Unmarried couples who move in together often assume the law will treat them fairly if the relationship ends, but California offers almost none of the automatic protections spouses receive, which is exactly what a cohabitation agreement is designed to fix. Key Takeaways: California does not recognize common law marriage, which means unmarried partners have no automatic right to property division or support when a Read More

Getting divorced changes far more than your marital status, and an outdated estate plan can quietly undo decisions you thought you'd already settled. Key Takeaways: California law automatically revokes certain provisions naming a former spouse in a will after divorce, but that protection does not extend to every document, including many retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Beneficiary Read More

Executive Summary: AI chat conversations are generally not protected by attorney-client privilege and may become relevant in a divorce case if they contain information related to finances, custody, support, or other disputed issues. California divorce cases require extensive financial disclosure, and modern discovery can include many forms of electronic communication. If you're involved in a divorce, be cautious Read More

Spousal support is one of the most significant and frequently misunderstood financial issues in a California divorce, and understanding how courts approach it can help you make informed decisions about your case from the very beginning. Key Takeaways: California courts consider a list of factors when determining spousal support, and there is no single formula that automatically produces an outcome — the result Read More

When a divorce is filed in California, the months between filing and final resolution are not a pause in real life, and temporary orders are the legal framework that keeps things stable, fair, and enforceable while the process plays out. Key Takeaways: Temporary orders are court-issued directives that govern critical issues like child custody, spousal support, child support, and property use from the time they Read More