East Bay Family Law Blog

Child support provides stability for the children

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Child support orders help to ensure that one parent isn't having to pay for the entire expense of raising a kid. These payments provide financial assistance for the parent who has the child the majority of the time and is meant help with necessary bills, such as ones for shelter, food and utilities.

During a divorce, a two-income home is split into two single-income homes. Even if one parent didn't work, they were home to provide childcare. Chances are good that the parent who has custody of the children will have to pay for childcare while they work. This is an added expense at a time when their income has decreased.

What to expect from divorce mediation

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

Before your divorce case moves to litigation, you're likely to give mediation a try. Even if you're not getting along with your imminent ex-spouse, mediation is often the best way to settle your differences while saving both time and money.

Knowing what to expect from mediation will help you prepare accordingly. This starts with understanding the basic goals:

Create an equitable divorce agreement
To negotiate all details pertaining to the divorce, such as those associated with child custody and property division
To minimize hostility
To avoid the time associated with litigation
To avoid the cost associated with litigation

Divorcing? Things may get contentious

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Monday, May 6, 2019.

While many people assume that they can have a divorce that isn't contentious, there are times when exes in Antioch just can't agree on what needs to happen. In these cases, it might become necessary to go to court. This can be a rather difficult journey, but there are ways to support a less stressful experience.

Learn about the divorce process in California so that you can be prepared. You also need to be ready to handle the personal aspects of the situation.

Planning for single parents of special needs children

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

Raising a child who is medically complex is challenging even when there are two parents in the home. When you are figuring out how to do this, you need to think about various components. Even though it might seem like things will be impossible now, you do have options to assist you.

It might benefit you to take time to make your plan as early in the separation as possible. Not only can this help you to find your new normal, it gives your child a chance to make adjustments in a planned manner. This can help everyone involved minimize stress and find ways to make the new way of life in California work.

What property is separate property in a California divorce?

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

When you decide to divorce in California, you face the imminent reality of asset division with your ex. Unless you have a prenuptial agreement, chances are good that you will have to litigate the division of your assets. Fighting for a fair outcome can be particularly difficult if you don't understand the way that the courts in California classify your property and debts.

Most of the assets that you acquired in your marriage are marital property. That means they belong to both spouses and are subject to division in divorce proceedings. However, some of the assets that you own are separate property. Assets you owned prior to marriage can remain separate, as can certain assets you acquire during the marriage.

Help your children transition between homes

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

Learning to transition from one home to the other is one of the biggest challenges that children face when their parents divorce. Not only do they have to deal with the differences in the rules, but the adjustment that comes with having to go to sleep in a new room and deal with each home's schedule can also be difficult.

Parents should work with their children to ensure that they aren't having too difficult of a time with the transition between homes. Showing them support and helping them through this can ensure that they are thriving in the current situation and learning how to adjust to various life changes.

Evaluate your parenting plan during and after divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Monday, February 4, 2019.

Divorce is a time of transformation, but you have to be sure that you are making the best changes for your life. If you have children, you need to think about how the changes will impact them. Your parenting style is one area that might transition during this process, so keep a close eye on what's going on.

When your marriage breaks up, you need to evaluate your parenting style to determine what you want to keep and what you want to change. Once you know this, you have to make a plan to move toward that new style.

Tips for working with a co-parent who is being difficult

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Child custody matters aren't always easy to handle, but they are especially difficult when you are dealing with a co-parent who is being uncooperative. Some people just can't let the past go. This can be horrible in child custody cases because the parent who can't move on is going to put a damper on the child's life.

Finding ways to work around the situation can be a challenge. As time progresses, you have two options – you can either try to rise above the negativity or you can allow it to consume your life. The first option is the one you should try to make happen because you and your children deserve to thrive.

3 tips for telling your spouse you want a divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Monday, January 7, 2019.

Coming to the realization that your marriage is over isn't an easy one for anyone. There are times when one spouse realizes that they aren't happy but the other is still living in the land of bliss. This is a challenging situation and one that requires careful planning.

One of the things you are going to have to do if you are in this situation is let your spouse know that you want a divorce. The emotions involved will make it difficult, but you will likely feel better once you get everything off your chest.

Remain in control of your privacy when you divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

Divorce is a private affair that unfortunately often gets played out in the public forum, i.e., the courtroom. The thought of intimate details of their marriage and finances being revealed in open court may make even the unhappiest of couples hesitate to file for divorce.

The good news is that you can focus on what information you can control, as opposed to what you cannot. Below are some tips you may want to employ.