East Bay Family Law Blog

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.

Find a way to keep your patience in custody matters

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Life as a single parent due to divorce isn't easy. You have to do what is best for you and your children, but this can be a challenge since you don't have anyone there to lend a hand. Not only do you have to deal with the demands of caring for the children, you also have to deal with your ex over custody matters.

Finding methods to keep your patience intact can take trial and error. Try to remember what works so you can use these methods again.

Deciding what to do with your home in a California divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Real estate in California is somewhat notorious for carrying a steep price tag. Even smaller communities in rural areas have higher housing prices than many other states in the country. For homeowners, that substantial value for the marital home is a good thing, as it represents a pool of established wealth.

However, it can lead to major complications when it comes to divorce. It is likely that both spouses hope to retain the house or at least a fair share of the equity in the property.

7 tips for handling your divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Getting ready for a divorce and actually going through one are very difficult situations. For many people, the journey is long and complicated. There are several ways that you might be able to take some of the stress off your life while you are doing this.

Proper planning is one of the best things that you can do when you want to end a marriage. Whether you are getting ready to file or are in the middle of the matter, consider these important tips:

Gather financial documents. This makes it easier to go through the property division phase and to ensure that everything is being divided. It may also help you to determine whether your ex is being fully truthful on disclosures.
Find your focus. Everything you obtained in your marriage needs to be addressed. You need to decide what is most important to you. As you are thinking about every aspect of the marriage, you might realize that you don't really care much about the material things. Still, you need to think logically about the future to determine what you need to fight for.
Plan for the children. Child custody matters lay out the plan for your child's future. Make sure that you are willing to remain flexible so you can do what is best for the kids. It isn't likely that either you or your ex will get everything the exact way you want it, so decide what you need to stand firm on in these matters.
Remember that self-care is important. You need to take the time to care for yourself. This can be as simple as relaxing when the kids are with your ex or going away for a weekend.
Watch what you say. Everything you say during the divorce can help or harm you. It is easy to voice your frustrations to anyone who will listen; however, be careful when you decide whom to speak to. Friends who are also amicable with your ex might not be a good option here.
Avoid belittling your ex. If you have children, your ex is still their other parent. They don't need to hear you speak insensitively about your ex. Ask your family members and friends to avoid saying negative things about them, too.
Address your feelings. You will likely experience a wide range of emotions during the divorce and in the period afterward. Find ways that you can work through them, even if you need to go to a mental health professional.

Long-distance parenting is possible with virtual visits

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Life's circumstances sometimes lead to a parent being pulled away from their children. This can be due to a military deployment or the need to move for a job. No matter what causes the distance, parenting becomes a bit more challenging.

Fortunately, we live in a world that has many possibilities for keeping the parent in touch with their children, despite the miles between them. Using these options can strengthen your relationship with you children even when you can't be there in person.

Do-it-yourself versus attorney-assisted divorces

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

The decision to go through a divorce isn't easy for any couple. One of the most challenging things you will have to decide is the manner in which you will execute the divorce. There are two primary ways that you can do this. One involves a do-it-yourself divorce. The other is that you can hire a divorce attorney.

There are pros and cons to each. If you are weighing your options, you should think carefully because your future could be greatly impacted. Here are some points to consider:

Challenges unmarried parents face in child custody situations

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

It is easy to associate child custody cases with parents who were married, but this isn't always true. Those who have never been married will go through the same process if their relationship dissolves.

For unmarried parents, there are different considerations than cases involving married couples. Here are a few things to know if you are in this position in California:

Understanding community property and relationships in California

On behalf of Law Offices of David M. Lederman on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Planning for your marriage should begin before the day you walk down the aisle. Even without a wedding, you must take care of these matters if you are entering into a domestic partnership. It doesn't matter if you are going into the union with assets and debts or if you think you will amass them during the relationship, taking the time to work out a plan now can be beneficial.

California is a community property state, which means that both parties in the relationship amass debts and assets as one entity after the union. Even though there is the assumption of community, there are some types of property that can still fall under the separate property classification.