Author: Brian Seastrom

California has a mandatory six-month waiting period before the court can end a marriage. A 1948 court decision explains that the purpose of this waiting period is to “give the parties an opportunity to compose their difficulties and effect a reconciliation.” (Angell v. Angell (1948) 84 Cal.App.2d 339). In other […]

Undergoing a divorce in California can be a trying and emotional process. From determining whether to obtain a legal separation or divorce, to understanding how your assets will be divided, consider speaking to an Irvine divorce attorney before you initiate the process. Making the decision to get a divorce is […]

Divorce can be a stressful, emotional, and costly endeavor. Divorce mediation is generally recommended for couples who wish to manage their divorce discreetly, efficiently, and amicably. Irvine family mediation lawyers can counsel clients through the end of their marriage in a manner that benefits everyone involved. Making the decision to […]

Going through a divorce is stressful all on its own. But what can make matters even worse? A spouse who is unwilling to give you the divorce. We see it play out in dramatic fashion in the news and on television drama all the time, particularly when there are huge […]

One of the primary considerations for any couple contemplating a divorce is how their property will be divided. While the question seems rather simple on its surface, it can become fiendishly complicated, as most couples own some property as individuals and other property jointly as a couple. Before negotiations on […]

A prenup — or, more formally, a prenuptial agreement — is an agreement entered into prior to marriage that lists the property each party owns and specifies what each party’s property rights will be upon the dissolution of the marriage. They can be an effective tool for couples looking to […]

The term “no fault divorce” is often used when discussing divorce, without further reference to its meaning. Before 1970, California had a fault-based divorce system, which required one spouse to prove that the other had engaged in wrongdoing before obtaining a divorce. California was the first state in the nation […]

When you resolve your divorce through private negotiations, mediation or a collaborative method, the process culminates with the execution of a marital settlement agreement. A marital settlement agreement is a binding legal contact that specifies the terms of your divorce (i.e. regarding property division, custody and financial support), and each […]

Child support and custody issues present unique challenges and require careful consideration in light of each family’s unique circumstances. The children’s best interests must always be the top priority; however, getting both parents to agree to what is “best” can sometimes be easier said than done, and there are statutory […]