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Nesting Co-Parenting Arrangements

May 1, 2020/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

One of the most difficult aspects of any divorce involving children is making custody decisions. As parents, you want to minimize the impact of your divorce on your children. You also want to make sure that you still get to spend as much time as possible with your kids. A potential solution is a co-parenting […]

Does Joint Custody Mean Neither Parent Pays Child Support?

April 28, 2020/in Child Support /by Richard Renkin

One of the most contentious aspects of many family law cases is child custody — and the order to pay child support that often accompanies custody determinations. In some cases, one parent has primary physical custody of the kids, and the other parent is ordered to pay child support. But if the parents share physical […]

Emergency Hearings for Child Custody Matters

March 31, 2020/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

There are some grave situations in which a concerned parent or family member may have the full right to petition a California court for an emergency hearings child custody that helps grant an order regarding custody or visitation with a troubling parent. One of the main reasons why parents will petition for an emergency child […]

How to Divorce a Spouse in Another State

March 25, 2020/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Couples will always break up in unique ways, but typically there will be a point in which a married couple will separate and live apart prior to completing their divorce settlement. When a separated couple lives in different states, the divorce settlement process can become somewhat more complicated. You just see the divorce spouse blog. […]

Divorce Mediation: Secrets to Getting What You Really Want

February 25, 2020/in Divorce Mediation /by Richard Renkin

For divorcing spouses who want to end their marriage without resorting to litigation, there are a few options available. One of these options is divorce mediation. In mediation, the spouses and their respective attorneys work with a neutral third-party mediator, who, unlike a judge, does not render any binding decisions. Instead, the mediator’s role is […]

What is a 730 Child Custody Evaluation in California?

February 5, 2020/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

While not required in all cases, in some divorces, it will be necessary for one or both spouses to submit to what is known as a “730 evaluation.” In California, 730 evaluations are commonly utilized in connection with child custody determinations, although they can be used to resolve other aspects of a couple’s divorce as […]

What Can I Do if the Other Parent Doesn’t Return My Child on Time?

January 30, 2020/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

Dealing with custody issues can be one of the most stressful, difficult, and frustrating aspects of attempting to move on after a separation or divorce. If your child’s other parent is not adhering to the terms of your custody arrangement, this can have negative consequences for your child as well. According to the American Psychological […]

Can Text Messages Be Used in California Divorce Court?

December 22, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

How many text messages have you and your spouse sent one another over the course of your marriage? While text messaging is still a relatively new means of communication, it has also become one of the most common forms of communication, and spouses routinely text one another about matters ranging from mundane day-to-day scheduling to […]

Child Custody and Visitation Scheduling: Calendar of First, Third, and Fifth Weekends in 2020

December 21, 2019/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

While there are now many options when it comes to establishing a custody and visitation (or parenting time) schedule in California, many divorcing and separating parents choose a schedule that provides one parent with primary custody and the other parent with visitation every other weekend. In order to avoid confusion about scheduling, some couples choose […]

6 Common Questions Divorce Judges Will Ask You in California

December 20, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Whether you and your spouse are willing to work together or you are completely at odds regarding the terms of your divorce, at some point you will have to take your divorce to court. So, what can you expect when you are standing in front of the judge? California divorce judges like to ask questions. […]

What is a Gray Divorce & How Can You Prevent It?

November 1, 2019/in Divorce Attorney /by Richard Renkin

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article titled, The Divorce Rate Is at a 40-Year Low, Unless You’re 55 or Older. In the article, the author writes: “Today, younger married couples are less likely to split up than they once were . . . . But, at the same time, the rate of divorce […]

How to Earn Full Custody as a Father in California

October 31, 2019/in Divorce Attorney /by Richard Renkin

Getting divorced requires you to thoughtfully address a variety of different issues that all have significant long-term implications. As a father, one of the most important of these issues is ensuring that you will have the ability to spend time with your children. In most cases, divorced parents will share what is commonly referred to […]

Divorcing an Alcoholic in California

September 23, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Living with an alcoholic can be challenging, to put it mildly. Whether your spouse’s alcohol dependence makes day-to-day life unbearable or he or she is abusive toward you or your children, if you are at your wit’s end, you do not have to subject yourself to the effects of your spouse’s condition for the rest […]

The Grounds for Modifying a Divorce Decree in California are Limited

August 23, 2019/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Circumstances change. This is what leads many people to file for divorce, and it is what causes some people to seek to modify the terms of their divorce as well. While it is possible to modify certain aspects of a divorce decree in California, the grounds for requesting a modification are limited, and this makes […]

4 Special Considerations for Same-Sex Divorce in California

August 22, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

For gay and lesbian couples, the process of getting divorced is generally the same as it is for opposite-sex husbands and wives. However, despite some advances in the social acceptance of same-sex marriage, there are still some unique aspects to same-sex divorce. Potential Challenges in a Gay or Lesbian Divorce in California If you are […]

Holidays, Vacations, Curfew and Other Special Considerations for Establishing Custody in California

July 26, 2019/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

When most divorcing parents think about custody, they think about the routine schedule: Will your children spend alternating weeks with each parent? Will one parent have primary custody while the other has “visitation” every other weekend? Is there a different option that would work better for your personal circumstances? While these are indeed important questions, […]

What are the Differences Between Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting?

July 25, 2019/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

Twenty years ago, most divorcing parents adopted similar custody (or “parenting time”) arrangements. Typically, the couple’s children would live with one parent (the “primary custodian”) the majority of the time, and they would spend regularly-scheduled “visitation time” with the other parent. In 2019, divorcing parents are finding lots of new ways to divide the time […]

Checklist: Preparing to File for Divorce in California

June 8, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If you have decided to file for divorce, preparing in advance will help the process go as smoothly as possible. While everyone’s circumstances are different, there are some general steps that most people can (and generally should) take to prepare. With the caveat that this is not legal advice and there is no substitute for […]

Does California Allow for Fault-Based Divorce?

June 7, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Like many other states, California only allows spouses to file for divorce on “no-fault” grounds. The traditional fault-based grounds for divorce (such as adultery, abandonment, and domestic abuse) are no longer available. As explained by the California Courts: “California is a ‘no fault’ divorce state, which means that the spouse or domestic partner that is […]

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Divorced in California

May 11, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

The process of getting divorced involves many potential challenges. While some divorcing spouses are able to work together to reach an amicable solution relatively quickly, others can face challenging legal and financial issues, contentious disputes, and difficult questions that can impact the rest of their lives. Preparing yourself to avoid mistakes is a critical part […]

4 Myths about Getting Divorced in California

May 10, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

When going through a divorce, it is important to have as much accurate information as possible. Unfortunately, over the years, flawed assumptions and faulty information have proliferated across the internet, and this has resulted in the establishment of a number of common and widely-dispersed myths about getting divorced in California. The Myth: You Can File […]

Is Your Communication Style Ruining Your Relationship?

May 6, 2019/in Marriage /by Richard Renkin

The 4 Communication Styles In A Relationship Relationship Communication Style Quiz Communication is the base that every good relationship is built on. Poor communication is also a very common reason for why many relationships fall apart. A survey of mental health professionals conducted by YourTango found that communication problems were cited as the largest reason […]

Considering a Divorce? Here’s What You Need to Know about Your (and Your Spouse’s) Social Media Accounts

April 24, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

In today’s world, social media accounts can play a central role in the divorce process. From deciding who gets to keep certain accounts to making use of the information your spouse posts online, there are various issues to consider with regard to social media and your divorce – as well as some critical mistakes to […]

How Can High-Net-Worth Spouses Avoid Giving Up Too Much in Their Divorce?

April 23, 2019/in High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

As a high-net-worth individual, protecting your assets is likely to be a central focus of the divorce process. You’ve spent years, decades, or perhaps your entire life building your wealth, and you want to make sure that you are able to keep as much of it as possible. In California, unless you signed a prenuptial […]

Should Divorced Parents Vacation Together?

April 12, 2019/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

While, for many people, getting divorced means going their separate ways, in recent years it has become increasingly common for ex-spouses to spend time together once their marriage is over. This is particularly true for parents with young children, many of whom choose to set aside their differences in order to co-parent during their children’s […]

How is a 529 Account Handled in a California Divorce?

How is a 529 Savings Account Handled in a California Divorce?

April 11, 2019/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Establishing a 529 savings account is a responsible choice for many parents. Having a 529 savings account not only provides tax benefits for any money put into the account, but for many parents it also provides a structured way to put away money for college on a monthly or yearly basis. But, many parents have […]

Paying Child Support While in College

April 10, 2019/in Child Support, Divorce /by Richard Renkin

A college education is one of the most expensive purchases most people will make during their lifetime. According to U.S. News & World Report, for the 2018-2019 academic year, the average annual cost of tuition was $9,716 for in-state students at public colleges, $21,629 for out-of-state students at public colleges, and $35,676 for students at […]

Common Reasons to lose Child Custody in a California Child Custody Dispute

Common Reasons to Lose Custody in a California Child Custody Dispute

January 31, 2019/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

While child custody orders are generally considered final in California, an exception exists when material changes in circumstances impact the best interests of the children involved. In fact, in severe cases, it is possible for parents to lose custody rights obtained through a separation or divorce. However, due to the California courts’ recognition that maintaining […]

Can You Prove Parental Alienation in a California Family Law Case?

January 18, 2019/in Uncategorized /by Richard Renkin

As a divorced or separated parent, dealing with parental alienation can be extraordinarily difficult. While some cases of parental alienation will be obvious, in many cases it starts with an inkling, and gradually one parent will become more and more suspect of what the other parent must be saying to their children. If you are […]

5 Child Custody Considerations for California Business Owners

December 31, 2018/in Business in a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

As a business owner, juggling your professional and family obligations can be difficult, to say the least. You have two constituencies whose needs deserve priority for different reasons; and, in many cases, satisfying one constituency (i.e. your children) can mean sacrificing the needs of the other (i.e. your clients or customers). While balancing your work […]

Health Insurance & Other Considerations During a Divorce

December 1, 2018/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

When going through a divorce, it is easy to focus on the present. Your life is changing, the process is stressful, and you need to manage it all while going to work and staying positive for your children. However, going through a divorce is also about planning for the future. In this regard, one aspect […]

7 Reasons Besides Protecting Assets to Have a Prenuptial Agreement

7 Reasons Besides Protecting Your Assets to Get a Prenuptial Agreement

November 30, 2018/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

“Should I consider a prenup?” While this is a question that crosses many people’s minds, relatively few do anything to help themselves find the right answer. As a business owner, licensed professional, investor, military officer or veteran, or another individual with a lot to lose, it is worth your time to weigh the options. Ensuring […]

9 Steps to Rebuild Your Finances After a Divorce

October 31, 2018/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

A divorce can impact your finances in a variety of different ways. While many of these impacts can be avoided (or at least mitigated) by careful planning and strategic execution during the divorce process, it is not uncommon for recently-divorced spouses to face greater financial strain than they originally anticipated. If you recently finalized your divorce, […]

5 Special Considerations for a Second or Subsequent Divorce in California

October 25, 2018/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If you are preparing to go through a subsequent or second divorce, it is important to use your experience to your advantage. It is equally important to understand how your divorce will be different this time around. Even setting aside the unique circumstances and complexities of the relationship you are bringing to an end, there […]

Considering Divorce in Your Senior Years? 9 Things You Need to Know

October 16, 2018/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If you are considering a divorce during your senior years, you are not alone. According to recent reports from the National Center for Family and Marriage Research and the Pew Research Center, senior divorce rates have increased significantly in recent years. When getting divorced as a senior citizen, many aspects of the process are no […]

7 Tax Issues that Need to Be Discussed During a California Divorce

October 11, 2018/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

While tax considerations will rarely be the driving force behind divorce negotiations, the income tax implications of potential resolutions with regard to spousal support and property distribution can be significant for both spouses. A strategic approach that takes these implications into consideration cannot only mitigate the tax consequences of a divorce, but it can also […]

Protecting California Business With A Prenuptial Agreement

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business in a California Prenuptial Agreement

August 22, 2018/in Business in a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

In California, if you owned a business before you got married, it is possible that your spouse will acquire a legal interest in your company by virtue of your marriage. This is true regardless of what your company’s organizational documents say about ownership and management rights, as California’s community property law can override written agreements regarding privately-held […]

Considerations for Divorce Before School Starts

August 10, 2018/in Divorce, Family law /by Richard Renkin

As a parent of minor children, dealing with child-related issues is likely to be among the most important aspects of your divorce. If you are thinking about getting divorced during the summer, it will be particularly important to consider the impacts that your divorce is likely to have on your children as they return to […]

Forced To Pay Ex-Spouse's Divorce Attorney

Can I Be Forced to Pay My Spouse’s Divorce Attorney in California?

August 9, 2018/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

In marriages with one primary breadwinner, the earning spouse’s income is used to meet both spouses’ needs. While this is generally acceptable when the marriage is happy and intact, once divorce proceedings begin, it can understandably become less desirable to provide financial support to a soon-to-be-former spouse. One area where this tends to be especially […]

California Has a 6-Month Waiting Period for Getting Divorced. So…What Now?

November 5, 2017/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

California, like many states, has a waiting period for getting divorced. Under Section 2339(a) of the California Family Code, spouses cannot finalize their divorce until six months after, “the date of service of a copy of [the] summons and petition or the date of appearance of the respondent, whichever occurs first.” No Exceptions or Alternate Methods for […]

Could a Repeal of the Affordable Care Act Impact Your Divorce?

September 30, 2017/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

As Congress continues to grapple with the President’s mandate to find an alternative to the Affordable Care Act (also known as the ACA or Obamacare), the potential consequences of a repeal are weighing heavily in some spouses’ decisions regarding divorce. According to an article published on Time.com, some spouses are choosing to delay finalizing their divorces based, […]

Filing Income Taxes After a California Divorce: Answers to FAQs

August 23, 2017/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Amidst the various other issues involved in getting a divorce, it can be easy to overlook the potential tax implications. However, when tax season rolls around, filing as a newly-divorced single filer can present some challenges, and proactively addressing the income tax aspects of your divorce can help save time, headache, and money down the […]

Understanding Spouses’ Liability for Shared Expenses and Use of Community Assets Following Separation

May 30, 2017/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

While it is common for couples to separate while their divorce is pending, this separation can raise a couple of unique issues with regard to distribution of the spouses’ property rights and financial responsibilities. For example, if the spouses are legally separated, any income earned during the separation period may qualify as “separate” (rather than […]

If I Retire, Can I Terminate Spousal Support in California?

May 3, 2017/in Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

You have been working for decades, and you are ready to retire. You have earned enough to support yourself in retirement, but your investment income or pension payments will not cover your expenses and your former spouse’s. So, can you retire? Or, must you keep working just to meet your alimony obligations? Retirement and Spousal […]

Can You (or Your Spouse) Seek Custody and Support While Your Divorce is Pending?

April 17, 2017/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Spouses often choose to live apart while their divorce is pending. While this can be in everyone’s best interests (though neither spouse should leave the marital residence without first consulting an attorney), it raises some important questions: What if one spouse cannot support himself or herself independently? If the couple has children, how will they […]

What are Some of the Most Common Provisions in California Prenuptial Agreements?

March 29, 2017/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Whether you are wealthy, your fiancé is in debt, or you simply see value in planning ahead, there are numerous reasons to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement in California. From addressing financial planning and tax considerations to the practicalities of married life, prenuptial agreements can serve a wide range of purposes, and soon-to-be spouses […]

child support for parents with special needs children

What is Different When Establishing Child Support for a Child with Special Needs?

February 5, 2017/in Child Support /by Richard Renkin

In California divorces, child support calculations are based largely upon the parents’ respective incomes and custody rights. However, healthcare, education, and other costs can factor in as well, and calculating these costs – presently and in the future – often takes on heightened importance for parents of children with special needs. Key Considerations Regarding Child […]

tips for california business owners seeking child custody

7 Tips for Business Owners and Professionals Seeking Child Custody in California

January 26, 2017/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

For business owners and professionals who spend the majority of their daylight hours at the office, securing a desirable custody arrangement is a critical aspect of the divorce process. Whether you want to have primary physical custody, spend time with your children on weekends, or retain your right to have input in your children’s important […]

How Does the Holiday Season Affect Divorce Rates in California?

December 3, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

For many people, the holiday season is a time to reflect on the previous year and the relationships cultivated with friends and family. But, it is a time to reflect on the future as well. What are your financial and professional goals? What do you want to add to your list of personal achievements? Is […]

Are You Considering a “Silver” Divorce in California?

November 29, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

More Americans are getting divorced in their senior years. While this trend has come as a surprise to some, if you are a senior citizen contemplating divorce, you understand that relationships can deteriorate gradually, and that changes in circumstances can warrant developing a new outlook on life. As individuals approach their later years in life, […]

How is a Privately-Held Business Valued in a California Divorce?

September 29, 2016/in Business in a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If you own a private practice or other privately-held business, understanding what can happen to your business will be a critical step toward preparing for your divorce. For purposes of this article, we are assuming that the business is properly characterized as community property and is not covered by a prenuptial agreement. If your business […]

How Can I Protect Specific Assets in a California Divorce?

September 25, 2016/in Divorce Attorney /by Richard Renkin

In a divorce, it’s common for one or both spouses to have a particular interest in keeping certain assets once their marriage comes to an end. Whether the family home, a privately-held business, a highly-valued car or boat, or a beloved collection of art or jewelry, you are not alone if there are certain assets […]

What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a California Divorce?

September 20, 2016/in Divorce, Retirement Accounts /by Richard Renkin

In many cases, spouses’ pensions and other retirement accounts will be among the highest-value assets they want to protect during their divorce. While pensions and retirement accounts are in many ways treated similarly to other types of assets, they are subject to a number of unique considerations and requirements as well. As a result, if […]

How Are College Expenses Handled in a California Divorce?

September 12, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Under California law, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18 (or 19 if the child is still in high school). Except in cases of disability, California law does not contain provisions for adult child support. As a result, in the vast majority of cases, child support will not cover tuition, room and […]

Glossary: Understanding the Terminology in Your California Divorce

June 21, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If you are preparing for a divorce, you are preparing for a unique and complicated process that requires careful preparation and thoughtful decision-making. We have previously outlined 5 Steps to Prepare for Divorce and provided suggestions for Preparing for Your Divorce Case Evaluation. In this article we take a step back and explain some of […]

What Your Prenup or Postnup Means for Your Divorce

June 19, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

California law recognizes the validity of both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; and, if you have one, it will most likely play a role in your divorce. However, there are several factors to consider, and there are issues that can render certain clauses – or potentially even the entire agreement – unenforceable. As a result, before […]

5 Steps To Prepare for a Divorce

May 19, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

If your marriage has devolved to the point that you are considering a divorce or are concerned that your spouse may serve you with divorce papers, it is worth investing the time and effort to plan ahead. Going through a divorce is a process – not an event – and you will need to be […]

How Can I Modify Child or Spousal Support After a Divorce in California?

April 26, 2016/in Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

Whether as part of a negotiated settlement or as ordered by a judge, many California divorces involve payment of child support, spousal support, or both. In either case, child and spousal support will be formally established by court order, and the paying spouse (the “payor”) can face severe sanctions for failing to meet his or […]

Certified Family law specialist in california- reading materials

What Does it Take to Become a Certified Family Law Specialist?

March 24, 2016/in Family law /by Richard Renkin

California is among the limited number of states that offer “specialist” certifications for lawyers in specific areas of practice. One of these “specializations” is the Certified Family Law Specialist. Attorney Richard M. Renkin, founder of the Law Office of Renkin & Associates, is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He obtained his certification in 2005 – […]

What Happens After Divorce Papers Are Served?

March 2, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

In California, once you or your spouse has been served with divorce papers, what happens next depends on whether you will be going through a contested or uncontested divorce. In this article, we provide a brief overview of what you can expect during both types of divorces in San Diego County. Before we get there, […]

Automatic Restraining Orders in California Divorces

January 27, 2016/in Divorce Attorney, Domestic Violence /by Richard Renkin

When you are going through a divorce in California, there are several important legal and practical considerations to keep in mind. In many ways, these legal and practical considerations overlap. For example, failure to understand your legal duties (yes, you have them) can lead to negative consequences in your divorce. One way that this immediately […]

The 5 Stages of Grief in a Divorce

January 14, 2016/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Divorce is tough. In fact, according to the American Institute of Stress, divorce is the number two most stressful situation in your life—after the death of a loved one. That is why it is so important to take care of yourself and your family on an emotional level during the divorce process. One of the […]

How is My California Business Divided in a Divorce?

November 20, 2015/in Divorce, Family law /by Richard Renkin

Q. How is My California Business Divided in Divorce A. How your business is divided during a divorce in California will depend on a number of factors. California is a community property state, so the value of the business will be determined and each partner in the marriage will be entitled to half of the […]

Understanding California Spousal Support

September 9, 2015/in Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is periodic payments that one ex-spouse makes to another to assist with living expenses. Alimony came about during a time when women generally did not work and, in the event of divorce, would have no means of support other than government or charitable assistance. In recent years, with changes in […]

What is the Difference Between Pre-nup and Post-nup?

August 12, 2015/in Family law /by Richard Renkin

Getting married is a happy time for most people as the new couple looks forward to embarking on many adventures together. While working with a San Diego divorce lawyer is not anticipated, many might take a look at the divorce statistics and find that it is practical for them to enter into a prenuptial agreement […]

Child Custody Summer Arrangements

July 28, 2015/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

One thing that parents must plan for when developing a child custody arrangement is how they will share custody of the child during the summer months, when the child is not in school. A summer break child custody schedule is a child custody arrangement that is different from the normal custody arrangement that is used […]

Supreme Court Rules All 50 States Must Allow Same-Sex Marriage

July 1, 2015/in Family law, Marriage /by Richard Renkin

On Friday, June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. In a 5-4 majority opinion, the Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution prohibits unequal treatment of same-sex and opposite-sex couples when it comes to marriage. As a result, gay and lesbian couples […]

Need To Know – Business Ownership and Divorce

June 23, 2015/in Divorce, High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Q. What Do I Need To Know About Business Ownership and Divorce Proceedings in California A. If you are preparing to file for a divorce, or a domestic partnership dissolution, it is important to consult with an experienced San Diego divorce lawyer before filing your paperwork. If you are a business owner and you are […]

How Do Unmarried Couples Divide Property in Separation?

June 18, 2015/in Divorce, High Asset Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

For married couples, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements provide means for taking certain decisions out of the hands of the judge in the event of a divorce. Negotiated settlements, collaborative law divorces, and mediation can all serve this function as well, but entering into an agreement prior to making the decision to separate can help […]

The Financial Benefits to a Trial Separation versus a Legal Separation

June 9, 2015/in Divorce, Family law /by Richard Renkin

Finances are not the only thing to consider when you are deciding between a trial separation, a legal separation and a full divorce. However, this difficult decision does have important financial repercussions that should be factored into your decision. The following information details the financial effects to keep in mind as you decide between […]

Should I Change my Beneficiary Since I am Getting a Divorce

June 3, 2015/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

The short answer to this complicated question is: yes, you should avoid any unnecessary risks when you are getting a divorce. The following are steps that you can and should take both during and after divorce proceedings. Before Divorce You can start the process of changing your beneficiaries before your divorce is final on many […]

How Is Alimony Calculated in San Diego?

May 13, 2015/in Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

If you’re filing for divorce in San Diego, CA, you may be worried about your immediate financial situation. What if you left the workforce years ago to raise a family and support your spouse’s career? What if your skills and experience aren’t sufficient to let you maintain the lifestyle you enjoyed while married? Alimony is […]

Are You Entitled to Alimony?

May 6, 2015/in Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

Are You Entitled to Alimony? During a divorce, there are four main ways to transfer assets in the event of a divorce: property settlement, retirement accounts, child support, and alimony. Although the first three can be difficult to determine, alimony is perhaps the most complicated. What is Alimony? Also known as spousal support, alimony is money […]

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets From You

April 22, 2015/in Divorce, High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Even if you think you have a legal claim to an asset, there can be consequences for attempting to conceal assets from your spouse. Hiding assets during divorce proceedings occurs more than you might think even though it can result in stiff penalties for the spouse responsible. Here are some of the ways that your spouse might be […]

Who Gets Custody of the Kids

April 15, 2015/in Child Custody, Divorce, Family law /by Richard Renkin

Splitting up assets and liabilities during a divorce can be extremely taxing, but it can be even more difficult to determine who gets custody of the children. Although you and your future ex-spouse may be able to come to an equitable agreement amongst yourselves for how to share time with your children, it is common […]

Getting a Fast Divorce in California

March 11, 2015/in Divorce, Family law /by Richard Renkin

How Long Does it Take to get quickly Divorced? Like the answer to any complicated legal issue, the answer to this question depends on the facts of each separate divorce. However, fortunately, there are fewer time restraints on getting a divorce in California than there are in many other states. Residency and Initial Filing First, […]

Who Gets the Debt in the Divorce?

February 20, 2015/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

When you are getting a divorce, it is just as important to fight for your assets as it is to try to get rid of your debt. No matter how many assets you have or how high your net worth is, you still may have debt such as a low interest rate mortgage or student […]

Divorce Tax Strategies for Spousal Support

February 3, 2015/in Divorce, Family law, High Asset Divorce, Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

Divorce Tax Strategies for Spousal Support Couples who are hashing out the final details in a divorce agreement are typically eager to get on to the next chapter of their lives; however, this does not mean that they should overlook some of the benefits or avoidable pitfalls in spousal support payments in the federal income […]

Is One Billion a Fair Divorce Settlement

January 20, 2015/in Divorce, High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Is $1 Billion a Fair Divorce Settlement? The answer to that question appears to be the only thing that ex-couple Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall can seem to agree on: no. Oil entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Harold Hamm, the CEO of Continental Resources, originally called the settlement “fair and equitable” but has since […]

Who Gets the Dog in the Divorce?

January 7, 2015/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

In the past couple of decades, pets have taken on an increasingly more important role in our lives, and now many people consider their pets to be members of the family instead of just animals that they own. The United States legal system has begun to follow suit in rulings on divorce proceedings. Where pets […]

Establishing Child Custody When Unmarried in California

November 27, 2014/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

In California, for unmarried couples and children born outside of marriage, paternity and. therefore, custody, of children when not married, visitation and support issues are not assumed by the law as they are for married couples. For married couples who divorce, paternity is assumed and custody of rights and support orders are determined as a […]

Remarriage vs. Commitment Ceremonies: How Spousal Support Can Be Impacted in California

November 25, 2014/in Spousal Support /by Richard Renkin

In California, state law mandates that spousal support (commonly known as alimony) be determined by the court, dependent upon the court’s review of a variety of factors. These spousal support determination factors include, but are not limited to: the local area’s job market for the requesting spouse’s skills; assessment of viable employment skills of the […]

When a Restraining Order is In Order

July 19, 2014/in Divorce, Domestic Violence /by Richard Renkin

As if a failed relationship is not hard enough on everyone involved, it is more common that you would think where one of those two people is harassing, threatening, or abusing the other. At the time of your separation or divorce, the only thing you probably want to focus on is “getting out” and moving […]

Move Away Issues During And After A Divorce

July 19, 2014/in After a Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Typical Move Away Issues During a Divorce When a couple is divorced in California, issues regarding children are commonplace. One of the most contentious involves custodial rights. If the parent with primary custody decides to move to another county, city,or state the court should get involved if the non-custodial parent rejects the move. Reasons Move […]

Can My Ex Take Ownership of My Business During a Divorce

July 19, 2014/in Business in a Divorce, High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

What Happens to the Business in a Divorce in San Diego Agreement on the characterization, value, and how property is to be divided can be extremely challenging and contentious. Business ownership by the community can contribute to the complexity of settling or litigating a divorce case in San Diego. During the divorce process in San […]

San Diego Divorce Tips – Protecting Your Finances

July 19, 2014/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

When San Diego couples find themselves broiled in a possible divorce situation, their future financial status seems daunting and frightening. In order to protect yourself if you are in this scenario, it is strongly advisable to protect any and all assets. San Diego Divorce Tips In order to do so, it is advisable to seek […]

Five Things to Prepare for When Meeting with your Divorce Lawyer

July 19, 2014/in Divorce Attorney /by Richard Renkin

After much thought and introspection, you have determined that it is time to file for a divorce. As a husband, wife, mother, or father, you have many concerns regarding your legal rights concerning alimony, child support and visitation as well as division of assets and debts. 1.)In the preliminary stages of a divorce process, the ultimate […]

Protection for Military Parents Explained by a San Diego Divorce Firm

July 19, 2014/in Family law /by Richard Renkin

Divorce for Military Parents When an individual in the military is deployed, oftentimes it becomes difficult to resolve legal issues especially in the case of divorces and custody issues. In regards to the military personnel, they are in the unfortunate position of possibly losing their rights. Many service members have faced scrutiny for leaving children […]

Difference Between a Prenup and Postnup

July 19, 2014/in High Asset Divorce /by Richard Renkin

Difference Between a Prenup and Postnup Find more information about the difference between a prenup and postnup here.

Divorce Negotiation Tips

July 18, 2014/in Divorce Attorney, Family law /by Richard Renkin

Renkin Law & Associates recommends that prior to a divorce case being filed and/orheard, all reconciliation and mediation avenues be addressed and exhausted before the petition is filed with the court. Lawyers at Renkin Law carefully scrutinize and assess all divorce petitions and bring to light all available options to their clients. Although some couples might initially […]

Visitation Rights for Grandparents in California

July 18, 2014/in Child Custody /by Richard Renkin

Renkin Law discusses the issue of grandparents and their visitation rights to see grandchildren. Unfortunately, many are unaware that grandparents still have legal rights in regards to visitation with their grandchildren. If one peruses the internet, there are some valuable resources regarding this subject. Under California Family Code Section 3100 et seq,,the California law supports […]

2017 National & California Divorce Statistics

July 18, 2014/in Divorce /by Richard Renkin

There is no shortage of facts, statistics, and studies related to divorce on the internet. If there’s even the slightest possibility a factor might affect divorce, chances are it’s been studied by researchers. With thousands of studies and over 195 million Google results on various divorce topics, it can be overwhelming and time consuming to […]

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