might include making false allegat...

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