Vista Family Law Blog
Parental income and custody decisions
During child custody disputes in California, a parent who earns less than the other parent might be concerned about how their income might influence the court’s ruling. While a parent’s income might be considered when a court is deciding on custody, it is only one of...
What if your co-parent fails to make child support payments?
In California, child support payments are essential for separated parents to cover children's ongoing expenses. If your co-parent falls behind on payments, it can put a strain on your finances. The good news is that there are certain steps you can take to ensure that...
Child support and sharing custody
If you share physical and legal custody of your children with the other parent in California, you might think that the financial responsibility of raising your children will be shared as well. While this is true for the most part, one parent could be ordered to pay...
The financially independent divorcee
Splitting up a marriage almost inevitably throws off your whole world. Everything gets put on hold - but your finances don't necessarily have to. Here's how to stay financially stable and independent in California after your marriage has come to an end. Money is the...
Child support and care costs
Negotiations over child support could become a contentious matter during divorce proceedings. Both spouses might wish to take care of their children as best as possible, but the parents may suffer from financial limitations based on earnings and net worth. Child care...
Why is life insurance necessary after a divorce?
Life insurance is a detail many divorcing couples have to deal with. A judge decides the terms of child support and alimony when couples can't settle. A California judge can order life insurance to cover any obligations of the paying parent. Life insurance allows the...
California is a community property state. What does that mean?
When you came into your marriage you likely had some property of your own, such as a car, electronics or even a house. And you likely had some debts, such as credit card debt or a car loan. Then, during your marriage, you continued to buy more things, earned an income...
Parenting plans aren’t set in stone
Although you may not be in a relationship with your child's other parent, California law says that you're still responsible for raising your son or daughter. If appropriate, you will be given legal and physical custody rights to your child. However, it's also possible...
Joint custody schedules with examples
If there are children involved, joint custody is one of many processes determined during a divorce. Joint custody is a legal arrangement where parents share both legal and physical custody of their children. Children in California will share time with each parent and...
Requests to stop child support payments
During divorce proceedings, a parent may seek child custody and child support. Child support payments could cover many expenses related to the young one's care, education, and other expenses. While many understand the necessity of requesting child support, few realize...