Under California law, the appointment of a special master in family court proceedings is governed by statutory authority and procedural guidelines.

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.

The history of temporary child support and spousal support in California reflects a balance between legislative mandates, judicial discretion, and federal compliance.

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.

An attorney for minor children is sometimes appointed to represent the best interests of a child in custody, visitation, or other family law proceedings.

Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) are standard orders issued in California family law proceedings, such as dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or nullity.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Selling properties with tenants presents unique challenges that can affect the sales process, the property’s marketability, and ultimately the outcome for your clients.

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.

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.

When making custody and visitation orders, the court considers the child’s health, safety, and welfare. Custody and visitation are tailored to each family based on the dynamics of the parents and the best interest of the child. Custody and visitation orders may look different for everyone. 

What is an Ex Parte Motion? In certain circumstances when there is the potential for irreparable harm, a litigant can file an ex-parte or emergency motion. There are certain requirements. Timely notice must be provided to the other side to include the date, time, department, and reason for the motion and the ex-parte application.

Family Court Services (FCS) lasts about an hour or two. You will have about 30 minutes or so to give information about your children and your situation to the mediator. The best way to prepare is to have a custody and visitation plan.

Under California Family Code § 2320, a judgment for dissolution of marriage can be entered only if one of the parties to the marriage has been a resident of California for at least six months, and of the county in which the divorce is filed for the three months preceding the filing of the petition.

Pets have traditionally been recognized as property in a divorce and like all other personal and financial assets awarded to one spouse or the other as their property in a divorce. Previously, California law generally required that courts divide all “community property” – property acquired during the marriage, including companion animals – equally between the disputing parties.