Family Law

Every parent wants to have a place in their child’s life and to have a voice in the big childrearing decisions. That’s why custody disputes are, by far, the hardest, most stressful, and most emotional part of a divorce or split. While there is no such thing as a perfect parent, there are many factors…

When most people picture a marriage, they picture a wedding ceremony with rings and vows. Less common, perhaps, is a courthouse wedding or elopement. However, most people assume getting married involves a marriage license and an officiant, and usually, and in most places, it does. However, there is a phenomenon called common law marriage, where,…

Traditionally, adoption is thought of as an adult becoming the legal parent of a child under 18, or perhaps even under the age of 19 or 21 under some circumstances. Through the adoption process, the adoptive parent is granted all the rights to their adopted child, but is also accepting all the responsibilities associated with…

What You Need to Know About Stepparent Adoption in California Stepparents often play an integral role in their stepchild’s life. As relationships progress and as families grow and change, you and your spouse (or unmarried domestic partner) may decide you want to formally “blend” your family by adopting your stepchild. This has many benefits to…

Stepparents often play an integral role in their stepchild’s life. As relationships progress and as families grow and change, you and your spouse (or unmarried domestic partner) may decide you want to formally “blend” your family by adopting your stepchild. This has many benefits to both the stepparent and the stepchild. For the stepparent, adopting…