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# The Gillespie Law Firm

The Gillespie Law Firm

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [What to Expect in Your First Mediation Session (and Why It's Not What You Think)](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/07/what-to-expect-in-your-first-mediation-session-and-why-its-not-what-you-think/) - For many people in Los Angeles, the idea of sitting across from an ex-spouse or someone they're in conflict with sounds exhausting before it even begins. If you're approaching your first mediation session with a knot in your stomach, that's completely normal. But what actually happens in that room is usually very different from what
- [When Families Choose Peace: The Power of Choosing Mediation Over Conflict ](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/06/when-families-choose-peace-the-power-of-choosing-mediation-over-conflict/) - Every family law journey begins with a choice, even if it doesn't feel that way at first. For many people in Los Angeles, that choice often comes down to mediation or conflict, and choosing mediation over conflict can change everything that follows. It's a decision that puts your family, not the courtroom, back in control of what happens next, Learn how choosing mediation over conflict can help Los Angeles families resolve divorce, custody, and family law matters with privacy, clarity, and peace.
- [Mediation vs. Litigation: Which Path Is Right for Your Family Law Matter?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/05/mediation-vs-litigation-which-path-is-right-for-your-family-law-matter/) - Family law disputes are rarely just legal matters. They often involve children, finances, homes, businesses, and relationships that have developed over many years. When emotions are high and important decisions must be made, the process you choose can significantly affect both the outcome and the experience itself. For many families in California, the decision comes Compare mediation and litigation in California family law cases involving divorce, child custody, support, and property disputes.
- [Consulting Counsel in Mediation: Strengthening Strategy in Family Law Matters](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/04/consulting-counsel-in-mediation-strengthening-strategy-in-family-law-matters/) - Discover how consulting counsel strengthens family law mediation strategy, helping law firms guide clients toward efficient and informed resolutions.
- [Why Mediation Matters in Family Law Matters](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/02/why-mediation-matters-in-family-law-matters/) - Family law cases are often some of the most emotionally charged matters a firm handles. When children, finances, and long-standing relationships are involved, the stakes feel personal and the path forward is rarely simple. For many law firms, mediation is not just a procedural requirement before trial. It is a strategic decision. In the family Gillespie Mediation provides strategic family law mediation services for law firms seeking efficient, confidential, and durable case resolution.
- [Mediation in Family Law: Timing, Strategy, and Better Outcomes](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2026/03/mediation-in-family-law-timing-strategy-and-better-outcomes/) - In family law matters, mediation is often viewed as a step that happens shortly before trial. In practice, its value is much broader. When approached strategically, mediation can shape the direction of a case long before it reaches the courtroom. For law firms managing complex family law disputes, timing and preparation can significantly influence the
- [What happens to my GameStop/AMC stock in a divorce?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/09/what-happens-to-my-gamestop-amc-stock-in-a-divorce/) - While the Meme Stock Craze may be over, there are many Californians who still own the two most popular Meme Stocks: GameStop and AMC. Indeed, there are ardent believers in the original thesis and are patiently waiting for their MOASS. But, if a divorce occurs before it, will they lose these prized possessions? Though, anyone
- [How do Los Angeles family courts determine child support?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/10/how-do-los-angeles-family-courts-determine-child-support/) - For those with kids, the prospect of a divorce can be especially scary because you have so many more worries. One of the many extra concerns you will have is how child support will be determined by the family courts. After all, an appropriate child support amount can be the difference between being able to
- [The challenge of property and debt division in a divorce case](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/09/the-challenge-of-property-and-debt-division-in-a-divorce-case/) - Whenever we hear about contentious divorce cases, whether it is a celebrity case or even a case involving your friends, family members or neighbors, the cause comes down to one of two things – or both: money and the kids. Really, when it comes down to it, those are the only issues in a divorce
- [What are mistakes fathers commonly make in divorces?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/08/what-are-mistakes-fathers-commonly-make-in-divorces/) - The words, difficult and stressful, are often used to describe divorce. This can be especially true for fathers that want to stay engaged as fathers. Unfortunately, this can lead some to make mistakes that can jeopardize a favorable divorce decree. Luckily, if you know what not to do, you can make sure you do not
- [Avoid making these mistakes in your divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/08/avoid-making-these-mistakes-in-your-divorce/) - There’s no doubt that the divorce process is stressful. While you’ll have to find a way to cope with the emotional turmoil often associated with the process, you’ll also have to figure out how to deal with the financial ramifications of your split. Making matters even more risky is the fact that there are a
- [Take these steps to position yourself for spousal support](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/08/take-these-steps-to-position-yourself-for-spousal-support/) - The financial implications of your divorce can be significant. If you inadequately prepare for life post-divorce, then you could end up facing financial hardship that you don’t deserve. With that in mind, now is the time to develop the legal strategy that you need going into your divorce to position yourself for financial stability. One
- [What if there are unexpected expenses for a child?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/07/what-if-there-are-unexpected-expenses-for-a-child/) - California parents who are no longer together as a couple will likely have a child support agreement. The objective is to provide the child with what they need to live a healthy life and thrive. Based on their best interests, it is expected to cover housing, food, medical care, necessities for school, extracurricular activities and
- [Are you a California dad who believes these myths about family law?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/07/are-you-a-california-dad-who-believes-these-myths-about-family-law/) - If you are a father who is going through a divorce or separation, you may have some questions about your rights and responsibilities regarding child custody, visitation and support. You may also have some misconceptions or myths about how family law works in California and how it affects you. Myth: Fathers have fewer rights than
- [Can social media affect my divorce?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/06/can-social-media-affect-my-divorce/) - If you are going through a divorce in Los Angeles, California, you may wonder how your social media activity can affect your case. Social media platforms connect you with others, but they can also be a source of evidence, conflict and controversy in a divorce. Property division Your social media posts can reveal information about
- [Will mediation work with a liar?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/06/will-mediation-work-with-a-liar/) - If you are going through a divorce or custody dispute in California, you might know that mediation or collaborative law are available options to resolve your issues. You may also know that mediation comes with many benefits. It generally saves people time and money and increases the chance of obtaining an outcome everyone is satisfied
- [Is spousal support available in California?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/05/is-spousal-support-available-in-california/) - Because of the changing workforce and equality, it is no longer assumed that alimony is available when couples end their marriage or relationships. But this support, now known as permanent or long-term spousal support, may be ordered after divorce or the end of a domestic partnership in California under certain circumstances. Circumstances This support is
- [Property and debt division in divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/05/property-and-debt-division-in-divorce/) - When a couple decides to divorce, their property and their debts must be divided. Generally, they are divided equally between both spouses. Dividing property There are two types of property that must be considered for division. Community property is any asset or debt that was acquired during the marriage. It does not matter which spouse
- [Should we have premarital or post-marital agreement?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/04/should-we-have-premarital-or-post-marital-agreement/) - With the rash of celebrity divorces recently, premarital and post-marital agreements are back in the popular conversation. Indeed, if you are getting married or already married in California, you may want to consider drafting a premarital or post-marital agreement. What are they? Premarital and post-marital agreements are legal contracts. These legal documents help you and
- [Does either parent pay child support when custody is split 50/50?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/04/does-either-parent-pay-child-support-when-custody-is-split-50-50/) - These days shared physical custody is becoming more common when parents are no longer in a relationship with one another. Some parents even share physical custody 50/50. They each have the child in their physical care half of the time, and thus are financially supporting the child 50% of the time. So, does mean one
- [What is the difference between mediation and collaborative law?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/03/what-is-the-difference-between-mediation-and-collaborative-law/) - Both mediation and collaborative law are ways in which couples in the Los Angeles area can resolve their divorces without having to go through the court process. These ways can save a resident of Southern California a great deal of time, stress and expense during their divorces. To give a couple of examples, a person
- [What does the collaborative law process look like?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/03/what-does-the-collaborative-law-process-look-like/) - You may have heard the term collaborative law and wonder what exactly it means. Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution technique that has gained popularity in recent years. While collaborative law can be used in any type of legal situation, it is most commonly used in divorce or family law situations. Many people choose
- [Who gets the family dog in a divorce?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/02/who-gets-the-family-dog-in-a-divorce/) - Any dog owner knows that the family dog is a loved and highly valued member of the family. When a couple faces divorce, the question often arises of who gets custody of the dog. Traditionally, courts in California treated dogs and other pets like personal property, with the spouse who originally purchased the dog often
- [Modifying a California order for child custody](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/02/modifying-a-california-order-for-child-custody/) - Many Californians view the final order ending their marriage as the permanent conclusion to a long and painful journey. The final order and each of its terms are often considered to be the last gasp of a dead marriage. However, all divorced parents need to keep in mind that life is uncertain and that a
- [Keeping father's rights in focus in California](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/02/keeping-fathers-rights-in-focus-in-california/) - Whether you divorced your wife, were a long-term partner, or you were in another relationship with a woman, if there is a child, you have rights as a father. Even if you are not biologically connected to the child but raised them as your own, you also have rights. That is true in California as
- [California keeps large portions of supporting parents' money](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/01/california-keeps-large-portions-of-supporting-parents-money/) - Across the United States, child support and the supporting parent's commitment and follow-through of that money are taken very seriously. If the parent does not pay on time or does not pay at all, there are consequences beyond money. It is not uncommon for the supporting parent to be incarcerated until they pay. How they
- [Invalidating a California prenuptial agreement](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2023/01/invalidating-a-california-prenuptial-agreement/) - Many Los Angeles couples enter into a prenuptial agreement before they marry. While prenuptial agreements are supposed to ease the pain of a divorce, they often lead to divorce by imposing unfair or burdensome terms on one of the spouses. People who find themselves in this situation often wonder whether they have any recourse. While
- [Can I date while my divorce is pending?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/12/can-i-date-while-my-divorce-is-pending/) - Once you accept that your marriage has ended, you may be eager to start dating new people. But should you do so while your divorce is pending, especially if you are a parent? If your divorce has not been finalized Dating while you are still in the divorce process can cause your child significant distress,
- [When does alimony end in California?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/12/when-does-alimony-end-in-california/) - Divorce can present your family with many novel questions and considerations. One topic on many divorcing couples’ minds is the discussion of alimony or spousal support. You do have options regarding spousal support that also apply more broadly to your approach to divorce. There is no right option, just a matter of what works best
- [Can we include child support restrictions in a prenup?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/11/can-we-include-child-support-restrictions-in-a-prenup/) - With all the celebrity divorces in the news, prenuptial agreements have become a hot topic -- and rightfully so. Prenups force couples into the difficult conversations that every couple should have before marriage: Do you want kids, and if so, how many? Where do you want to live? What would happen if someone cheats, or
- [Asserting your rights as a father in California](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/11/asserting-your-rights-as-a-father-in-california/) - You have rights when it comes to your child as a father in California. In the past, courts tended to favor the mother in custody actions, based on outdated notions that mothers were supposed to be the caregivers while fathers worked outside of the home. While these perceptions have significantly decreased in recent years, fathers
- [What is the difference between marital and separate property?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/10/what-is-the-difference-between-marital-and-separate-property/) - When two people come together in a marriage, each party will bring property and assets into the marriage. If that marriage later ends in divorce, it is up to the parties to determine who brought what into the marriage, and who will leave with what. The first step is to classify assets as community property
- [Making up for lost time with your child](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/10/making-up-for-lost-time-with-your-child/) - As a California father, you may find yourself missing out on valuable time with your child due to an adverse custody decision. Unfortunately, although California law presumes that shared custody is in the best interest of a child, due to antiquated parenting stereotypes, mothers sometimes still get more custody time. This leaves many fathers fighting
- [California property division, generally](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/09/california-property-division-generally/) - When we read divorce headlines, we often read about the child custody, child support and spousal support battles. In addition, we read about the battles over the family home and celebrity mansions. It is these latter headlines that involve divorce property division. The property division process, generally In the property division process, you must divide
- [Why choose collaborative law?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/09/why-choose-collaborative-law/) - In a time of uncertainty, you should know you have options. If you are contemplating divorce or mediation or are in the beginning stages of the divorce process, California collaborative law may interest you. What is collaborative law? Collaborative law provides an alternative way of resolving a divorce, avoiding the bitter conflict inherent in the
- [Modifying your California child support order](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/09/modifying-your-california-child-support-order/) - Child support serves an important purpose. It allows a parent with the primary responsibility of raising a child to receive much needed financial support to meet the child’s needs. The amount of child support paid is based on several factors. After considering these factors, a court determines an amount it feels is appropriate for taking
- [Domestic abuse can continue after divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/08/domestic-abuse-can-continue-after-divorce/) - When you finally get out of an abusive relationship, you will feel like you can breathe for the first time. However, remember, just because your ex-spouse can no longer reach out and physically hurt you does not mean that they cannot still negatively affect your life. First, they go after your money If you have
- [How to categorize assets and debts in a California divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/08/how-to-categorize-assets-and-debts-in-a-california-divorce/) - When it comes to property division in divorce, California is one of several community property states in the United States. In community property states, all property acquired during the marriage is considered to community property. That is, the property is jointly owned by the spouses. It is important to identify what is community property, what
- [What type of visitation order is right for you?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/07/what-type-of-visitation-order-is-right-for-you/) - Often when parents in California divorce, one parent will have the child in their care more than half of the time and the other parent has visitation time with the child. However, not all visitation orders look the same. There are different types of visitation orders that may be considered based on your unique circumstances.
- [Divorce and the fiduciary duty of spouses](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/07/divorce-and-the-fiduciary-duty-of-spouses/) - It’s not unusual for a divorce to become contentious. There’s a lot of emotion involved for both spouses and it’s easy to become upset and frustrated with the process and each other. What most couples don’t realize is that the law requires a certain level of conduct from them and it can be a violation
- [How mediation can ease the pain of a California divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/06/how-mediation-can-ease-the-pain-of-a-california-divorce/) - As many Californians have discovered, divorce can become an emotionally searing and excruciatingly painful experience. One of the chief causes of divorce pain can be the sensation that the central part of a person’s identity – the family – will be torn apart by a third person over whom the divorcing parties have no control.
- [Mediation, collaborative law and nesting](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/06/mediation-collaborative-law-and-nesting/) - As readers of this blog know, our firm encourages our clients to engage in mediation and collaborative law. This is because these types of alternative dispute resolution models can solve most marriage disputes without the need for expensive litigation. And, for those couples able to navigate the process effectively, another option that could be useful
- [Seven ways to improve your coparenting relationship](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/05/seven-ways-to-improve-your-coparenting-relationship/) - Dealing with a child custody dispute isn’t easy when you are a dad. Making matters worse is the fact that even after you have a custody order in hand, you may face ongoing coparenting issues. After all, in many instances, each parent thinks that they know what is best for the child, which can lead
- [An overview of fathers’ rights in a California divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/05/an-overview-of-fathers-rights-in-a-california-divorce/) - Perhaps the first statement that should be made about “fathers’ rights” in a California divorce is that the rights commonly associated with the phrase, custody and visitation, do not belong to either the father or the mother. They belong to the child. Nevertheless, both the father and the mother are entitled to argue about why
- [How do I help kids move on from the family home?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/04/how-do-i-help-kids-move-on-from-the-family-home/) - When parents divorce, their primary concern, usually, is their kids. And, while issues of child custody and visitation rights are top-of-mind, so too is the emotional and physical transition of the children and their move from the family home. The move from the family home One thing that some parents do not think about is
- [Alimony when your ex has a new romantic partner](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/04/alimony-when-your-ex-has-a-new-romantic-partner/) - If you have a divorce settlement where you have to pay spousal support, you know how much of a burden that payment can be each month. You may feel annoyed that you have to pay this every month. But under California law, spousal support is not designed to last forever, and it can be modified.
- [What is temporary spousal support?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/04/what-is-temporary-spousal-support/) - The process of going through a divorce can be confusing. You’ll have to deal with a number of issues you’ve likely never given much thought. Spousal support is one of those issues and you may understand the basics of how it works, but the idea of temporary spousal support is less well known. Pendente lite
- [What are the benefits of collaborative law divorce?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/03/what-are-the-benefits-of-collaborative-law-divorce/) - There are a variety of different benefits divorcing couples may be able to experience by utilizing the collaborative law process to handle and resolve their divorce. For that reason, couples who have made the difficult decision to divorce should be familiar with the potential benefits of collaborative law divorce. The benefits of collaborative law divorce
- [Why is it important for unmarried parents to establish paternity?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/03/why-is-it-important-for-unmarried-parents-to-establish-paternity/) - When a child is born to unmarried parents in California, paternity must be established before the child’s mother can seek child support and the child’s father can seek custody and visitation with his child. By establishing paternity, the man is legally deemed to be the child’s biological father, with all the rights and responsibilities that
- [How can young people make divorcing easier on themselves?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/02/how-can-young-people-make-divorcing-easier-on-themselves/) - Getting married under 34 or even in one’s early 20’s has not been atypical, especially in the south. However, what is increasing is the number of divorces that occur within this young age group. Though, divorcing young does come with its own set of problems. By the numbers According to the U.S. Census Bureau, for
- [Commingled property can complicate a divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/02/commingled-property-can-complicate-a-divorce/) - Just as every marriage is unique, so too is every divorce. Though common issues may present themselves in every divorce, the complexity and importance of those individual issues will vary from one couple to the next. Property division can be one of the most difficult problems to tackle, particularly if the couple’s assets don’t fall
- [Comparing mediation and collaborative divorces](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/01/comparing-mediation-and-collaborative-divorces/) - Most California couples who have decided to end their marriage look for ways to keep the divorce process free from needless anger and conflict. Fortunately, the California courts and the attorneys who practice divorce law have developed two ways of virtually eliminating unnecessary conflict. The methods are called mediation and collaborative divorce. As the names
- [How will divorce affect my lifestyle?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2022/01/how-will-divorce-affect-my-lifestyle/) - Divorce will affect every aspect of our lives. This fact only becomes more extreme the longer a couple was together prior to the divorce. This is because, in a marriage, two lives become one, and in a divorce, one life becomes two. Where we once could split all expenses, while combining all income, post-divorce, we
- [Resolving your child support case](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/12/resolving-your-child-support-case/) - California parents seeking child support may be scared or intimated by the thought of going to court. Avoiding the time and expense of litigation is also often a priority. Luckily, if you and your child’s parent can agree on the terms of child support, you can obtain an order without setting foot in a courtroom.
- [When a divorce case gets tough, be prepared to defend your rights](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/12/when-a-divorce-case-gets-tough-be-prepared-to-defend-your-rights/) - Although we all know that not every divorce case is a full-on battle in the courtroom, the reality is that some of these cases do get to that point. After all, when divorcing spouses have disputes about property and debt division, alimony, child custody and child support, these are not abstract legal issues – they
- [How do you negotiate co-parenting during the holidays?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/11/how-do-you-negotiate-co-parenting-during-the-holidays/) - The holidays are a time for get-togethers, traditions and family sharing, and children are very much a part of this. For families with co-parenting arrangements, planning ahead and being flexible can make all the difference between being able to share those special moments with your kids and settling for a less than successful holiday. The
- [Clarifying priorities with a postnuptial agreement](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/11/clarifying-priorities-with-a-postnuptial-agreement/) - California has its share of high-profile divorce proceedings in the news, and one area that always gets a lot of attention is who gets what when the couple splits. Aside from the emotional issues that are a part of custody decisions, the more pragmatic financial implications of divorce can be a source of drama as
- [Take it from Adele, don’t put off divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/10/take-it-from-adele-dont-put-off-divorce/) - Over the decades, celebrity divorces have become a staple of news services that splash crazy stories on our TVs nightly. They are talked about and mention even in our “respectable” nightly news broadcasts. And, as divorce itself has become more mainstream, as a society, the U.S. has begun to accept that divorce is just a
- [Modifying a child support order in California](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/10/modifying-a-child-support-order-in-california/) - Most Californians who have survived the divorce process view the final order and decree a bit like the Ten Commandments – carved in stone and almost impossible to change. This view usually applies with the most force to the Court’s order regarding child support. Fortunately, the California divorce laws are not quite so rigid. With
- [How mediation works in divorce](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/09/how-mediation-works-in-divorce/) - A judge in a California divorce case can decide many issues, from who gets to keep the house to who gets primary custody of the children. But the vast majority of people who go through divorce decide the most important issues on their own and write them up in an agreement. The court then approves
- [Child custody and the best interests of the child](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/09/child-custody-and-the-best-interests-of-the-child/) - There is nothing easy about a divorce, particularly when the couple has children. Both parents want to maintain a relationship with their children, helping and watching them grow. As a result, child custody can be a difficult issue for all involved. It’s helpful to understand how a court goes about making this tough decision. Physical
- [How is property divided in a divorce in California?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/09/how-is-property-divided-in-a-divorce-in-california/) - When people go through a divorce in California, they need to split the life they shared during the marriage into two separate lives. This can be a very emotional process for the couple. It is not easy to split up possessions and potentially divide their time with their children if they have minor children. This
- [How does divorce mediation work?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/08/how-does-divorce-mediation-work/) - Divorce mediation is an alternative to divorce litigation. It can help divorced couples successfully navigate their divorce to an outcome that is less costly, helps preserve confidentiality, helps to preserve relationships and limit acrimony and also more efficient in terms of time. For that reason, couples entering the divorce process should be familiar with how
- [How does legal custody differ from physical custody?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/08/how-does-legal-custody-differ-from-physical-custody/) - When parents in California divorce, they may be very concerned about how much time they will get to spend with their child. It can be heartbreaking to come to the realization that there will be times when your child is out of your care. For this reason, it is essential that child custody orders are
- [Understanding the court process for divorce in California](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/07/understanding-the-court-process-for-divorce-in-california/) - The idea of filing for divorce can be fraught with emotion and uncertainty. You may have many questions about what your future will look like and how the divorce process actually works. Since most people rarely have to attend legal proceedings, the courts themselves can be intimidating. Initiating divorce proceedings The spouse who initiates the
- [Country singer Kelly Clarkson divorces husband](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/07/country-singer-kelly-clarkson-divorces-husband/) - Famous country singer and “The Voice” host Kelly Clarkston has asked to be divorced from her husband Brandon Blackstock. The Grammy award-winning singer had been estranged from her husband and now wants to make the separation official. According to the divorce paperwork, which was filed in Los Angeles, Clarkston believes both she and her now
- [How is child custody determined in California?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/06/how-is-child-custody-determined-in-california/) - Child custody can become a contentious issue when two California parents cannot agree to the terms of how they will share in the raising of their children following a divorce. When parents cannot come up with parenting plan agreements that dictate the terms of their custodial roles, the courts can intervene and create custody schedules
- [How does a mediated divorce differ from a litigated divorce?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/06/how-does-a-mediated-divorce-differ-from-a-litigated-divorce/) - The result of the divorce process is the termination of the legal relationship between two California residents. While most readers may be familiar with divorces that happen in courtrooms, they should also know that divorce can happen in a very different setting. That setting is mediation, and this post will discuss just what mediated divorce
- [The best interests of the child standard for child custody cases](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/05/the-best-interests-of-the-child-standard-for-child-custody-cases/) - Child custody is a complex legal matter that many California parents worry about when they decide to go through divorce. When parents split up, they must make difficult decisions about how and where their children will be raised. Not all parents are able to agree on child custody outcomes, and some must litigate their child
- [Privacy is one reason to consider divorce alternatives](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/05/privacy-is-one-reason-to-consider-divorce-alternatives/) - There are many good reasons that couples decide to handle a divorce or other family law issue through an alternative process like mediation or collaborative law. When successful, the process can save a lot of time and money over going to court. Many people also find it less emotionally draining. When children are involved, parents
- [What type of decisions are made by parents with custody?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/04/what-type-of-decisions-are-made-by-parents-with-custody/) - One of the toughest jobs that parents in California have is to raise their children. There are many influences on children and parents try to be the biggest influence to help ensure their children make good decisions for themselves. This is not an easy task though and along the way parents need to make many
- [California is a community property state](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/04/california-is-a-community-property-state/) - Getting a divorce is never easy, no matter how amicable things are between you and your spouse. The most challenging part of the divorce for many couples is dividing up the assets they acquired during their marriage. California is a community property state, meaning that each spouse is entitled to 50 percent of the marital
- [How can unmarried fathers seek visitation or child custody?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/04/how-can-unmarried-fathers-seek-visitation-or-child-custody/) - When a child is born to unmarried parents who are no longer in a relationship with one another, it is only natural that the child’s father wants to be a part of the child’s life. However, in order to seek visitation with or custody of the child, paternity needs to be established. It is important
- [An engaged father can have a profound impact on a child’s life](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/03/an-engaged-father-can-have-a-profound-impact-on-a-childs-life/) - Far too often, men are cut out of their children’s lives. Part of the reason for this is that the law, whether intentionally or not, tends to favor mothers when it comes to child custody arrangements. Another reason, though, is that some mothers simply fail to tell men that they have fathered a child until
- [Can I change my child support order in California?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/03/can-i-change-my-child-support-order-in-california/) - In California, when getting through a family law case and addressing all the issues that will inevitably arise with child custody, alimony, property division and child support, people might feel a sense of relief. However, simply because the case is decided and the child support amount has been set does not mean it will remain
- [There are several ways to resolve a family law dispute](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2020/11/there-are-several-ways-to-resolve-a-family-law-dispute/) - Even if they have not been involved in one themselves, most people in the Los Angeles area have probably heard that family law issues can be very contentious. Emotions are often strong on both sides, and there is a lot stake with issues like child custody, support and property division being on the table as
- [California parenting plans](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/02/california-parenting-plans/) - When parents are trying to determine custody and visitation for a child, a parenting plan can help them avoid conflict by putting their agreement in writing. A parenting plan, also known as a custody and visitation agreement, also helps the child involved know what to expect. Once both parents sign the parenting plan it becomes
- [Child support calculations are not cut and dried](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/02/child-support-calculations-are-not-cut-and-dried/) - Like other states, California has a set of Child Support Guidelines that the family courts throughout the state, including in Los Angeles, are expected to apply. The General Assembly enacted these Guidelines in part to make sure that child support orders are consistent throughout the state. The Guidelines provide a numerical formula for calculating an
- [Divorces and marriages actually went down last year!](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/01/divorces-and-marriages-actually-went-down-last-year/) - We all saw the news, 2020 destroyed a historic number of marriages. We heard stories of couples likely reaching breaking points due to forced closeness, which could only highlight and exacerbate issues. However, a new study has found that this predicted historic surge did not actually occur. The unexpected study Conducted by Bowling Green State
- [What are postnuptial agreements and how are they used?](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2021/01/what-are-postnuptial-agreements-and-how-are-they-used/) - Most Los Angeles area couples have heard of prenuptial agreements. They are common among many couples when they want to protect their assets prior to marriage. But a postnuptial agreement may be less known. There may be reasons why a couple would consider drafting a postnuptial agreement. Reasons for prenuptial agreements Postnuptial agreements are agreements
- [Rights of unwed fathers to their children](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2020/12/rights-of-unwed-fathers-to-their-children/) - Children in California are born into many different types of families and different family dynamics. Some may be an only child and others may have multiple siblings. Some also may be part of a blended family. Also, some children have parents who are married while others may have parents that are not married to each
- [Presumed parents in California](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2020/12/presumed-parents-in-california/) - During a California divorce, the term “presumed parent” may come up. If one spouse contests another’s parentage, especially if a parent had a child before the marriage, it can be an issue in the divorce and parentage may be contested. Establishing parentage In a California divorce, the court may need to determine the identities of
- [Prenuptial agreements and future assets](https://tglfirm.com/blog/2020/12/prenuptial-agreements-and-future-assets/) - In California, premarital agreements set forth the spouses’ agreements on finances, property division and other matters if a spouse dies or their marriage ends. These contracts, also known as prenuptial agreements, usually deal with property that the couple knew about before marriage. Careful drafting helps assure that these agreements adequately deal with property acquired after

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- [Mediation](https://tglfirm.com/mediation/) - Mediation can expedite a resolution to your family law conflict. Call The Gillespie Law Firm in Los Angeles at 310-986-2919 for a free consultation today.
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