Resources
Adoptions by Same-Sex Married Persons
If you need help adopting, at Mendes Law, we feel adoption is a joyous occasion. We would love to share in your joy. Please allow us to help you adopt.
Cohabitants Beware
Regardless of whether they have a romantic or sexual relationship, is cohabitators beware. Before you hand your apartment keys over to your friend or lover, it is good practice to make sure you understand what you could be facing down the road. We suggest you consult with an attorney if any of these situations apply to you and a significant other.
Shorter Marriage? You May Be in For a Smoother (and Cheaper) Divorce!
Not all marriages are created equal, and neither are all divorces. California law allows for an expedited divorce process, called a “summary dissolution” under certain specific circumstances.
“We Want Prenup, Yeah! It’s Something That You *May* Need to Have”
Prenuptial agreements require more reasoned negotiations than you think.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) & Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs): Procedures, Preparation, Possibilities
If a romantic partner – past or present – married or not – is making you feel unsafe, you may very well qualify for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO).
Don’t Hate, Mediate.
You may be surprised to know that spouses or registered domestic partners are not required to retain individual representation to get divorced or dissolve their partnership in California.
To Exchange or Not To Exchange – That is the Question
Child Custody – To provide parents some clarity in the midst of confusion, the California Superior Courts have some recommendations for you to follow while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse
How can we help those persons at risk of neglect or abuse who do not currently have an attorney?
California Restraining Orders and Your Safety
No one has the right to make you feel unsafe. A Restraining Order can help protect you.
Realistic Expectations of the Time Frame of the Court
Divorcing couples are often surprised to learn that due to a full and complex court system, divorces can take several months or years longer than expected to finalize.
Shining the Light on Domestic Violence
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding domestic violence is the idea there must be “violence” involved. Many people fail to report activity that falls under the crime of “domestic violence” because they are ill-informed regarding what “violence” entails.
Social Media & Teenagers – Legal Ramifications of Social Media Posts
While an adolescent may not understand the ramifications of posting a comment, activity, or picture on social media, it’s important for parents to inform the child of the consequences that might occur as a result of what’s being posted.
How to Survive Holiday Custody Schedule Planning & Keeping Your Children’s Best Interest at Heart
A lawyer who specializes in child custody arrangements can help you create a fair and equitable holiday or birthday schedule.
Considering a Modification in Custody? Be Realistic about Your Expectations and the Needs of Your Child or Children
Courts take modifications seriously. If you want to be successful in making modifications to your current child custody orders, it may be best to contact an experienced family law attorney in Walnut Creek.
Division of Assets in a Divorce: Why Consulting an Attorney is in Your Best Interests
When you divorce, state law requires you and your partner to divide the marital assets in a manner that is reasonable and acceptable to both parties. In the best case, both parties will cooperate and be fair about the division of assets. In the worst case, one or...
Preparing for Life After Divorce
The sooner you prepare yourself for life after divorce, the better you and your children will be.
Teen Nudity on Social Media: Parents, Talk to Your Children
Marketing moguls know that sex sells. Any teen who has access to the internet knows that nude celebrity images go viral and take center stage. Nude, or almost nude, Instagram posts of Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, the Kardashians, and even males such as Justin Bieber and...
How to Protect Separate Property in the Event of a Divorce
The best way to avoid any confusion regarding separate property is to be aware of the conditions surrounding the separate property and to act prior to a potential divorce.
Is a Private Judge the Way to Go?
A question which is often not considered in divorce cases is whether you should continue to have the public family court system preside over your case, or if your case is better suited for a private judge. Private Judges are often used in high asset dissolution cases;...
Got a lot of assets? Here are 3 things to consider for a High Asset Divorce.
In long term marriages, the community fortune is just that, the community’s. The division and disposition of these assets can be a complicated, confusing and arduous task.
Can Your Child Support Payments Go Up?
If you have questions about your child support payments, and whether what you are paying or receiving is accurate, please feel free to contact Mendes Law, PC
Your Spousal Duties and Responsibilities DO NOT END at filing
The California Family Code enforces fiduciary duties on divorcing spouses. Anyone involved in a dissolution of marriage, legal separation or modification needs to familiarize themselves with these duties.
Filing for Divorce? Be aware of Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATRO’s)
Upon filing for a divorce in California, Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (often referred to as “ATROS”) kick in. You will see these on Page 2 of your Summons.
“Say WATT?!” So you want to stay in the house…
A Watts Charge (or Watts Credit, they are interchangeable) refers to the obligation of one spouse to the other for the exclusive use of a community property asset following the date of separation.
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