
Blog
What Happens If a Parent Refuses to Return Your Child After an International Visit?
If you are a California parent facing an international custody dispute, especially after a co-parent refuses to return your child from overseas, you're not alone.
Should I Allow the Other Parent to Travel Internationally with Our Child?
Are you considering international travel for your child with the other parent? It’s a question many separated or divorced parents face, especially in a world where relatives, opportunities, or work can often take a parent overseas.
Vera Livingstone has served the San Diego Court as a Special Master for 20 years
Under California law, the appointment of a special master in family court proceedings is governed by statutory authority and procedural guidelines.
We are pleased to announce the addition of Bryanna Brandalesi DiRocco to our firm as Senior Attorney.
Bryanna Brandalesi DiRocco brings nearly a decade of family law experience to her role as a senior attorney at Livingstone Law. She is known for her practical, solution-focused approach to resolving complex family law issues.
How Does the California Court Calculate Temporary Child and Spousal Support?
The history of temporary child support and spousal support in California reflects a balance between legislative mandates, judicial discretion, and federal compliance.
A Court Can Deny a Temporary Restraining Order Even When There is Evidence of Past Abuse In Some Circumstances
A recent appellate case makes it clear that even where there is past abuse, the Court can reasonably conclude that a Temporary Restraining Order may not be necessary to protect the petitioner.
The Role and Responsibilities of Minor’s Counsel
An attorney for minor children is sometimes appointed to represent the best interests of a child in custody, visitation, or other family law proceedings.
Is Violating the standard ATROs ever justified?
Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) are standard orders issued in California family law proceedings, such as dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or nullity.
Tools for Collecting on a Family Law Judgment – Debtor’s Exams
If a litigant owes money to the other party for overdue child or spousal support, attorneys' fees, or an unpaid equalizing payment, it may appear that the money is uncollectible; however, there are steps you can take.
How to Deal with a Narcissistic Spouse in a Custody Dispute (Part 2)
This Blog is the second article on Narcissism. Part 1 deals with the medical diagnosis of the condition. Part 2 discusses how to deal with a narcissistic parent under California law, in the context of child custody and visitation disputes.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Part 1)
This Blog is in two parts and focuses first on what Narcissistic Personality Disorder is. Part 2 focuses on the legal standards governing custody determinations, the role of mental health in assessing parental fitness, and the court's approach to ensuring the child's welfare.
Fiduciary Duty of Spouses During Marriage
Since marriage is a legal contract, spouses owe duties to each other under California Family and Corporate Law. In California, spouses owe each other fiduciary duties like those of business partners, requiring the highest good faith and fair dealing.
How Can I Modify or Terminate Spousal Support?
After the court order for spousal support is issued, whether it is a temporary order or the judgment, you may be entitled to modify it unless your order mandates that your spousal support is non-modifiable.
What Documents and Evidence Do I Need to Start a Divorce?
California is a no-fault, full-disclosure State that requires litigants to share without reservation all assets and debts during a divorce.
Watts Charges and Epstein Credits – Use of Community Property and Payment Toward Community Debt
In California, Watts charges and Epstein credits outline the financial responsibilities and benefits associated with the use and payment of community assets and debts following separation but before the final division of property.
How Do I Sell Community Real Estate With Tenants?
Selling properties with tenants presents unique challenges that can affect the sales process, the property’s marketability, and ultimately the outcome for your clients.
How Do I Obtain Temporary Emergency Orders in a California Divorce to Freeze Assets?
A spouse may not take possession and control of important marital property, or cut off the funds and resources you shared and enjoyed together during the marriage. A spouse may not deny access to community financial information or accounts.
Discovery in California Divorce – How to Find Hidden Assets, Unreported Income, and Trace Money
Discovery in California child custody or divorce is a legally regulated process that allows either party to request documents and ask for information from the other party about their financial situation, expenses, income and lifestyle, and issues related to custody matters.
Vocational Assessments - Tools for Imputing Income
Understanding the Court's Authority to Order Vocational Assessments and Alternatives to Establishing Earning Capacity in Family Law Cases
Tips on Effective Coparenting
The court will appreciate a parent who understands that children have a right to a sense of safety, stability, and love from both parents. Both parents are responsible for learning to coparent effectively.