Legal Blog – Helping People Represent Themselves in Legal Matters
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Creative Ways to Divide Property in Divorce
When a couple files for divorce, one thing that is inevitable is dividing their property. In California, the rule is that all community property assets (any income and assets acquired during the marriage) must be split 50/50. A couple could sell all of the marital assets and split the proceeds if they would like, but there are more creative ways to divide property in divorce. Sometimes a couple just needs to think outside the box.
When is Probate Necessary in California?
A formal probate proceeding and can be expensive and time-consuming. In this regard, California law provides for alternatives to formal probate that are easier and less expensive. It is often possible to avoid probate. So, when is probate necessary in California and are there way to avoid having to file probate? This article explains what you need to know.
Importance of a Custody Order For Unmarried Parents
Many unmarried parents are raising children together, but what happens to the children if they split up? When a married couple divorces, the must settle child custody, visitation, and child support issues before they can finalize a divorce. But there is no requirement for an unmarried couple to go through the courts to end their relationship. Furthermore, there is no requirement for the couple to settle custody, visitation, and child support issues as part of their break up. In this regard, a custody order for unmarried parents becomes critical. Even if the split is amicable and the couple is in total agreement about all of the child-raising issues, it is important that they get a custody order from the court.
Understanding The Role of a Probate Referee
The role of a probate referee is to determine the value of all non-cash property in the estate. The administrator for the estate will give the probate referee a list of assets in the estate. Most probate cases require a probate referee, but there are a few exceptions.
Reasons to File a Joinder in a Divorce
In a pending case, either party can request that a third-party join the case, which is known as a joinder. In a divorce proceeding, California allows a party to file a joinder in divorce if a third-party is in possession of community property assets. Contributions made to retirement and pension plans during the marriage are community property assets in California and need to be divided like any other asset during the divorce proceeding. Keep in mind that most retirement plans do not require a joinder. However, some plans, such as California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) and California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and other city and county government plans, require that the plan to formally joined to the divorce proceeding before the plan can be divided. With this in mind, it may be wise to file a joinder in divorce even if the plan does not require it.
How to Use a QDRO to Divide Retirement in Divorce
Contributions made to retirement and pension plans during a marriage are community property. During a divorce, couples divide retirement and pensions plans just like any other marital asset. The couple may split them any way they see fit, whether it be that one spouse completely buys the other one out of their share, or one spouse receives a percentage or fixed amount of the retirement payments. It is necessary to prepare a QDRO for each plan that is divided.
