October 2017 Archives

Keep the happy in Happy Holidays rectifying child custody issues

When you divorced,  you knew you and your children would face your share of challenges as you adapt to a new lifestyle. You were pleased when summer went well; you may even have enjoyed a small vacation at a California beach or some other trendy location. The next obstacle you overcame was the start of a new school year. Now, you're gearing up for your first post-divorce holiday season, and certain child custody issues have you worried.

Wills can help prevent a lot of stress and family discord

Sometimes, California estate owners die and their estates are administered with no obstacles or problems arising throughout the process. Most often, if this is the case, it's because the estate owners took the time to carefully execute solid plans that included wills, powers of attorney and other key documents that can help prevent stress and avoid confusion down the line when the time comes for their assets to be distributed. Those who die with no final will and testament in place automatically cause their estates to become intestate, meaning their loved ones will have to sit back and wait as the probate court determines how assets (and liabilities) should be dispersed.

Grocery store's decision to close causes real estate disputes

Does a California grocery store have a right to close its doors and cease doing business in a community if it so chooses? The answer may not be as cut and dry as one might think. Ongoing real estate disputes in one town are centered on the topic, and all involved are waiting on edge to see how the judge will rule.

Harvey Weinstein admits his wrongdoing, leading to divorce

Former film studio executive Harvey Weinstein is currently going through a difficult family law situation to which some California readers may relate. The average individual does not have his or her marital problems plastered across news venues, however, which may Weinstein's situation a bit more challenging. As it stands, most people who follow Hollywood news are likely aware that Weinstein's wife of 10 years has decided to seek a divorce.

The Q-TIP trust: an option for second marriages

When people think of estate planning, they automatically think of the will. It’s known for its simplicity: a listing who gets what. Life, of course, isn’t that simple. There are infinite family arrangements. Anyone who has been married more than once or who has children with more than one mother/father knows how complicated arrangements become. Trusts are a more complex form of estate planning with benefits for modern families, including provisions for how your assets are distributed.

What to do when parenting plans aren't working out as planned

Helping children adapt to a new lifestyle after their parents' divorce is often quite challenging in many ways. While there is information based on common experiences from families throughout California and the nation who have navigated the process in the past, a particular family's needs and goals are always unique; so, existing information can be helpful but may not fully resolve a specific problem that arises. When the court issues or approves new parenting plans, it may not work out as all involved expected, especially if one of the parents is not adhering to the court order.