Vista Family Law Blog
Child support and necessities
If you are divorced and have children in California, but you are not a custodial parent, the court could order you to pay child support. While this payment is typically used for items that your child specifically needs, it can pay for other things that make the life...
Managing kids and money following a divorce
When parents in California go through a divorce, they’re forced to face new realities in multiple areas of their lives. Not only do they have to start creating a new normal for their children, but they also begin life as single-income individuals. There are some...
Child support and tax law
California does not typically consider child support payments as income for the recipient. However, they are also not tax deductible by the individual who pays child support. For the recipient to receive tax-free payment, the court order must clearly state that the...
The concept of the “eight-year itch”
The phrase "seven-year itch" is a well-known term that refers to the idea that many marriages tend to fall apart at around the seven-year mark. But is there a similar phenomenon that California couples experience at the eight-year mark? Does the "eight-year itch"...
How student loan debt is divided when you divorce
Many people in California know that the state uses a community property approach to dividing assets and debts. In most cases, debts incurred and assets obtained during the marriage are split equally when couples divorce. Some divorcing partners wonder about special...
Why is it harmful to argue in front of your children?
Many California couples who get a divorce claim that fighting was a major cause of the breakdown of their marriage. Some argue in front of their children without thinking about the consequences. This can be harmful to the kids for a variety of reasons. Stress and...
Federal and state law treat alimony differently for tax purposes
If you have not already filed your federal and state income tax returns, chances are you will do so soon. If so, you should know that the state of California and the federal government treat alimony differently for tax purposes. What is alimony? First, it is important...
Updating child support information on credit reports
Failing to pay court-ordered child support can have severe consequences. California noncustodial parents who fall behind on their payments can be ordered to pay fines or perform community service and may even be sent to jail, and their credit scores can plummet. That...
Helping your children cope with divorce
Divorce is hard on kids. However, there are a few ways parents in California can help make the change easier on their children. Explain the details In the past, it was common for parents to try to hide details from their kids to protect them. Since kids often...
Relieving your child’s anxiety during the divorce process
When a California family goes through a divorce, it can cause a lot of unwanted feelings. As parents feel preoccupied with their concerns, they might be unaware their children are also dealing with many emotions. Fortunately, there are many ways for parents to provide...