If you own any pets, you probably see your furry (or scaly, shelled, gilled, feathered) friend as a legitimate member of your family. The unconditional love we receive from our domesticated animals is truly irreplicable. It might shock you, then, that the vast majority of states treat pets as just another piece of property in a divorce or separation. California, a relatively forward-thinking state, is one exception. Read More

  In previous posts, we discussed the unique considerations of a military divorce. Though the process is no different than a civilian one, it is important to recognize there are hurdles to overcome. Previously, we have discussed how to divide your assets, such as your pension. Today, we will explain some ways a parenting plan works despite the unpredictability and demands of an active-duty servicemember.  Before we Read More

It goes without saying: the kid’s needs should always be the highest priority when designing a custody plan. As you navigate divorce and look for amicable solutions, it’s helpful to consider daily routines that worked in the past. Use these parental roles and involvement to find the best solutions to support everyone’s needs. The children’s ages are important to consider as you create the terms for a custody Read More

The holidays and school breaks are critical times to ensure that you have an excellent custody schedule in place. Not only do you need to list major holidays in the schedule, but you also consider the days that children are off school or the daily routine is different than normal (such as summer break).  As with other custody details, it's essential to focus on the children's best interests. They need to have bonding Read More

It's no surprise that all family members need to adapt when parents go through a divorce. As you and your spouse are working through the logistics of this life transition, there are a few things that you can do to make it a smooth and amicable divorce.  The truth is that divorce doesn't have to be a battleground or a long, drawn-out process. By working together, a married couple can separate their lives to move in Read More

Next to child custody, dividing your assets may be the most challenging element of a divorce. As a reminder, California is a community property state. Additionally, California applies community property laws to domestic partnerships. When you live in a community property state, spouses have equal or joint ownership over the assets and debts accrued during the marriage. This does not extend to separate property, but Read More

Although you have likely heard of the term “paternity,” you may be unfamiliar with what parentage is and why it is essential. When we talk about parentage, we are referring to when the court issues orders declaring who the legal parents are. If you are a married parent, parentage was likely determined without you knowing about it. In California, the law assumes that the married couple is the child’s parents.  This is Read More

At Grey Legal, APC, we are proud to assist stepparents in adopting their stepchildren because it is a selfless and kind act. Typically, people do this because the biological parent isn’t a part of the child’s life. Although a stepparent can develop a close and meaningful relationship with their stepchild, there can only be two legal parents.  Nothing requires a stepparent to adopt, but they do so because they want to Read More