July 2012 - Norris Legal Group

July 30^th, 2012

I don’t remember if I want a divorce or not (Dementia and dissolution)

The baby boomer population is starting to hit that golden age at which dementia is an increasing concern. One in eight Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Yes, it’s a good idea to have an advanced health directive and a durable power of attorney—but those are really separate issues. … Read More

July 27^th, 2012

Grounds for Modifying a Custody or Visitation Order (what the hell does “substantial change of circumstances” mean anyway?)

So, you have a child custody arrangement and you want it changed. Child custody arrangements can always subject to the court changing them, even if they say “Final,” and even if the parties signed an agreement saying they wouldn’t change it. … Read More

July 23^rd, 2012

Support Arrearages and Unenforced Judgments (why you need a lawyer)

Many times even when your rights are vindicated in court and you get a judgment—the trouble is enforcing that judgment and getting paid. I was recently contacted by a friend who won a small claims case. When she walked out of court a winner, she felt like Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. … Read More

July 11^th, 2012

Commercial Lease Tips for the Business Owner (the unrequited lease)

Here is an overview of some common issues that arise when a small (or any) business owner negotiates with a landlord over a lease agreement. Routinely, landlords write leases and tenants sign them without negotiating, changing language, or having their attorneys read over them.… Read More

July 10^th, 2012

Quotes

Divorce is a declaration of independence with only two signers. Gerald F. Lieberman… Read More

July 10^th, 2012

Sanctions, Sanctions, Sanctions! (Family code 271)

All too often in family law parties stonewall one another. They make frivolous requests. They inundate the other side with faxes, emails, messages, letters, useless interrogatories, and more. They refuse to accept a very reasonable settlement offer. What can a poor spouse do, but go to trial or cave and take a low-ball settlement offer?… Read More

July 6^th, 2012

Domestic Partnership Summary Termination (Cheaper than divorce with a 6 month rescission period)

California changed domestic partnership law drastically in 2005. Many code sections related to domestic partnership were revised, including the one regarding terminating domestic partnerships. Post-2005 there are two tracks that domestic partners can take when they want to “divorce” one another.… Read More

July 3^rd, 2012

Fatty liver, discrete trial training, salvaged cars, and tattoos (New state laws starting July 1, 2012)

California state laws always start in January or July. This year’s laws going into effect the other day on July 1 are a strange mix. If you ever wondered what your state assemblymen were talking about in the green carpeted hall (that really is some ugly carpeting) in Sacramento—its foie gras, autism, tattoos, and bullying. … Read More

Month: July 2012