RECENT POSTS
Divorcing: How to Communicate with a Difficult Ex Knowing it Will Be Read in Court
One big mistake clients make is letting their emotions get the best of them during the divorce process, and then documenting it in writing (text, email, comments on social media, etc.), which are later used
How to Be a Smart Spouse
No one wants to be blindsided by a negative financial situation, particularly one created by one’s spouse. California protects spouses during marriage, by establishing that each partner has a fiduciary duty to the other. The
Getting Married in California? Here’s What You Should Know
Many Californians get married without understanding the contract they are entering into. Here are the basics of California Family Law: Community Property: Anything acquired during marriage is presumed to be community property. This means that
I Expect an Inheritance: Do I Really Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
YES! If you don’t have a prenuptial agreement the California Family Code applies. You might as well familiarize yourself with California law and decide whether you want to opt out via a prenuptial agreement. Your
California Family Law: Should You File for Legal Separation?
What’s the difference between a general date of separation and a date of legal separation? A big misconception is that filing for legal separation establishes a date of separation. The date of separation and a
Pre-Divorce Checklist: The Rational Preparation Before an Emotional Journey
Divorce is rarely easy for anyone. But if you’re serious about terminating your marriage or partnership, there are some steps you can take to legally, financially and emotionally prepare. Taking these steps first can make
Divorce Planning: How Tax Reform Could Affect Your Decisions
Certified Family Law Specialist by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Under the current tax law, individuals making spousal support payments may deduct the payments on their tax returns. Conversely, the individual receiving alimony must count those
Terminated: A Marriage’s End Should Not Lead to Employment’s End
Vanessa Soto Nellis & Nicole Kamm Last month, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in Robert Smith v. Millville Rescue Squad (MRS) that an employer cannot terminate an employee for separating or divorcing – the processes
Marriage of Davis: A Shared Roof = Shared (Community) Property
Certified Family Law Specialist by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 During the recession, we occasionally heard of couples who were divorcing, but still cohabitating. For economic reasons, neither spouse moved out of the house – they
Supreme Court: 14th Amendment Requires Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage
California Bar Certified Specialist, Family Law by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 In 1883 the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that couples engaging in interracial sex (Pace v. Alabama) are not in violation