Norris Law Blog
Grounds for Modification of Custody & Visitation Orders
So, you have a permanent child custody arrangement and you want it changed. Sometimes permanent child custody arrangements can be changed, even if they say “Final,” and even if the parties signed an agreement saying they wouldn’t change it. See Family Code § 3022. … Read More
Supporting your lazy spouse (Imputation of Income and the evidentiary black hole)
So, you are getting divorced. You spouse quits their job and files a motion for spousal support. They would rather collect the spousal support check instead of working. Are you just supposed to support your lazy spouse? Is there a way to fight this?… Read More
Divorcing in the Golden Years (surprise!)
This recent article was inspired by Danny Devito’s divorce after 30 years of marriage. The article attempts to describe a number of reasons why couples may divorce after a long marriage. One recent study found, “The divorce rate among older adults has more than doubled since 1980, and 1 in 4 persons who divorces today is over age 50.” … Read More
California’s Legal Document Assistant Problem (I can’t give you legal advice, but….)
Many times, clients come to our office and we get to “clean up messes.” In some of these cases–the damages already done to the client’s legal position are irreparable. For many of these parties it would have also been cheaper to have an attorney from the start–instead of trying to fix the harm done while unrepresented. … Read More
Enjoying the holidays as divorced parents (maybe)
A recent article from the Washington Times explores ways in which divorced families can survive the holidays. The article does correctly point out that, like in other areas of life, a little advanced planning can go a long way.
Here are my own thoughts on working your way through the holidays as a divorced (or divorcing) parent:
If you have a court order, read it, follow it, and keep a copy with you.… Read More
Can I pay less child support when my ex won’t let me see the kids?
Clients sometimes ask—since my ex is withholding our kids from visiting with me, can I stop paying child support? I understand the logical inference the client is drawing here. My ex is acting wrongfully, I am not seeing my kids, therefore the ex should be punished and they should support the kids since they have them 100% of the time. … Read More
A Tale of Two Counties: Mediation & Local Attorneys
Appearing recently at a child custody mediation (AKA child custody recommending counseling session) and trailing hearing I was reminded of two things:
(1) local rules matter and
(2) sometimes practicing law is a lot like playing poker
Whenever child custody is at issue California courts require parents to go to a mediator (AKA child custody recommending counselor) to try to reach an agreement. … Read More
Ten Things to Think About During the Divorce Process
Don’t live beyond your income. Reduce your monthly expenses—cancel perks like memberships, cancel vacations, and eat out less. Create a budget and live by it.
Consider whether you can afford to keep the family home. Many divorcing parties really want to hold on to the family home even when it doesn’t make financial sense. … Read More
New Law Changes the Disclosure of Financial Information in Divorce (Again)
Some time after divorce is filed and served on the other spouse, each party needs to send certain financial disclosures to the other spouse. This process ensures fairness and helps prevent spouses from hiding assets during the divorce (although the process is far from perfect). … Read More